An unusual gathering involving approximately 300 supporters of the Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok chassidus took place in northern Eretz Yisroel, with participants arriving from the United States for a special event attended by the Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok Rebbe at Kever Choni Hame’agel in Chatzor Haglilis.

The event attracted attention because of its elaborate travel arrangements, which included a private helicopter flight from Ben Gurion Airport to the northern part of the country, allowing the visiting supporters to reach the gathering without the lengthy drive from the airport.

The gathering brought together American donors and supporters of the chassidus for an occasion centered on the Rebbe and the historic kever of Choni Hame’agel, the renowned Tanna whose tefillos for rain are recorded in the Gemara.

The gathering, known as Vaharikosi, was organized as part of a major fundraising campaign to complete the construction and renovation of the Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok central bais medrash in Meah Shearim, Yerushalayim.

Approximately 300 chassidim and supporters who had contributed substantial sums toward the building project were invited to participate in the event, which took place on 7 Cheshvan, a date associated with the beginning of the request for rain in Eretz Yisroel.

The Rebbe personally traveled to Chatzor Haglilis despite reported health difficulties and the considerable demands of the journey. His arrival was greeted with singing and considerable excitement among the assembled chassidim.

During the gathering, the Rebbe addressed those present, offering words of chizuk and brachos to the supporters who had undertaken major commitments toward the completion of the bais medrash.

A special address was delivered by Rav Yehuda Deutsch, a prominent mashpia, who spoke about the significance of the day and the location, preparing the participants for the central portion of the gathering.

Among the leading supporters were R’ Shmili Horowitz and R’ Shemaya Reich, two major American donors to the building fund, who arrived at Ben Gurion Airport at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Because of the timing of their arrival, special arrangements were made for a private helicopter to transport the two men directly from the airport to Chatzor Haglilis.

The helicopter landed near the site of the gathering, where the Rebbe and hundreds of supporters were waiting.

The two donors subsequently presented the Rebbe with substantial financial commitments toward the completion of the central bais medrash.

One of the most memorable moments occurred when the Rebbe, while remaining seated, participated in a special dance with the two American supporters, holding their hands as the assembled chassidim sang.

The moment recalled a similar occasion on Rosh Hashanah, when the same two donors had participated in a special dance with the Rebbe.

At the conclusion of the gathering, the Rebbe personally distributed a special kameia to each of the approximately 300 supporters in recognition of their contributions to the building project.

The kameios were presented as a segulah for protection, health, livelihood, and success, accompanied by the Rebbe’s brachos.

The event also included an unusual development involving Rav Yehuda Deutsch, who was in the middle of the sheva brachos celebrations for his son’s wedding.

Having traveled north to participate in the gathering, Rav Deutsch needed to return to Yerushalayim in time for the main sheva brachos celebration scheduled for that evening.

The two American donors offered him a seat aboard their helicopter for the return journey, allowing him to avoid the lengthy drive south.

Rav Deutsch accompanied them on the helicopter flight back toward central Eretz Yisroel and was able to reach the sheva brachos celebration in Yerushalayim on time.

The elaborate gathering was coordinated by Impact Productions as part of the chassidus’s fundraising efforts to complete its central bais medrash in Meah Shearim.

{Matzav.com}