8 years ago

History Made in Argentina

On Sunday, August 21^st, the Congress of Shluchim and Lay leader partners of Chabad Argentina was held in the city of Tucuman. To honor the Bicentennial of the Argentine Independence and the Jewish year of Hakhel, a year of gathering for the Jewish people, more than 70 Rabbis representing 40 national institutions of Chabad Lubavitch along with their partners took part in this congress.

A series of public events took place at the Government Building and the Historical House of Tucuman. Present at these events was the Provincial Governor, Dr. Juan Luis Manzur. The day’s events were to focus on the importance of contributing to a society of ethical and moral principles.

On Monday morning, the leadership of Chabad Argentina, accompanied by some contributors, were welcomed to a private audience with the Governor at his office. Then, the group proceeded to the White Hall, to join Government Representatives, Cabinet Ministers, the National President and the Provincial President of the DAIA and the media of the city of Tucuman. It was there that the “Proclamation of the Seven Universal Precepts of Noah’s Legacy and the Strength of a Society with Values” was signed by everyone present. This document is a call of conscience to every citizen to realize that every society must be based on moral and ethical principles that are concrete and have practical applications.

At the same time, the Jewish community was called to strengthen their faith and commitment to their ancestral tradition and to make their contribution to society through their values and exemplary behaviour. In addition, a prayer was said for the Argentine Republic, its leaders and people on the occasion of the Bicentennial, for each to be blessed with health and sustenance.

After the words of Dr. Manzur, Mr. Marcelo Mindlin and Rabbi Tzvi Grunblatt, Director of Chabad Argentina, all the participants took a walk to the Historical House of Tucuman. There, with all present, the 6779th edition of the Tanya was printed. It was printed at this time in the Historical House of Tucuman to make a mark in history; to honour the year of the Bicentennial and the year of Hakhel, with all the symbolism that these milestones entail.

Once the printing was finished, those present were led to the room where the Declaration of Independence took place. In this auspicious location the writing of a 200-year-old Sefer Torah roll that survived the Holocaust, and was recovered from Mezritch, was culminated. In the very place where Argentine Independence was declared, all participants were able to write a letter, giving strength and holiness to the true concept of liberty: physical freedom accompanied by spiritual freedom.

At this time, the Museum of the Historical House of Tucuman was gifted with a duplicate of the US Congress coin that was dedicated in 1995 to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, in recognition of his wisdom, understanding, solidarity and leadership. It was given as a gift to the Museum, to become a part of its cultural heritage, by Chabad Argentina.

Once these public activities were concluded, the rabbis, partners and friends of Chabad, continued to meet and work to strengthen the message of Chabad Lubavitch to be spread throughout the country. The congress concluded on Tuesday.

It is interesting to note that on Sunday night, all participants were treated to a gala dinner in honor of the Rebbe’s Shluchim, at the home of Governor Dr. Juan Luis Manzur. There the messages of the President of the Amia, Mr. Thomas Saiegh, the President of the DAIA, Mr. Ariel Cohen Sabban, Mr. Eduardo Elzstain representing civil society, Dr. Juan Manzur and Rabbi Tzvi Grunblatt were pronounced. It was a moment of great strength and support echoed by each of the different perspectives. Every speaker lauded the work, dedication and devotion of the Rabbis of Chabad Lubavitch to fulfill the mission of reaching every Jew, teaching the tradition, the heritage of Torah and mitzvot and also contributing to society and the world through the 7 universal precepts.

The Congress was hosted by Chabad of Tucuman Rabbi Daniel Levy, and his sons Rabbi Ari Levy And Mendy Levy and by Chabad Lubavitch Argentina Rabbi Tzvi Grunblatt, and arranged by TZACH.