A Unique Sukkos in Guatemala: Chol HaMoed Dancing and a Bris Milah Behind Bars

Over Sukkos, a special delegation from New York traveled to Guatemala to visit the "Ohr Chodosh D'Rabbeinu Yoel" kehillah, a unique and flourishing community of geirim. The visitors spent an uplifting Chol HaMoed day with the kehillah, joining them for davening, the shaking of the daled minim, a festive Chol HaMoed seudah, and lively dancing in honor of simchas Yom Tov.

The highlight of the trip was a remarkable Bris Milah for one of the geirim, which took place inside a Guatemalan prison. Renowned philanthropist Reb Yossi Itzkowitz, owner of Toys-4-U, flew in specially with the delegation to participate in the simcha and was honored with sandekaos. The Mohel was Harav Yaakov Teller, a dedicated askan for the community.

The delegation was led by Harav Ezra Moshe Chaira, a prominent Williamsburg resident and a Moreh Tzedek in Khal Yetev Lev D'Satmar. Rav Chaira serves as the primary askan and driving force behind the Guatemalan kehillah, working tirelessly to provide for all of their spiritual and material needs.