Rabbi Menachem Matusof, Head Shliach of Alberta,
gives invocation for Premier-Elect Jason Kenney
Rabbi Menachem M. Matusof, head shliach of Alberta, was personally requested by Alberta’s Premier-Elect Jason Kenney to provide the invocation (blessing) at Mr. Kenney’s swearing-in ceremony.
Mr. Kenney called Rabbi Matusof personally, the night before the ceremony, to not only thank him for providing the blessing, but to offer his condolences for the event of Poway. Mr. Kenney also reminded Rabbi Matusof that he also visited the Nariman House, the Chabad Centre in Mumbai, soon after the tragic events that took place there.
Rabbi and Rebbetzin Matusof presented Premier Kenney with a pushka inviting and encouraging the daily practice of charity at the start of every day.
The Premier and his office were very receptive to alter protocol and arranged the ceremony so that both Premier Kenney and Lieutenant Governor Mitchell could fulfill the mitzvah of giving tzedakah.
The pushka remained on display on the podium throughout the ceremony.
The Honourable Lois E. Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, thanked Rabbi Matusof and relayed a story of her youth on how if someone knocked on her aunt’s door, and her aunt had ten dollars, she would give that person five. “I learned what true charity was all about then and it has stayed with me now.”
Many of the new ministers also welcomed Rabbi Matusof’s message of charity and giving.
Premier Kenney asked that the pushka be placed on his desk in Alberta’s Legislature Building.
Clockwise from top left:
1) Rebbetzin Rochel Matusof, Rabbi Menachem Matusof, and Premier Jason Kenney
2) Premier Kenney giving tzedakah
3) Premier Kenney speaking with the pushka proudly on display
4) Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Lois E. Mitchell giving tzedakah
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Links
• Transcript of Rabbi Matusof's invocation speech
• Full Ceremony