When Volunteers Rebuild: A Community's Miracle

"I come to the synagogue being built now in the heart of Ramat Gan and I can't stop being emotional," says Rabbi Heschel Reichlebich as he shows us the spacious, elegant structure. "I was blessed to see so much siyata dishmaya (divine assistance) in establishing this synagogue. It's something that I didn't take for granted," he says.

Synagogue in the Heart of Ramat Gan

Meeting Rabbi Reichlebich, with his traditional appearance and long beard, it's hard to imagine he wasn't always this way. "I was born in Tel Aviv and grew up in Ramat Gan," he shares. "Over the years, I was fortunate to strengthen my Jewish roots and moved to Bnei Brak. But ten years ago, Rabbi Dov Kook instructed me to return to Ramat Gan. Honestly, I wasn't thrilled about living in a non-religious city, but I did it and received the warm blessing from the rabbi: 'May it be Hashem’s will that you bring everyone back to Judaism.' I couldn't resist asking, 'Why do you bless everyone with private blessings, but only give me general ones?' The rabbi laughed and explained that to merit guiding many, I needed strength and siyata dishmaya."

For years, Rabbi Reichlebich has been occupied with inspiring the community, frequently giving lectures and Torah lessons throughout Ramat Gan, as well as through WhatsApp and other means. Despite the growing activities, he sought a permanent place to establish a synagogue for prayers and lessons. "I tried everything," he recounts. "I approached the municipality and anyone possible, but received no funding. Even when I found a seemingly suitable location, obstacles arose once they heard it was for a synagogue. Thus, years went by with searches and many prayers."

How did you eventually find the building?

"It's a captivating story of divine providence," he responds, sharing how events unfolded: "A few months ago, after a long period of searching, the unbelievable happened and, by Hashem's grace, I found five offices in a downtown building and even received subsidies to rent them. But then I realized this was only the beginning, as to convert these office spaces into a synagogue hall, they needed extensive renovations, and I didn't have an extra penny. How could I do it?"

While there were no available funds, Rabbi Reichlebich never gave up, choosing to tackle the mission himself. "With my study partner, we came to the location, used hammers to break down walls, dismantling the office layout, turning it into a large hall," he explains. "Next, I approached professionals for the necessary electrical, flooring, and other works. I invited them for price quotes without knowing how I would cover the high costs." And then, as Rabbi Reichlebich tells it, miracles began to occur—ones he continues to witness to this day.

Miracles and Wonders

"When I spoke on the phone with the tiler, he mentioned very high prices," Rabbi Reichlebich notes, "but in reality, when he saw my friend and me working like two laborers, he paused and announced: 'I'm doing the flooring for free, no charge.' I was stunned, and my shock grew when I asked him for a recommendation on a place to buy tiles cheaply, and he took me to Beit Shemesh where he stopped outside a luxury factory and said: 'Take the best, I'm paying for everything, because I want to be part of building the synagogue.'"

Rabbi Reichlebich hadn’t yet absorbed this generosity when the factory owner himself showed up and immediately declared: "I'm donating two trucks to transport construction materials." Subsequently, the electrician arrived and, to great amazement, said similarly: "I won't take a single shekel; I refuse to price my synagogue construction mitzvah with money." Rabbi Reichlebich admits feeling awkward about the professionals, but they wouldn't let him argue against it. "Each of them dedicated all their time and effort and even went beyond their promises to make the place a magnificent synagogue."

Taking a deep breath, Rabbi Reichlebich adds: "I've only touched the tip of the iceberg, as throughout these months, many professionals came here voluntarily and out of a sense of mission. Even the cleaner did it without any pay. I was particularly moved when a righteous man donated two Torah scrolls—Ashkenazi and Sephardi—because, as he put it, 'It's important that everyone feels at home.'"

Yet, this miraculous volunteering story continues: "I know it sounds crazy, but I've heard from multiple professionals involved here that after donating their money and time to the synagogue, they saw exceptional siyata dishmaya in various areas. For example, the electrician told me that right after working here, he got a call about receiving a 30,000-shekel tax refund. Also, the cleaner shared that after finishing her work, she got into her car and was called by her caregiving agency, which told her: 'There was a billing error; you're owed a 1600 shekel refund.' There were other stories of great siyata dishmaya in various matters, showing me just how much blessing is in this work, how much Hashem is pleased with what’s being done here and rewards everyone involved kindly."

Renovations are now nearing completion. "We still need the holy ark and tables, but we already feel completely at home in the synagogue," Rabbi Reichlebich says with satisfaction, "and the most exciting part is people knocking on the door all the time to ask when lessons and prayers will start here. It’s a place built with ten fingers, in the merit of so many people, and by Hashem's grace against all odds. Our mission now is to hold as many prayers and lessons here for the Jewish people, who reveal themselves in all their glory."