A new center was inaugurated with the presence of Menora’s founder and president, Chief Rabbi Isaac Sacca; philanthropist Chella Safra; and Supreme Court Justice Ricardo Lorenzetti
By Paula Guardia Bourdin
Published by Infobae on June 25, 2025
The global Jewish youth organization Menora, founded by Chief Rabbi Isaac Sacca and active in multiple cities worldwide, celebrated the opening of the Chella & Moise Safra Center in Buenos Aires. The event, held on Tuesday afternoon, welcomed philanthropist and community leader Chella Safra, who symbolically received the key to the center named in her honor and led the inauguration of this space dedicated to fostering the personal, spiritual, and communal growth of new generations.
Organized by Chief Rabbi Isaac Sacca, founder and president of Menora, the event brought together notable figures from the judicial, institutional, social, and religious spheres. Attendees included Dr. Ricardo Lorenzetti, Justice of Argentina’s Supreme Court; Adrián Werthein, director of the Werthein Group; Mario Montoto, president of the Argentine-Israeli Chamber of Commerce; Claudio Epelman, executive director of the Latin American Jewish Congress (LAJC); Dr. Jorge Knoblovitz, secretary general of the LAJC; Dr. Miguel Licht, president of the National Tax Court; Marcos Mayo, president of the Sephardic Community of Buenos Aires; and Alberto Zimmerman and Gustavo Sakkal, representing DAIA.
As part of the tribute, Chella Safra received the 2025 Menora International Award, recognizing her commitment to the well-being and development of youth. Additionally, the plaque for the “Ohel Moshe Safra” synagogue was unveiled in honor of her husband.
Before an audience of over 450 people, primarily young individuals connected to the center, Chella Safra shared words of gratitude and reflection: “All of you in this community have been part of my life and have helped build this together. Alongside my children, this center is not just a place—it is a life project. It is a space to learn, connect, and feel part of a people. In today’s world, many feel lost, without direction or belonging. The Menora Center’s purpose is to help each of you find balance and clarity.”
Justice Ricardo Lorenzetti addressed the youth, noting, “Today, young people teach adults how to navigate technology. In many countries, even globally, major decisions about technological advances are made by the very young.”
He also cautioned about the limits of technical knowledge: “Technology can guide everyday decisions, but when we ask about the meaning of our lives or the direction of humanity, ancient wisdom becomes essential, conveying enduring values. These values are not passed from the young to the old but are the legacy of generations who have upheld fundamental principles.”
As an example, Lorenzetti pointed to the Safra family: “I encourage you to study the history of this family, which has faced profound challenges across generations, experiencing both the highest and lowest moments of humanity. They endured because of their strong foundations.”
He concluded: “This is the message for young people: never forget that this place, where spirituality is nurtured and wisdom is shared, ignites the flame within you. That flame cannot be found in technology.”
Rabbi Isaac Sacca emphasized the deep connection between Jewish values and the spirit of the new center: “This place bears the name Menora; we must live and grow, each according to our abilities, with a love for the values and ideals taught by the Torah. Mrs. Safra, her family, and I share these principles, and over time, we united efforts—friends, partners, volunteers, and students together. Today, we are honored beyond words.”
