The Lithuanian leader, Rabbi Dov Lando, embarked yesterday (Tuesday) on a special journey to strengthen the Jewish communities of France in preparation for the High Holidays, and to raise funds for the Olam HaTorah Foundation.
Summary of the First Day of the Journey
Around 1:00 PM, Rabbi Dov Lando's plane took off from Ben Gurion Airport, heading toward Paris Le Bourget Airport. As he approached, rabbis from France, as well as leaders and dignitaries of the Jewish community, gathered at the airport to greet him with great excitement.
From there, the Rosh Yeshiva (head of the yeshiva) made his way to the residence of the philanthropist Pinchas Cohen, who is heading this mission. On-site, the organizers and leaders of the mission awaited him to seek guidance on a number of urgent issues.
Later Events
Earlier, at 2:15 PM, another flight landed at the French airport, carrying Rabbi Yehuda Ezrachi, Rosh Yeshiva of Mir, Rabbi David Hanania Pinto, and Rabbi Simcha Shmuel Zaks, who joined the special journey.
At around 6:30 PM, dozens of French Jewish philanthropists gathered at the residence of the philanthropist Alberto Azarwal for a special assembly in support of the Olam HaTorah Foundation.
Rabbi David Hanania Pinto spoke first, emphasizing the immense merit of having such a great leader of the generation visit them. Following him, Rabbi Yehuda Toledano explained, "If the greatest Torah sage of our generation makes such an effort, what does that tell us about our own obligation to exert ourselves?"
Rabbi Yehuda Ezrachi, Rosh Yeshiva of Mir, gave a powerful speech, saying, "The reward for one who makes efforts for a mitzvah (commandment) is like the difference between life and death. Those who support the Torah will be granted a good life."
As the crowd sang "Ki Orekh Yamim" (For Long Life), they welcomed Rabbi Dov Lando, who spoke and said, "Everyone knows that at this time, the people of Israel and the Land of Israel are in great distress. We must gather merits before the Day of Judgment. Supporting Torah learning is the most fitting merit for the Day of Judgment."
After the assembly, the Mincha prayer was held, led by Reuven Wolf, director of the Olam HaTorah Foundation, who is currently mourning the loss of his father, of blessed memory.
At 9:00 PM, the Arvit prayer took place at the Chevaté Israel Synagogue, led by Rabbi Yosef Amram. Before the prayer, Rabbi Yehuda Ezrachi, Rosh Yeshiva of Mir, gave a preparatory speech to the local community ahead of the High Holidays.
Immediately afterward, another gathering in support of the Olam HaTorah Foundation was held at the home of the philanthropist David Zagdon, attended by notable rabbis, including Rabbi Shmuel Zaks, Rabbi Yitzhak Katz, Rabbi Yechiel Brand, Rabbi Guy Giss, and Rabbi Raphael Pinto.
The Second Day
This morning, another assembly for the Olam HaTorah Foundation took place at the residence of philanthropist Gabriel Wacknin in the suburb of Charenton, Paris.
In the afternoon, Rabbi Dov Lando is scheduled to give a lecture at the central Kollel "Mishkan Avraham" in Paris, headed by Rabbi Meir Sitruk.
It is also noted that later today, Rabbi Reuven Elbaz, a member of the Torah Sages Council and Rosh Yeshiva of Or Ha'Haïm, is expected to arrive in France to join this sacred mission.
In the evening, a large assembly will take place at the "The Dome of Paris" conference center in central Paris, with an estimated attendance of tens of thousands of people. The event will open with the recitation of psalms for the difficult situation in Israel, for the release of hostages, and for the healing of the wounded, led by one of the senior rabbis of France. The main address will be delivered by Rabbi Dov Lando.
Following this, Rabbi Reuven Elbaz, a member of the Torah Sages Council, will lead a ceremony of accepting the yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven, as well as a powerful Seli’hot (penitential prayers) service.
The evening will be graced by performances from renowned singers Shalom Lamr and Motti Steinmetz, accompanied by Yoeli Dickman's expanded orchestra.
