RZA’s Mizrachi Shabbaton features Rabbis Shloush, Robinson, and Hier

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RZA’s Mizrachi Shabbaton features Rabbis Shloush, Robinson, and Hier

The RZA, in conjunction with the Religious Zionists of Los Angeles, held a Mizrachi Shabbaton this past weekend, January 29, 2017. Featured guest speakers included RZA National Director Rabbi Gideon Shloush and Rabbi Shaul Robinson of the Lincoln Square Synagogue. On Motzei Shabbat a special melaveh malkah featuring Rabbi Marvin Hier was held at the home of distinguished philanthropists Jack & Gitta Nagel.

Rabbi Hier, who is the founder and director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles, shared highlights of his experience having just returned from delivering the benediction at the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump. He discussed why he felt it was important for him to participate, and he spoke about the history and unique importance of the RZA-Mizrachi.

RZA Presidium member Dr. Ernest Agatstein said, “The excitement and the buzz prior to the melaveh malkah was something I had never seen before. I’ve produced dozens of RZLA events going back twenty years and this melaveh malkah was unprecedented. The event was oversubscribed, and we had lots of people who were waiting outside at the gates desperate to get in to hear Rabbi Hier’s remarks.”

Rabbi Shloush spoke on Friday night at Congregation B’nai David-Judea and delivered the sermon at the Young Israel of Century City. In addition to sharing new initiatives of the RZA, Rabbi Shloush challenged the audience asking them what they will be doing to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem. He said, “If you aren’t going to Israel, then you ought to be thinking about what you can do to help celebrate this rare milestone in your city and community.”

Rabbi Robinson delivered the sermon at Congregation Beth Jacob and spoke at seudat shlisheet at the Young Israel of Century City. He emphasized the importance of remaining united as a Jewish community despite the great divisions currently being experienced in America right now.

The RZA is deeply appreciative to our presidium member, Dr. Ernest Agatstein, for his incredible leadership in making this such a wonderful and impactful Shabbat. Dr. Yaakov Agatstein, President of the RZLA, also played a key role in organizing the shabbaton.