The Lubavitch community of Hendon, London and congregation Beis Gavriel celebrated the dedication of its first Sefer Torah on Sunday.
The Torah was dedicated in memory of David Goldschmidt obm, a member of Beis Gavriel who tragically passed away after a short illness one year ago at the age of 51.
Days before he passed away, as Goldschmidt lie ill in the hospital, 12 men walked from Beis Gavriel in Hendon to UCH Hospital in Central London on Simchat Torah to bestow upon him the honor of Chosson Bereishis which he had agreed to take on a year earlier.
The group carried a Sefer Torah to him, so that David could have this merit before his passing, which took place a few weeks later. The community rallied together for a nightly rotation to visit with David until he eventually passed away last year.
The new Sefer Torah in his memory was completed at the Goldschmidt home on Sunday, in the presence of his wife Deborah and children, Jake aged 10, Ben aged 9 and Sam aged 2, led by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis who led the procession after finishing the final letter.
The event was also attended by many dignitaries and Rabbis from the local area as well as MP Matthew Offord. Over 700 people joined the procession which was a very emotional and appropriate event, after the tragedy which had taken place a year earlier.
The event followed a unity Shabbos as part of “Shabbat UK” with over 250 people attending a Friday night dinner with guest speaker Rabbi Shmuel Lew of Lubavitch UK.
so proud of you all, a wonderful achievement
Proud of u Mendy Freundlich.
A product of the most incredible members who work together every day to make the community what it is under the guidance of the most inspirational Rabbinic couple … Proud to be associated ….
Such a special person!
One of your Chaveirim in Yeshiva
Love the tie!
David Goldschmidt should have a lichtigen gan aden.
Keep up the wonderful work that you do! Your proud American family.
There is nothing like Bais Gavriel.
Rabbi Junik is the best.
Bais Gavriel is a non judgemental shul in London.
Many people in Hendon, are learning the rebbes torah and becoming a Lubavitch chossid.
Rabbi Junik is a vibrant rov in London.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis lives in Hendon, and his most favorite shul is Bais Gavriel Lubavitch!
Wow! Beautiful hachnosas sefer torah! The atmosphere was amazing.
Bais Gavriel started 6 years ago, with 6 individuals.
Now they have over 70 people davening every shaboss morning.
Bais Gavriel Lubavitch, is the fasted growing community in London!
Rabbi Junik is a true inspiration to all.
Whenever I go on a business trip to London, I make sure to go to Bais Gavriel – The most welcoming and friendly shul in Europe.
Nice to see you both! Long time since we were all roommates on Flood Street…
Bais Gavriel is the most amazing community
Beis Gavriel is a great Kehillah with an amazing Rov. Rabbi Junik is a real mentsch and a very special person.
So proud!