Wellesley Upsheren draws the Crowds
SNS MASS. BUREAU
12:53:AM Tuesday, Jul 30, 2002

Wellesley Massachusetts was turned upside down again last weekend by Rabbi and Mrs. Geni Bleich.

Previously, the Bleichs have used established, historical landmarks to host their events (the prestigious Wellesley Inn has hosted two Purim parties), but this time they chose a new location for their latest event. Son Mendy Bleich had his Upsherenish on Sunday on the shores of the Wellesley Duckpond, next to the Town Hall.

This very visible location is rarely used for public gatherings, and the Police Department never grants permits for events hosting more than 35 people. After some "handling", Rabbi Bleich managed to secure a permit sufficient for the more than 100 people KA"H that had accepted his invitation. Wellesley has never hosted an Upsheren before, and the beautifully written invitations that were sent out must have aroused many people's curiosity because in the end, over 150 people came to snip Mendy's hair and watch as he licked honey from the title page of the Tanya.

Special guests included 4 Rabbis from out of state, 8 local shluchim, and two very special guests from overseas. Rabbi Ido Rahav is the shliach and Chief of Police in Elad, which is a suburb of Petach Tikva. Rabbi Yaacov Dov Bleich, Chief Rabbi of Ukraine (and Rabbi Bleich's brother) was scheduled to attend but was called away at the last minute. His wife and children represented him. They spoke with many attendees about the challenges of maintaining Jewish life and identity in their respective hometowns.

The event included a delicious buffet, a Moonbounce, Mivtza Tefillin, and a very special program whereby people agreed to do a good deed in Mendy's honor. Everyone filled out a card, tied it to a ballon, and released the balloon into the air, making a very colorful spectacle. Rabbi Bleich mentioned to the crowd that "Your good deed may be the one that tips the entire balance to the good side, and brings Moshiach now!"

The Bleich's greatly appreciate the opportunity they had to meet so many new people, and to introduce them to this beautiful custom. It is their hope that there will be many more such events hosted by them in Wellesley, as the rich heritage that is Judaism continues to unfold under their guidance.