Hidabroot's Envoy in Iran: "I Will Pray Closest to Mordechai and Esther"

The spectacle recently witnessed at the airport in Azerbaijan bordering southern Iran is perhaps one of the most surreal and puzzling seen by passengers in their lives. Two young men, dressed in black suits and hats, were seen holding a wrapped package and dancing excitedly throughout the terminal. At one point, one of them stops and kisses it, and then they continue to dance again and again.

It's hard to believe any of the non-Jews passing through the airport understood what was happening, but those at Hidabroot witnessing the event from afar and responsible for its execution couldn't help but shed a tear. They knew the package contained a distinguished Torah scroll that was about to be transferred from Azerbaijan to the Jewish community in Tehran, Iran. It's a small community that expressed its deep longing to Rabbi Zamir for a Torah scroll, from which they could read on Shabbat and weekdays. Hidabroot decided to take on the task and made a special effort to deliver the Torah scroll.

(photo: shutterstock)

A Complex Logistical Operation

In fact, Hidabroot's connection with the Jewish community in Tehran began about six years ago. It was during a lecture by Rabbi Zamir in Jerusalem which attracted thousands of participants. After the lecture, a young man with long hair, wearing jeans and a t-shirt, approached the rabbi excitedly and said, "I came to thank the Rabbi on behalf of my entire community."

Rabbi Zamir and those beside him looked at the young man in shock. He appeared modern, but with a heavy, unfamiliar accent. It wasn't clear what his connection to the Torah lecture was or where he was from. The young man, noticing their curiosity, sat beside Rabbi Zamir and told his extraordinary story. He revealed that two months earlier, he managed to escape Tehran and reach the Holy Land. "The first thing I did was to pray at the Western Wall," he shared, "Afterwards, I visited my family living in the country and immediately came to the lecture to thank the Rabbi in my name and on behalf of the entire community."

The young man further shared that for years, his community has been gathering every Wednesday at one of the few synagogues left in the area, lowering a screen, and watching Rabbi Zamir Cohen's lecture. The local rabbi pauses the lecture every few minutes to translate it for them, allowing them to learn a variety of important laws in many fields. The young man then facilitated the connection between his community and Rabbi Zamir, who has kept in close contact with the community ever since.

Other Hidabroot activists also ensure to regularly communicate with senior Iranian community members to understand their needs and how they can assist. As part of this, they have sent dozens of pairs of *tefillin*, *mezuzot*, and study books over the years. Usually, these shipments went through Russia and Turkey.

However, the Torah scroll that recently reached Iran is the pinnacle, as its delivery required a logistical and complex operation. Mr. Nir Garami, Hidabroot's deputy director, took charge of the matter and ensured all necessary laws for transferring the holy scroll were followed. During the flight, the scroll was folded in a very specific way and then transferred by two young men to Azerbaijan. Afterward, the scroll was taken by a special envoy to southern Iran, and from there to Tehran, where it was received with immense excitement at an event that drew quite a few tears of joy.

Praying at the Nearest Spot

Recently, community members informed Hidabroot representatives that in the past weeks, they have been privileged to read the important Parashat Shekalim from the new Torah scroll. They also listened to Rabbi Zamir's lecture on the importance of the mitzvah of the half-shekel and its unique virtues. As a result, they have agreed to send a special envoy to pray at the graves of Mordechai and Esther in Hamedan, Iran, for all donors to Hidabroot of the half-shekel, this year as a remembrance of gifts to the poor. This special prayer will take place this week on Tuesday and Wednesday (Purim and Shushan Purim), and on this occasion, they will also celebrate and read the Megillah as close as possible to the two figures at its center.

Hidabroot is calling on the public to send the 'half-shekel' donation to the organization, which can redeem our souls and those of our household. The mitzvah of the half-shekel is a biblical commandment, and as per tradition, Hidabroot will ensure the money is used for gifts to the poor on that day.

Join in the important mitzvah of gifts to the poor on Purim. Rabbi Zamir Cohen will be your emissary to deliver your donation to the needy, and at the peak of the day, all names will be placed on the tables of Maran, the sage of the Torah Rabbi Kanievsky and Rabbi Zamir Cohen. Additionally, Hidabroot emissaries will pray for you at the site of Mordechai and Esther.

For phone donations, call now 073-222-1212 or click here.