Hundreds Join Event For The 39th Hiloula of the Baba Sali In Crown Heights
Over 300 men and women braved heavy rains and came to celebrate the 39th Hiloula of the Baba Sali, Rabbi Yisroel Abuhatzeira זצוק”ל זי”ע.
In a true spirit of Hakhel and Achdus, over 300 men and women from Crown Heights, Flatbush, Mill Basin, Boro Park, Monsey, Lakewood, Philadelphia, and beyond, packed the main hall of Lubavitcher Yeshiva, with standing room only, to celebrate the 39th Hiloula of the Baba Sali who yahrzeit is today, 4 Shevat.
Additionally, over 1500 people watched the Hiloula on line, thanks to the support of CrownHeights.info, which hosted the event live.
The evening was emceed by HaRav Eliezer (Lazer) Avtzon, Rav of the Sephardic community and Cong Kol Yehudah of the Merkaz Sefarad Chabad in Crown Heights.
Rabbi Avtzon welcomed everyone and thanked the Lipsker and Zaetz families, who are grandchildren of the Baba Sal, for all their support.
He then played a recording of their mother and a daughter of Baba Sali, Mrs. Torjeman, who sent personal greetings and a Bracha to those attending the Hiloulot.
Rabbi Gad Bouskila, Rav of Cong. Netivot Yisroel in Flatbush, named in memory of the Baba Sali, and a close friend of Rabbi Avtzon, spoke on the history of how Baba Sali helped them obtain the sponsorship of their Shul one year after his Petirahand how the Brachot of the Tzadik continue to help this to this day.
Seeing such a large crowd and well organzied Hiloula, even larger than what he is accustomed to in Flatbush or Manhattan, he revealed a new story of the Baba Sali which was never recorded or told, and which he was planning to share at his Shuls upcoming Hiloula next week, honoring the Abir Yaacov, Baba Sali and Rabbi Yitzchok Abuhatzeira whose yahrzeit is 13 Shevat.
Rabbi Netanel Saadoun, who teaches the Daf Yomi class every morning and evening at Cong Netivot Yisroel, spoke next snd made a Siyum on Masechet Nedarim which was finished yesterday, and a Hatchala of Masechet Nazir which starts today.
Rabbi Yirmi Levy, Rav of the Sephardic Congregation of Mill Basin, and Rosh Kollel at Netivot Yisroel spoke next and told over a personal story and miracle of the Baba Sali that he was personally part of.
All the esteemed speakers applauded the guests from near and far who came to honor the Tzadik, also thanking Rabbi and Rebbetzin Avtzon, and Mrs. Annette Lipsker and her family who co-sponsored last night’s Hiloula, while also mentioning her sister, Mrs. Chaya Zaetz and her family.
The meal was catered by Mayer Kohen and was enhanced by numerous Paiytanim, Adam Amsallam, Machlouf Krispine, Yossi Sultan, Yirmi Ellias, Dovid Attias, who all daven at Merkaz Sefarad, and whoneete joined by Rav Michoel Kakon and other paiytanim from Flatbush. Jawad the pianist from Morocco provided live music for the evening.
To listen to the great speeches and hear the stories and singing from the Hiloula:
Those wishing to help cover cost of the Hiloula, are invited to contact Rabbi Avtzon or can make tax deductible donations via Zelle or PayPal
Zelle: 917 804 7224
Paypal: info@gjarn.org
If you wish to purchase items being auctioned off at the Hiloula such as bottles of Arak or pictures of Tzadikim, please feel free to contact Rabbi Avtzon at merkazsepharad@gmail.com
Most importantly however, is to come and strengthen the Merkaz Sefarad Shul which offers inspiring Tefilot and Shiurim in authentic Morrocan tradition, infused with Chassidus and applicable teachings of our Rabbeim.
