Netanyahu Receives Chabad Blessing Before UN Address

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with a delegation from the Chabad Hasidic movement shortly before departing for his address at the United Nations in New York. The meeting, held in the cabinet room on the eve of the Sukkot holiday, included the presentation of the "Four Species" (etrog, lulav, hadassim, aravot) to the Prime Minister, a tradition associated with the holiday.

During the gathering, Chabad rabbis presented Netanyahu with their new book, "Oseh Shalom" (Makes Peace), and discussed key messages from the upcoming yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe. A central theme was the concept of "L'chatchila Ariber," which emphasizes proactive action and striving beyond perceived limitations, a principle the Rebbe frequently espoused.

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Kahanov, chairman of Agudat Chasidei Chabad, presented Netanyahu with the Four Species and told him, "The Rebbe gave you a mission to light a small light in the house of darkness, the UN. You are going there with a large torch on behalf of all the people of Israel." He also conveyed that the Rebbe had been interested in Netanyahu's past speeches at the UN.

Netanyahu expressed interest in the "L'chatchila Ariber" concept and even joined the delegation in singing the Chabad melody associated with it, a departure from standard protocol. He received the "Oseh Shalom" book and stated he would read it during his flight. The delegation included several prominent Chabad figures involved in religious and outreach activities.