By Leonid Elizarov, Menora
The great building «Binyanei Hauma» – the International Convention Center in the heart of Jerusalem – has, over its decades of history, become the site of thousands of significant events that have left a deep mark on the life of the nation. However, what took place last week can rightfully be considered a milestone in the history of the religious world.
On one of the days of «Chol Hamoed Pesach» (the intermediate days of Passover) during the Jewish year 5785, a grand gathering was held here, which became a living embodiment of the words «gratitude,» «reverence,» and «realization of a vision.»
Under the auspices of the World Congress of Bukharian Jews and the president of the Congress, Mr. Lev Leviev, the «Keter Torah» («Crown of Torah») ceremony took place, dedicated to thousands of devoted individuals of Jewish spiritual heritage: yeshiva students, Torah scholars, and those committed to its commandments. It was a day entirely devoted to honoring their selfless service in the tents of learning.
For many decades, and perhaps centuries, the eyes of our ancestors have been directed towards Jerusalem. Every year, at the conclusion of the Passover Seder, the head of the household would say with hope: «Next year in Jerusalem.» Who could have imagined then that one day, thousands of Torah scholars from all corners of Israel would gather under one roof to glorify the Name of the Almighty?
One after another, esteemed guests arrived – the cream of Israel’s spiritual world: the first Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel and president of the Council of Torah Sages, Gaon Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef; the chairman of the Supreme Religious Court, Gaon Rabbi David Yosef; the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel and head of the Chief Rabbinate Council, Gaon Rabbi Kalman Bar; the head of the «Meor HaTorah» yeshiva, Gaon Rabbi Avraham Salim; the head of the «Hevron» yeshiva, Gaon Rabbi David HaCohen; the head of the «Porat Yosef» yeshiva, Gaon Rabbi Shmuel Betzalel; the head of the kabbalistic yeshiva «Nehar Shalom,» Kabbalist Rabbi Benaiau Shmueli; a dayan (religious judge) of the Tel Aviv rabbinical court, Gaon Rabbi Nissim Ben-Shimon; the head of the «Beer Yehuda» yeshiva, Gaon Rabbi Eliyahu Tufik; the Chief Rabbi of the Bukharian community and head of the court in Petah Tikva, Gaon Rabbi Ben-Zion HaCohen Rabin; the head of the Bukharian community court in Tel Aviv, Gaon Rabbi Zvadia Cohen; the president of the Union of Rabbis and head of the Bukharian Community Court of the USA and Canada, Gaon Rabbi Shlomo Rabin; the general secretary of the Union, Rabbi Yitzchak Shamalov; as well as numerous community leaders, synagogue rabbis, heads of yeshivas and kollels (institutes for advanced Torah study), and hundreds of Torah students, spiritual leaders, and community members who came to the celebration with excitement and joy. In the first part of the event, performers — Gil Yisraelov, Yeshayahu Ben Haim, and Shimi Yunaev — sang songs of Jewish and Bukharian tradition.
When the master of ceremonies, Rabbi Yossi Niyazov, announced the beginning of the ceremony, the hall filled with the hymn «Yomim al Yemei Melech Tosif» – and to these sounds, the first Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel entered the stage, accompanied by the president of the World Congress of Bukharian Jews, Mr. Lev Leviev, and the chief rabbis of the community.
The entire hall, having arrived beforehand by invitation, rose to their feet. The day that would go down in the history of Bukharian Jewry had begun. The master of ceremonies noted that this event and the words of Torah spoken at it were dedicated to the elevation of the soul of Dr. Yoel Leviev, z”l (of blessed memory), the beloved grandson of the president of the Congress, on the day marking six months since his sudden passing.
More than five thousand yeshiva students and Torah scholars gathered in the halls of Binyanei Hauma during the holiday. For those who could not find space in the hall, screens were set up outside – no one said to another, «It is too crowded here for me.»
The entire spiritual elite of Israel sat at the eastern table, honoring the Torah-studying sons of the Bukharian Jewish community. As part of the gathering, the largest scholarship distribution ceremony for yeshiva students in the country took place. At the climax of the celebration, the president of the Congress, Lev Leviev, proclaimed with emotion:
«Today is a day of great joy for the entire Bukharian Jewish community, a solace for the souls of our ancestors and righteous individuals who fought and gave their lives for the sanctification of the Almighty’s Name, preserving the spark of faith through centuries and generations.»
The first to approach the podium and address the gathering was the First in Zion, Gaon Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, who honored this great day with his presence and addressed the audience with blessings and words of inspiration:
«Holy people, dear avrechim (married Torah scholars) and yeshiva students! May the Lord multiply you a thousandfold and bless you. At the moment when the Almighty first appeared to Moses our Teacher, the bush burned with fire, yet was not consumed. And the Almighty said to Moses, ‘When you bring the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.’ That is, fifty days after the Exodus, you will receive the Torah at the foot of Sinai.»
The question arises: why did the Almighty say this to Moses precisely then, before sending him to Pharaoh, before the ten plagues, and before the splitting of the sea?
The answer is clear: this is the ultimate goal of the Exodus, its highest purpose – the giving of the Torah. And our sages said: «There is no free person except one who engages in Torah.» For true freedom is not in physical liberation, but in understanding the Law, in serving the Almighty.
Continuing his speech, Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef said:
«Blessed is the Almighty! Today we see the greatness of the deeds of the esteemed Mr. Lev Leviev. He strengthens the Torah within the Bukharian community. This was not the case before.
About a month and a half ago, he invited me to the annual community gathering in Vienna. Yes, this involves the cancellation of studies: waiting at the airport, the inability to write during takeoff and landing, tiring flights… It requires self-sacrifice. But as soon as he approached me – I immediately agreed. I flew out and returned on the same day.
And, I confess, I was deeply moved by what I saw: a high-level gathering, hundreds of participants, mostly Bukharian baalei batim (householders), – and Mr. Leviev, who spoke to them words of Torah, morality, and faith. He supported and strengthened the spirit of the entire community.
Two years ago, I also visited the Bukharian community of New York – Ben Porat Yosef! There – a true abode of Torah. This evokes sincere joy and admiration. May we be privileged, with God’s help, next year to see twice as many students, twice as many scholarships, and twice as much light of Torah!»
The spectacular and inspiring event, in which the greatest rabbis of our generation ascended the stage one after another, did not pause for a moment. Admiration and amazement were evident on the faces of those present – how precisely, with what nobility and respect each part of the festive event was conducted. This impeccable organization was ensured by: the Director General of the Congress, Rabbi Yehuda Bloy; his deputy Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Niyazov; as well as the General Secretary of the Union of Rabbis, Rabbi Yitzchak Shamalov.
To thunderous applause, the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Gaon Rabbi Kalman Bar, was invited to the stage. Addressing the hall, he blessed the gathered and all those who support Torah study with the words:
«It is a tree of life to those who hold fast to it, and happy are those who uphold it.» (Proverbs 3:18)
In his speech, he recounted a trip to the region adjacent to Gaza, a month after the start of the war. There, one of the local residents approached the rabbi and confessed: before the war, upon seeing a religious Jew, he would ask him to «return through the yellow gate and leave the settlement.» However, after the tragic events of October 7th and after he witnessed firsthand the selflessness of the religious community for the sake of the people of Israel, his heart changed. He no longer divides the nation into «us» and «them»; he feels: «We are brothers. We are one people.» And therefore, he said, each of us is obligated to care for the entire people of Israel as for our own family.
Rabbi Kalman Bar then spoke about his recent trip to Russia and the inspiring activities of Mr. Lev Leviev in awakening the souls of the Jewish people in the Diaspora.
«How many Jews,» he said, «seemingly forever distanced from their roots, are returning to the source, to the Torah, to Jewish life. Mr. Leviev’s actions bear blessed fruit: after 70 years of spiritual oblivion, after decades of communist oppression, the Jewish soul has not died. It is awakening. It is returning to its Creator. Who could have thought? Who could have imagined? Rav Lev is kindling a great fire, a great light. Through his educational and spiritual institutions, souls are returning, communities are being rebuilt, hearts are uniting.»
«And perhaps someone will ask: ‘What does this have to do with me?'» the rabbi continued. «‘If I could, I too would build yeshivas and schools…'»
Allow me to tell you, dear friends: this concerns all of us. Each of us has strength. Not through the power of speeches or rallies. The strength is in the words of the Haggadah: «Let all who are hungry come and eat.» To bring one Jew closer to another. To bring the Jewish soul closer to our Father in Heaven. And then we, with God’s help, will be privileged to the coming of our righteous Messiah, soon, in our days – Amen.
By Leonid Elizarov, Menora
This was translated from Russian to English.