Israel’s Heritage Minister Amazed by Chabad’s Stam Center

The “Otzar HaSTaM” Visitors Center in Tzfas, which had been closed for over a year due to the war, has reopened its doors to the public. Among the first visitors was the Minister of Heritage, Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu, who was given a tour by Tzfas shliach, Rabbi Chaim Kaplan.

The “Otzar HaSTaM” Visitors Center in Tzfas, which had been closed for over a year due to the situation, has reopened its doors to the public. Among the first visitors was the Minister of Heritage, Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu, together with his entourage.

Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu, son of Tzfas’ chief rabbi and an alumnus of Chabad institutions in the city, fondly recalled the site from his childhood when it was known as the Beit Gesher guesthouse. He was deeply impressed by the unique structure, the vibrant activities taking place there, and the fascinating educational initiatives at the Visitors Center.

The minister was accompanied on the tour by Shliach Rabbi Chaim Kaplan and the center’s director, Rabbi Nachum Friedman. Rabbi Friedman provided an overview of the historic building, which was originally constructed as a luxurious hotel before the establishment of the state. The building once hosted a United Nations committee discussing the partition of Eretz Yisroel, entertained prime ministers and dignitaries from around the world, and today serves as a hub for spreading Yiddishkeit.

Rabbi Eliyahu toured the various workspaces dedicated to the production of mehudar STaM (Sifrei Torah, Tefillin, and Mezuzos) under strict supervision. He was impressed by the high standard of the STaM products and their meticulous quality. He also toured the Visitors Center, where one exhibit features photos of prominent figures putting on tefillin. The minister suggested adding a photo of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to the display.

The visit concluded with Rabbi Eliyahu penning a heartfelt note in the guestbook: “For the redemption of His people, Yisroel, with compassion and a love for Torah. This place is truly worthy of growth and connecting Yisroel to their Father in Heaven. Amichai Eliyahu.”