Ballroom tents with new china, advanced lighting effects, digital screens, an Israeli children's choir , multimedia animation, were all part of a historic celebration of completing a new Torah on Chof Av. Honoring the 72nd Hillula anniversary of the Rebbe's father Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson.
The high energy atmosphere of Jewish pride visible on the glowing faces of the Jewish community of Alma Ata was heartwarming. They came to honor the heroic Jewish leadership of the Rebbe's father. To demonstrate the resilience and commitment of the Jewish people to 3300 years of Jewish heritage and continuity.
After writing the final letters of the Torah near the holy resting place of the Rebbe's father, the celebration culminated at the Chabad House campus of Alma Ata. The scribe Rabbi Levi Cohen flew in from Israel. As the final letter was completed and the silver crown was placed on the Torah, the large crowd spontaneously joined in the joyous dancing led by New York master musician Yossi Cohen.
Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen , Shliach and Chief Rabbi of Kazakhstan spoke of the miracle of the renaissance of Jewish life in Kazakhstan. "The flourishing success of Jewish life in today's Kazakhstan is thanks to the Rebbe's father's self-sacrifice and exile to Kazakhstan and his holy resting place is in Alma Ata" said Chief Rabbi Cohen
The Cheder Menachem Boys Choir under the directorship of Rabbi Mendy Cohen of Israel, entertained with a variety of Hebrew, Russian and Yiddish songs. Rabbi Elchonon Cohen the Chabad Shliach in Alma Ata was the master of ceremonies. Sharing insights to the milestone event. The meticulously planned event was professionally narrated by Rabbi Asaf Feinstein , the Chabad Rabbi of Ust Kaminogorsk Kazakhstan. The evening was a flawless production of Schneur Cohen.
A highlight of the evening was the moving words of Rabbi Asher Lemil Cohen , the Chabad Rabbi of Beitar Iilt Israel who spoke of the correlation of the holy Torah and the self-sacrifice of the Rebbe's father. Rabbi Cohen culminated his address as the crowd rose to it's feet to receive the Birkat Kohanim, the holy blessing of the Kohanim.
A new community initiative entitled "My Torah" a daily inspiring Torah thought shared via whatssapp was introduced by Rabbi Mordechei Cohen.
The community is grateful that they now have an easily accessible daily Torah lesson for every Jew.
The new Torah was sponsored by a pillar of Jewish revival in Kazakhstan , philanthropist Mr. Elexander Machkevich who graciously sponsored the entire evening.
The celebration continued in the Levi Yitzchak Synagague were the Torah was welcomed with the traditional Hakafot prayers and dancing which continued with a Chassidic Farbrengen till the early morning hours.
The Israeli ambassador to Kazakhstan Mr. Michael Brodsky shared greetings and eloquently described the happy celebration of a new Torah. The key to Jewish life and Jewish continuity.
The Chabad Shluchim from across Kazakhstan who are
leading the revival and renaissance of Jewish life flew in with guest and friends to join the Chof Av events in Alma Ata.
The Chof Av Torah completion and inspiration in Alma Ata will remain in the hearts of Kazakhstan Jewry with the hope and prayer of Moshiach Now.
