As every year before the High Holidays, a special delegation from The Rabbinical Centre of Europe set out to strengthen Jewish communities.

The delegation, led by Rabbi Arie Goldberg, RCE CEO, and Rabbi Avraham Aba Torezki, Secretary of the Rabbinical Council of Europe, joined by Rabbi Avraham Yosef, Rabbi in Holon, visited Jewish centers and educational institutions in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in Lyon and Aix-les-Bains, France.

A particularly warm and emotional reception took place at the Chabad educational institutions in Geneva, led by Rabbi Mendel Pevzner. All the students welcomed the delegation with powerful singing, after which they gathered in the central synagogue “Heichal Haness” for a special prayer for the safe return of the captives and the success of the Jewish people.

In Lyon and Aix-les-Bains as well, hundreds of community members gathered in synagogues to welcome the delegation and listen to inspiring words of Torah and encouragement.

The delegation also held meetings with local rabbis in each city. During these meetings, the rabbis expressed their desire to strengthen ties with the RCE and conveyed their gratitude for the ongoing support provided throughout the year. This includes the distribution of Arba Minim for Sukkot, menorahs for Chanukah, Mishloach Manot for Purim, and Shmurah Matzah for Pesach, as well as assistance in building mikvaot. They also highlighted the RCE’s steadfast commitment to supporting Jewish life and upholding the standards of Jewish law and tradition.

One of the leaders of a major Jewish community summarized the visit with great emotion, stating:
“Especially during these challenging times for Jewish communities in Europe, such missions are of tremendous importance. They strengthen the Jewish people and bring their hearts closer to the Almighty.”