King of Morocco Knights Chabad Rabbi

Chabad rabbi, Rabbi Raphael Benchimol of the Manhattan Sephardic Congregation was honored with the Knight of the Order of the Throne from Mohammed VI King of Morocco, in New York on March 11.

Yet today only 1% of the estimated 600,000 Moroccan Jews worldwide live in the North African country, with the overwhelming majority immigrating to Israel and other western countries.

Rabbi Benchimol, who was born in Rabat, Morocco and studied in Chabad Yeshivas both in Rabat and the United States, dedicated himself to servicing the North African country’s Jewish community and shepherding its members abroad.

He is known for his vigorous Torah studies and outreach programs, and is the founder of the Aleph Learning Center, which is devoted to teaching Jewish studies, including Talmud, Kabbalah and Hassidic philosophy to Jews of all ages and backgrounds.

Serge Berdugo, president of the Jewish Community of Morocco, represented the King of Morocco in awarding Rabbi Benchimol at the well-attended ceremony, and was joined by dignitaries Moroccan Ambassador to the United States, Rachad Bouhal; Chairman of the American Sephardi Federation, David Dangoor and Special Advisor to the Secretary General to the United Nations of Yemen, Jamal Benomar.

In his speech Berdugo stated, “Moroccan Jews, even after leaving their country, retain attachment to and love for Morocco, as confirmed by the beautiful words of the late Yitzchak Rabin: 'Moroccan Jews are the only Jews that never renounce their country, nor were they rejected by their country.’ "

In response, Rabbi Benchimol, on behalf of the American Sephardi Federation, presented a magnificent traditional silver crown of a Torah scroll as a tribute to “a remarkable country,” the Kingdom of Morocco.

“The king recognizes the merits of Moroccan Jews, wherever they settled,” he said, “by honoring them with the highest medals of his kingdom. This special ceremony of recognition and of mutual respect between two peoples, Jewish and Muslim, is just another testament to how unique and distinct Morocco is, and how exceptional the royal family is. Although we left Morocco, Morocco never leaves us. It is deeply engraved in our hearts. "


@lubavitch.com

Posted in: Morocco