At a special event at the home of former Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, seven Bar Mitzvah boys rescued from Arab villages by Yad L’Achim received a magnificent Tehillim as a gift from the Rav, who also spoke to them about the significance of Bar Mitzvah.
A moving get-together took place this week at the home of Hagaon Harav Yisrael Meir Lau, when the former chief rabbi welcomed seven Bar Mitzvah boys rescued by Yad L’Achim from Arab villages. The boys, who together with their mothers merited to return to Judaism, b’chasdei Hashem and with the help of dedicated Yad L’Achim activists, received a bracha and a warm greeting from the Rav.
At the special event, attended by Yad L’Achim staffers, the Rav inquired about each of the boys – his name, the name of his mother, and how he was progressing in his Torah studies. He also spoke about the meaning of Bar Mitzvah, and how it impacts on their lives as Jews.
Harav Lau shared with the boys memories from his younger days when he was actively involved in Yad L’Achim’s activities. He spoke fondly of the legendary founder of the organization, Hagaon Harav Sholom Ber Lifschitz, zt”l.
“Harav Lifschitz is the one who instilled the spirit of rescue work in the yeshiva students, going back 60 years,” he said. “For decades, I have closely followed the sacred work of this organization. Its leaders and activists are deserving of all accolades!”
In special words of encouragement to the youngsters, Harav Lau stressed: “If you encounter any difficulty or distress, do not hesitate to turn to the shlichei mitzvah of Yad L’Achim. They will take care of all your spiritual and material needs. And if you need my help – my door is always open to you.”
The Rav had warm words of praise for the mothers, highlighting their dedication in raising their children in the ways of Torah and piety, and their great merit in returning to their Jewish roots.
Toward the end of the visit, the Rav presented each boy with a magnificent book of Tehillim as a Bar Mitzvah gift, a personal memento from the Chief Rabbi to take with them for life.
The visit, which had a profound impact on each of the youngsters, is just the tip of the iceberg in the vast array of activities Yad L’Achim carries out in its efforts to save Jewish souls and bring them closer to their Creator.
Photo credit: Yad L’Achim Photography
Rav Lau welcomes the Bar Mitzvah boys to his home.
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