Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky, probably the current best-known Haredi Litvish rabbi outside Israel, visited Chabad of Phoenix on Monday, COLlive has learned. Arizona's Head Shliach Rabbi Zalman Levertov greeted him and spoke about the work of the 18 Shluchim in the state. Kamenetsky was particularly interested in Levertov's minyan.

By COLlive reporter

A Chabad House played host on Monday to an unlikely visitor - Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky, Rosh Yeshiva of the Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia for the past 50 years.

COLlive has learned that the rabbi, probably the current best-known Haredi Litvish rabbi outside Israel, was in Phoenix when he was invited to stop by Chabad's regional headquarters in Arizona.

He was in town visiting the local school of Torah Umesorah - on which he serves on the rabbinical board.

Kamenetsky came along with Orthodox Rabbi David Rebibo of the Beth Joseph Congregation in Phoenix. They were warmly greeted by Rabbi Zalman Levertov, Chabad's Head Shliach to the state.

In a conversation with COLlive, Levertov confirmed the visit and said he introduced the rabbi to the synagogue, pre-school (run by his son Moishy Levertov) and the activities of the 18 Chabad Shluchim in the state. "He listened and gave his brocha," Levertov said.

When walking into the Chabad shul, Kamenetsky asked if they have a minyan on Shabbos.

"We have one three times a day," Levertov replied.

"A big minyan," Rebibo added.