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A Powerhouse of Simcha: Tishrei at 8 Chabad Houses Across the Philippines

A month packed with activity unfolded at Chabad Houses across the Philippines, with the main centers in Manila and BGC hosting Tefillos, Yom Tov meals, Kapparos, Mivtza Arba Minim, and Simchas Beis HaShoeva. At the main Chabad House in Manila, the new year got underway with a major wave of activity led by the Chief Rabbi of the Philippines and Shliach Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Halevi Levy and his wife Tiferes Rochel • Read More, Photos

A busy and vibrant month of Tishrei was experienced at Chabad Houses throughout the Philippines, with the main centers in Manila and BGC hosting a wide range of Yom Tov activities, including Tefillos, Yom Tov meals, Kapparos, Mivtza Arba Minim, and Simchas Beis HaShoeva.

At the main Chabad House in Manila, the new year began with an extensive program of activities under the leadership of the Chief Rabbi of the Philippines and Shliach Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Halevi Levy and his wife Tiferes Rochel.

Rosh Hashanah was marked by a special and uplifting atmosphere, as members of the Jewish community alongside travelers and guests joined the Tefillos and Yom Tov meals at the Chabad House, welcoming the new year together in a warm Jewish and Chassidishe atmosphere.

Strong Growth at Chabad of BGC

One of the highlights of this year’s Tishrei activity was the impressive growth of Chabad of BGC, led by Shliach Rabbi Berel Zeitlin and his wife Chaya Sarah.

Large Minyanim were held on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, drawing many Jews who live and work in the area. Staff members from the United States and Israeli embassies also participated in the Tefillos at Chabad of BGC.

During Tishrei, the Chabad Houses in Manila and BGC were also visited by Rabbi Yechiel Yosef Zeitlin, founder of the weekly video series “The Weekly Sicha” and Shliach of the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach in Montreal, Canada.

Rabbi Zeitlin participated in the Yom Tov activities and added to the special Chassidishe atmosphere throughout the month of Tishrei in the Philippines.

Kapparos on Erev Yom Kippur

On Erev Yom Kippur, the traditional Minhag of Kapparos was held at the main Chabad House in Manila with chickens, in accordance with the longstanding Jewish custom.

Members of the community and Jews from near and far came to perform the Minhag and prepare for the holy day. Following Kapparos, kosher Shechitah was performed by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Levy.

Mivtza Arba Minim

As Sukkos – Zman Simchaseinu – approached, the Shluchim launched Mivtza Arba Minim with a major Mivtza, seeking to reach every Jew and enable them to fulfill the Mitzvah of Lulav and Esrog.

As part of the initiative, the Israeli Embassy in the Philippines invited Rabbi Berel Zeitlin, Shliach to BGC, to visit the embassy, make the Bracha on the Arba Minim together with staff members, and explain the meaning and Mitzvos of the Yom Tov.

Simchas Beis HaShoeva Under 770

Each evening of Sukkos, a Simchas Beis HaShoeva is held beneath the 770 building of Chabad of Manila, with members of the community, guests, and travelers joining in the celebrations.

Dancing, music, and Chassidishe Simcha fill the area, in the spirit of the words of Chazal: “Whoever has not seen the Simchas Beis HaShoeva has never seen joy in his life”.

The activities in Manila and BGC are part of a broader network of eight Chabad Houses throughout the Philippines, all working throughout Tishrei to reach every Jew, wherever they may be.

Reports on Tishrei activities at the other Chabad Houses across the Philippines will be published separately.