Boro Park ‘Hakhel’ Draws Thousands

8 years ago

Boro Park ‘Hakhel’ Draws Thousands

On Wednesday night, thousands flocked to the heart of Boro Park for a massive Hakhel event organized by local Shliach Rabbi Ahron Ginzburg. Chabadinfo Photographer Baruch Ezagui presents a full gallary • Full Article, Photos

On Wednesday night, thousands flocked to the heart of Boro Park for a massive Hakhel event organized by local Shliach Rabbi Ahron Ginzburg.

Packing onto 47^th Street between 13^th and 15^th Avenues, the cheerful crowd was treated to the symphonic musical talent of Yossi Cohen’s Orchestra, as star singer Tzvi Silverberg kicked off the event with a heartfelt Ani Maamin, silently beckoning the crowds, who slowly joined in. The singing provided a perfect segue to the beautifully crafted video created specifically for this event, which the crowd got to enjoy.

Children of all ages were awed by a band of jugglers who performed a fire show and other tremendous feats of talent, as well as a hilarious ventriloquist who had his audience rolling with laughter.

The main theme and spirit of the event—Hakhel— was not lost on the crowd as MC Rabbi Ginzburg encouraged the participants and spectators to increase in Yiras Hashem and strengthen their performance of Torah and Mitzvos, which is the purpose of Hakhel both in Beis Hamikdosh times and now. He also emboldened them with the cognizant that we are on the threshold of the Geulah, and therefore, should increase our performance with the determination and vigor congruent with that realization.

Adding to the spirit of a true Hakhel event was the dozen youngsters who each proudly recited one of the Twelve Pesukim, Pesukim that articulate the basic precepts every Jewish child should know.

After an hour of the refreshing and exciting program, the—now jubilant— crowd was swept up in an exuberant Simchas Beis Hashoeva enlivened by Yossi Cohen’s still playing, and never disappointing, orchestra. All in all, it was a most memorable event. Dancing, churning, and swirling with the knowledge that, soon, very soon, while still holding another’s hand and our Shtraimlach, we’ll bounce right into the Geulah with Moshiach Tzidkeinu.