5,000 Join Worldwide Campaign Honoring Rebbe's Father

Five thousand supporters from around the world participated in the annual Chof Av campaign honoring Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, the Rebbe's father, raising more than $1 million to support Jewish revival efforts in Kazakhstan.

Rabbi Levi Yitzchok, described as a renowned scholar and mystic, was exiled to Kazakhstan by Soviet authorities for his work preserving Jewish practice and tradition. Participants in the campaign became partners in the work of local Jewish emissaries, the preservation of his legacy, and the maintenance of his burial site in Almaty.

Kazakhstan's Chief Rabbi and Head Shliach, Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen, called the response "deeply moving," Noting that "thousands of donors from around the world unite to support the spread of Yiddishkeit in Kazakhstan, the country to which Rabbi Levi Yitzchok was exiled."

He explained the spiritual significance of the effort: "The Rebbe explained on Chof Av that a neshamah in the World of Truth seeks sparks in this world that will continue the work it began. Thousands have now answered that call."

Rabbi Cohen expressed confidence in the campaign's impact, stating, "I have no doubt that the Rebbe derives tremendous nachas from the extraordinary success of the Chof Av campaign in his father's memory."

In a country where public Jewish observance once carried danger, a Jewish revival is now underway. The Rebbe's emissaries have expanded their activities, allowing Jews throughout Kazakhstan to openly practice their faith. Rabbi Cohen emphasized that continuing his father's legacy was of "deep personal importance to the Rebbe," Who encouraged publication of his writings and care for the burial site.

Chabad of Kazakhstan currently operates eight centers across seven cities, with the main center located near the burial site in Almaty. Rabbi Cohen invited groups and individuals to visit throughout the year.

With campaign support, he said, "we will be able to expand our activities and move forward with even greater strength. We are committed to reaching every Jewish neshamah, in every city and even the most distant village, and bringing each person closer to Yiddishkeit."

Contributors may still join the campaign, submit names for prayer at the burial site, and enter a raffle for two airline tickets to Almaty. The raffle drawing is scheduled for the yahrzeit of Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson, wife of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok and mother of the Rebbe.