Vizhnitz Rebbe Lays Cornerstone for New Ashdod Synagogue
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
The Vizhnitz Rebbe led a cornerstone-laying ceremony for a new synagogue in Ashdod on Thursday, November 4th. The event honored young scholars who each donated 100,000 shekels towards the construction. The project, which faced bureaucratic challenges, has now begun construction after receiving permits. The ceremony included a festive meal, speeches, and the placement of cornerstones by the Rebbe and key benefactors.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The Vizhnitz Rebbe laid the cornerstone for a new synagogue in Ashdod on November 4th.
- Young scholars each donated 100,000 shekels towards the construction of the new house of study.
- Member of Knesset Rabbi Yaakov Tessler and Rabbi Shmuel Dov Shook were recognized for their efforts.
- Benefactor Rabbi Israel Baruch Weider made a substantial donation for the building.
- The community received land allocation four years ago and building permits in October.
A significant ceremony was held on Thursday, November 4th, at the residence of the Vizhnitz Rebbe in Moshav Ora, marking the laying of the cornerstone for a new synagogue in Ashdod. The event honored a group of young scholars from the 'Yeshuos Moshe' community in Ashdod, who each contributed 100,000 shekels towards the construction of the new house of study, prayer, and Hasidism.
The community had received the land allocation for the synagogue four years prior, with the assistance of Member of Knesset Rabbi Yaakov Tessler. Despite bureaucratic hurdles over the years, the project progressed with the dedicated efforts of City Council Member Rabbi Shmuel Dov Shook. Building permits were finally obtained in mid-October, and construction has commenced.
Following afternoon prayers, attendees joined the Vizhnitz Rebbe for a festive meal. The event was moderated by Rabbi Dov Fekser, who spoke about the scholars' merit. Rabbi Pinchas Breier delivered an address, emphasizing the spiritual preparation for the cornerstone-laying ceremony. During his speech, the Rebbe appeared, expressing his pleasure at the gathering.
Rabbi Breier continued, noting the Rebbe's role as a spiritual leader for all of Israel, fostering faith and security. Entertainer Rabbi Bension Tabak praised benefactor Rabbi Israel Baruch Weider for his substantial donation towards the building. The ceremony culminated with the Vizhnitz Rebbe laying the cornerstone, followed by enthusiastic dancing and singing. Benefactor Rabbi Israel Baruch Weider and community leader Rabbi Shraga Zvi Sandrovitz also placed cornerstones.
At the conclusion of the event, the Rebbe presented each participant with a special Shabbat tallit and a fur coat. He also presented certificates of appreciation to Rabbi Yaakov Tessler and Rabbi Shmuel Dov Shook for their contributions. The Rebbe concluded with blessings and expressed gratitude to Rabbi Israel Baruch Weider, recalling the deep friendship between Weider's father and the previous Vizhnitz Rebbe, Rabbi Moshe, and Weider's support for the Rebbe and the Boyan Rebbe of Tzfat.
Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Weiss, the community rabbi, praised the dedication of the building fund members and the scholars who have taken on the significant financial burden of the project, noting the shift from seeking donations externally to internal community support.