A historic milestone was marked for the Manchester Lubavitch community as B’Ohr Chabad – Beis Menachem welcomed its first Sefer Torah. Three years ago, a group of dedicated Chasidim came together to establish this shul which has become a vibrant hub for davening, learning, and connection.
This week marked a historic milestone for the Manchester Lubavitch community as B’Ohr Chabad – Beis Menachem welcomed its first Sefer Torah. Three years ago, a group of dedicated Chasidim came together to establish a shul. Since then, this shul has become a vibrant hub for the community, offering a warm and welcoming space for davening, learning, and connection.
The Torah was generously commissioned by R’ Zalman and Risa Klyne in honor of Risa’s father, Mr. Itzchak Mann, who had the zechus of beginning the writing of the Sefer Torah with Sofer R’ Ariel Lewis in an intimate ceremony 9 months ago, and completing the final letter of the Sefer Torah at the Siyum celebration.
The celebrations began with Mr. Mann holding the Sefer Torah under the chuppah, as Sruli Freedman led an emotional “Mi Shebeirach” for the soldiers protecting Eretz Yisroel. The heartfelt prayer set the tone for an unforgettable day. The excitement continued with a lively procession through the streets of Manchester.
The Torah was accompanied by live music and the boys of OYY boys school holding torches, as the community sang and danced together. A horse-drawn carriage carried Mr. Mann and his great-granddaughters, creating a poignant and proud moment for all involved. The streets were filled with energy as neighbors stepped outside to join in the celebration, adding to the joy and sense of unity. The procession made its way to Beis Menachem Hall, where the festivities continued.
At Beis Menachem, the celebration was in full swing with singing, dancing, and heartfelt Hakafos. Families enjoyed a festive atmosphere complete with food, games for the children, cotton candy, and “pecklach.” The event was carefully planned to ensure everyone felt included, from the youngest to the oldest participants. The Hakafos concluded upstairs in the B’Ohr Chabad shul together with a deeply emotional “Yehalelu,” as the Sefer Torah was placed in its new home.
Under the leadership of Rabbi Dovid Zvi Weinman, along with Shneur Kramer, Sholom Domnitz, and Shalom Rice, B’Ohr Chabad has grown into a thriving community for young Lubavitch families in Manchester. Weekly farbrengens after Shabbos davening, shiurim, Yom Tov family programs, monthly rallies for children, and women’s events led by the Women’s Guild are just a few of the initiatives that have strengthened the kehilla. B’Ohr Chabad also organizes annual trips to the Rebbe, helping deepen the connection to their spiritual source.
The completion of its first Sefer Torah is a testament to how far B’Ohr Chabad has come in such a short time. With its strong foundation and vision for the future, the shul is poised to continue growing and inspiring Lubavitch families in Manchester and beyond.
Mazal Tov to all who contributed to this unforgettable event! May this new Sefer Torah bring blessings and spiritual growth to the community for many years to come.
Kudos to the leadership of Manchester Chabad for understanding the need for shuls for young anash, more importantly, for ensuring capable leadership for both young shuls in the form of Rabbis Weinman and Lent. This could set an example for other communities.