Around two hundred yesomim and almonos from the war Swords of Iron gathered in heartfelt prayer at the Ohel of the Rebbe. They were hosted by the Chief Rabbi of Russia as part of the Masa Neshamah tour, organized by Menucha VeYeshua to uplift every orphan and widow.

The highlight of the trip for the group, who are currently visiting the United States, took place on Thursday night. Each person stood absorbed in personal thoughts and sincere prayer, their eyes shining with tears of emotion and gratitude as they faced the holy tziyun.

Before the visit, a welcoming gathering was held in the nearby tent at the initiative of the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar. The chesed organization Menucha VeYeshua, directed by Rabbi Mendy Kanig, shared details about their special project. He was moved to hear about the effort to bring the widows and orphans on this meaningful journey to the United States, centered on prayer at the Ohel, to strengthen and uplift them after the upheaval their families faced when their fathers were murdered on Simchas Torah nearly two and a half years ago.

The event included a full dinner and a special farbrengen that lasted a long time. It was led by the organization’s friend, the shliach Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Filmer, who arranged the gathering at the request of the Chief Rabbi. He invited Rabbi Nechemia Wilhelm, shliach in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, to deliver the opening talk. Rabbi Wilhelm encouraged the group with words of emunah and trust and shared several remarkable stories from his shlichus.

The main address was delivered by the Chief Rabbi of Russia, who spoke at length. Afterward, the participants rose to receive guidance and personal blessings from him. With this preparation, the Teffilos at the Ohel became deeply moving and uplifting. Late that night, the group boarded the buses to continue their journey.

Photo credit: Daniel Nefosi