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Never was synagogue so shining with bright, festive lights, as this evening, when the entire Jewish community of Moldova was celebrating the 80th birthday of Rabbi of Chisinau and Moldova, the much-esteemed rabbi Zalman Abelsky. In attendance at this event were the First secretary of Israel Embassy in Ukraine and Moldova Mrs. Bella Goldenberg and director of IKA (Sochnut) Mr. Alex Goldenberg. This event was a wonderful evening for the Jews of the Republic of Moldova. Here were many “colors” of Moldavian Jews all joined together to congratulate their spiritual leader.
Before Rabbi Zalman Abelsky first came out to the thunder of applause from both parts of the synagogue and the solemn sounds of Hasid music, there were the welcome words of prime minister of Moldova Mr. Tarlev.
The speech given by Mr. Magder, one of the most influential representatives of Jewish community, captured the feeling at the celebration. In addition to his hearty and warm wishes for Rabbi Abelsky, were his words that remain engraved in my mind: “The history of Jewish people and Jews of Moldova especially, is and should be an example for all us, for all nationalities, living in our country. It is a single case in the world’s history when people who survived such sufferings over many centuries and who got to know the bitterness of dispersion, were able to revive old language long considered dead by many, and to give to it the new significance and new power. These people were able to revive a new state, and to retain and develop the best traditions of their people, books of people, high Dumas of the people, and all its high aspirations and humanity. It should be an example for all of us.”
Also of special distinction was the speech of the president of Association of Jewish organizations and communities of RM, and well-known businessman Mr. Ia.V. Tihman. “Dear rabbi Zalman Abelsky! Your rich experience of life, and your deep knowledge and personal energy combine to assist the Jewish population of Republic in unity, concerning questions of study and observance of Tora commandments. We sincerely wish you robust health, long years of life, good spirits and realization of all your ideas. Lastly, we wish you and your family a lot of happiness!”
Then there was read a welcome letter from leaders of Jewish community of Romania – principal rabbi of Romania Menahem Hakoen and president of Jewish community of Romania Aurel Vainer. These and other appearances were mixed with Jewish melodies performance by Slava Farber. Also, a group of energetic boys from yeshiva who performed Hasid motet were also well received. With deep respect were filled the greeting words signed by Mr. Canterman, representative of American Jewish joint distributing committee “Joint”, Mr. Simhovich, president of Public Council EKC “KEDEM,” Mr. Shats, director of EKC “KEDEM”: “Dear rabbi Zalman! We sincerely admire with your remarkable human states: deep knowledge, energy, kindness and sense of humor. We wish you health, prosperity to you and your family. Let with God’s help will be realized your aspirations and wishes.”
With special warmth were heard congratulations from president of mountain Jews community, Mr. Hanukaev, a member of Jewish Congress of Moldova, Mr. Galanter and many, many others. Then the guests traditionally raised their glasses to the health of Rabbi Zalman Abelsky, sat down at the luxuriously displayed tables, and enjoyed wonderful casher dishes, and the merriment continued.
Toward the conclusion of the holiday, the principal rabbi of Chisinau and Moldova made a speech. Then Rabbi Zalman Abelsky himself spoke, saying: “Lubavitcher Rebee, pious Mashiah, God’s anointed sovereign, we invite you, we entreat and ask you to open up in front of the whole world, and to take your legal divine place on God’s throne in Chisinau, in Moldova, in all countries, in all settlements, in all the world, and most important, in saint country. Take your legal place of God’s Mashiah in saint temple in saint Jerusalem! We ask, entreating, that this can happen now, immediately. Amen!”
And all presented pronounced “Amen!”
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