Hundreds of Yidden in Brisk (Belarus) celebrated on Lag B’Omer for there was a hachnasas Sefer Today in the main shul. The event was headed by Chabad Shaliach Rav Chaim Rabinowitz. The event marked the arrival of the shul’s first Sefer Torah in 75 years. it was donated by the Mizrachi, Lesselbaum and Frin (מזרחי לסלבוים ופרין ) families in memory of their father, R’ Pinchos ben Yitzchak Mizrachi z”l.

Writing the last letters in the Sefer Torah was held in the main hall of the shul, the very same shul that was used by Rabbanei Brisk including HaGaon Rav Chaim Halevy Soloveitchik ZT”L. The final letters were filled in by the benefactors and mispallalim of the shul.

Rabbi Rabinowitz praised the shul that survived such a difficult history and was now meriting the new Sefer Torah, symbolizing a renewal of the once vibrant community. Thanks were also given to the Chief Rabbi of Russia HaGaon HaRav Berel Lazar Shlita, the Ohr Avner Foundation, Rav David Mundshein, and Rabbi Eliyahu Wolf, all playing a role in arranging the new Sefer Torah.

After the Sefer Torah was completed the procession headed into the central of the city and those present spoke of the true Kiddush Hashem resulting in the ceremony.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Photo: Courtesy of JDN)