Shuvu Banim chassidim flock to Morocco for Lag B'Omer • Community in economic crisis

The new residence of Rabbi Eliezer Berland in Morocco, due to police investigation pending against him in Israel, draws the crowd of disciples, and in the coming days are expected to go out to the North African country fifty yeshiva students and Shuvu Banim members, to find shelter under his shade.

The first group left on Wednesday last week, on their way to Marrakesh, which hosted Rabbi Berland by the congregation member Mr. Shitrit, who is close to the authorities and gives the rabbi gives the utmost respect and appropriate treatment.

The group had planned to arrive at Marrakech already last Shabbos, but technical delays prevented them and they went stayed in Casablanca, where they were warmly received and hosted by the community. On Motzei Shabbos, the group went off and came to Marrakesh, where the Rabbi is staying.

Trip to Morocco is not a direct flight due to lack of diplomatic relations between Israel and Morocco, but through a third country which issued the visa which is also required to Morocco. For those interested, the price of entry visa is $ 70.

A wealthy local will host 200 people

At the Shuvu Banim community there are many students who have been born in Morocco and immigrated to Israel as children. The staying of their Rabbi in the country, sparked an awakening for many of these people, who were now asking for Moroccan nationals passports from their former state, and thus save the purchase of a visa. Particularly as it turns out that Rabbi Berland may stay a long time in the country.

According to expectation, until Lag B'Omer will stay together with the Rabbi a hundred men. Rumor spread in the community that the Rabbi asks that anyone who has the option should come to Morocco, but it is unclear how this rumor certified.

In Shuvu Banim they stress that you cannot predict the future and the Rabbi might surprise and land in the country for Lag B'Omer. However, the community says that even if the Rabbi will stay in Morocco, it is possible that the traditional lighting will take place without him and he will speak like at the gathering by telephone.

Meanwhile, a member of the local community who holds possession of hotel informed that he is ready to host up till two hundred Shuvu Banim students for free. To this hotel, is apparently expected to visit dozens of followers.

Rabbi himself prayed to date with the public only on weekdays, but on Shabbos he closed himself in his house and did not connect with the audience, which may change now that his chassidim are expected to arrive.

Community economic crisis: the buildings were pledged

Meanwhile, due to the precarious financial situation of the community of Shuvu Banim, and a desire not to draw unnecessary fire during this sensitive period, Shuvu Banim offices are transferring their official residence from Shivtei Yisrael to a discreet alternative, after the building which they housed so far – was sold.

B'Chadrei Charedim has learned that one of the senior businessmen of the community previously granted a loan to the offices of the institutions, and in return he enslaved several assets of the institutions, including the home of Rabbi Berland. Since the due date has passed and the management of Shuvu Banim was unable to comply their commitment, the businessman decided to exercise the lien and sold the building which housed the offices, which also operated the organization Nachlei Eitanim, which organized the ill-fated trip to Uman last Rosh Hashanah.

Among the assets was also the Synagogue on Ido Hanavi Street which was sold to Rabbi Michael Gul, head of Yeshivat Meginei Eretz, who is also one of the students of Rabbi Berland.

It is unclear how the Shuvu Banim community will succeed in crossing the difficult financial hurdles. "Maybe when the rabbi will return to Israel, the recovery will come about," said a senior at the community.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!