Everything the Merciful One does, He does for good.

Chronicle of the National Convention of the Bnei Noaj Community in Yambo Lagoon.

Convención Nacional Comunidad Bnei Noaj en Laguna de Yambo

From the very choice of date, seemingly taken “at random,” we could see a sign of divine oversight. We know that nothing happens outside of Heaven’s direction, and the Gracious Creator arranged for this meeting to take place on the first day of the Hebrew month of Sivan.

This day, Rosh Chodesh Sivan, has a special significance. It marks the beginning of the month in which the Jewish people received the Torah at Mount Sinai, and it is also a time when holiness, prayer, and unity can open channels of blessing not only for Israel, but for the entire world.

The chosen location was the beautiful Yambo Lagoon, located in the province of Tungurahua, near Ambato, Ecuador. A place full of history, natural beauty, and tourist value, ideal for sharing as a community and strengthening the bonds among those who walk as Bnei Noaj, children of Noah.

The Bnei Noach Community, led by Rabbi Tomer Rotem, brings together people who, driven by a sincere search for truth and Divinity, have come from diverse religious, ideological, and personal backgrounds. Many have arrived on this path with a deep desire to draw closer to the Creator, Blessed be He, and to find a clearer, more faithful, and more conscious relationship with His Will.

On this occasion, the community gathered to strengthen bonds of friendship, unity and learning, as well as to consolidate the knowledge acquired in the weekly classes taught by Rabbi Tomer.

A meeting to get to know each other, unite and grow.

The event began early in the morning, around 9:00 am, after morning prayers. Community members arrived from different parts of the country and were greeted with joy, warm welcomes, and a family atmosphere.

One of the first objectives was to "break the ice," especially among those who were new to the community and didn't yet know each other. Each participant had the opportunity to introduce themselves: who they were, where they came from, their profession, whether they were married or single, and to share a bit of their personal story.

Questions were also posed to open the dialogue and allow each person to express their experience, their concerns, and their connection to the Bnei Noaj path.

Among the questions shared were:

How did you first learn about the Bnei Noaj movement, or what attracted you to it in the first place?

If you could choose one of the Seven Universal Laws that the world urgently needs to implement, which would it be and why?

What is your favorite holiday or time of year, and how would you like to celebrate it from a Noahide perspective?

What book, video, or teacher has most influenced your spiritual growth lately?

If you had to explain in one sentence what it means to be Bnei Noaj, what would you say?

One of the most impactful responses came from Jonatan S., from Quito, who simply replied: “Truth and faith.” A brief but profoundly meaningful phrase, because it expresses what so many people are seeking today: a life sustained by truth and guided by faith.

They also asked what daily habit or small action helps one stay connected to the Creator amidst the routine. A very moving response came from MC, from Ambato, who shared that she had learned to pray only to HaShem, the One God, and no longer to other entities.

That testimony reflected one of the great blessings of this path: being able to move away from idolatry and get closer to the Creator more clearly, together with family and community.

Another important question concerned the greatest challenge and the greatest blessing of embracing this path of life as Ben Noaj. Daniel M. shared that one of his greatest challenges has been living with loved ones who have not yet abandoned certain idolatrous systems, trying to guide that process with patience, respect, and hope.

Her response showed that the spiritual path is not always easy, but it can be lived with sensitivity, humility, and confidence that each person has their own process.

The living reach of a community.

Near the end of the presentations, Klever M., from Sarayaku, in the province of Pastaza, a community located deep within the Ecuadorian rainforest, participated. He shared that he speaks Kichwa and Spanish fluently, and that he has also begun to learn some Hebrew.

He explained that he is trying to share the Seven Noahide Laws with the members of his Kichwa community. Upon hearing this, those present responded with spontaneous applause.

That moment revealed something very powerful: the Bnei Noah Community is not just a local group. It is a far-reaching spiritual network, capable of touching lives in different regions, cultures, and languages. People from other countries participate, and members and visitors have connected from places as far away as Israel, especially through the interactive classes.

All this happened while the attendees shared a pleasant coffee break, in an atmosphere of trust, openness and joy.

The arrival of Rabbi Tomer and the meaning of Rosh Chodesh Sivan.

Later, Rabbi Tomer Rotem arrived from Quito. Upon exiting his car, he explained that he had been delayed due to the special prayer that the Jewish people perform on the first day of each Hebrew month.

That day was Rosh Chodesh Sivan, and a minyan, that is, a group of ten adult Jewish men, had gathered for communal prayer.

His words resonated deeply with those who heard them. He explained that this minyan was very important because it attracts the Divine Presence, and that this benefits not only those who participate directly, but also the country and the entire world.

It was a profound reminder that prayer, holiness, and unity have an impact far beyond the visible. In the Jewish tradition, service to God is not limited to an individual experience; it can become a source of blessing for all creation.

Words of Torah by the lagoon.

Afterward, the community gathered in a small grove by Yambo Lagoon. There, the Rabbi greeted those present, thanked them for their attendance, and shared words from Torah, along with a special prayer related to the beginning of the month of Sivan.

This month precedes the festival of Shavuot, the moment when, approximately 3338 years ago, the Jewish people received the Torah at Mount Sinai.

For the Bnei Noach, remembering this event also holds immense value. The Torah is not seen as a distant document, but as a source of guidance, purpose, justice, and conscience for all humanity.

Songs, blessing and joy in community.

Afterward, the participants enjoyed a yacht trip on Yambo Lagoon. The spiritual atmosphere of the day became even more evident: psalms and praises were sung with joy and devotion to HaShem, the One God.

A Hasidic story was also shared, and one of the most significant moments was receiving a blessing, both for those present and for their children.

Joy, gratitude, and the awareness of living a special moment profoundly marked the day.

Later, the community shared a meal in an atmosphere of camaraderie, respect, friendship, and trust. There was also a question-and-answer session with the Rabbi, where members could express their concerns and receive guidance.

For many first-time attendees, the atmosphere was especially moving. One of them said, “I felt like I was among family.”

That phrase sums up the heart of the community experience. It wasn't just a meeting, but a space where people could feel welcomed, listened to, and supported.

As Psalm 133 says:

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity!”

A renewed commitment.

As they said goodbye, the members made a commitment to continue striving on the path of the Seven Laws given to our patriarch Noah, strengthening their study, their observance, and their joy in serving the Creator.

The day left a clear lesson: when a community comes together with purpose, faith, respect and a sincere desire to draw closer to God, it becomes a space of blessing.

May there be more gatherings like this. May the Creator help each member of the Bnei Noaj Community to continue growing with joy, unity, and faithfulness to His Will.

With the Creator's help, we will meet at a future convention.

Pedro Cevallos.

Member of the Bnei Noaj Community.

Source: article shared by Pedro Cevallos for the National Convention of the Bnei Noaj Community.