B"H
- In Their Own Words -
L’Chaim Chabad Lubavitch
L’Chaim Chabad Lubavitch has outdone themselves this year with another full array of services, programs, events, visitations, classes, etc. etc.
But why should we tell you about it? We will let the men, women, students, kids, and seniors tell you in their own words about the impact of Chabad in our communities during this High Holiday month.
Mike from Manchester learned about prayer in our amazing JLI courses. “For the first time in my whole life, shul is no longer boring” he said. “In fact, I was actually looking forward to the services this year. And that’s really saying something.”
Another JLI pre-Yom Kippur course focused on fasting, which led Sara K. to tell us that “after attending the classes, I was so focused on the prayers and meaning of Yom Kippur, that I wasn’t even hungry."
Moshe D. was kind enough to help us out with the blowing of the Shofar for senior citizens. He was so moved by the experience that he thanked us for the opportunity. He said “when we came into the home of Harry S., a lonely Holocaust survivor, he looked at us and asked 'you walked all the way here just to blow the Shofar for me?' He was incredulous that anyone would do that for him. As I was blowing the shofar I noticed tears of joy just streaming down his face. It was one of my most memorable Rosh Hashanah moments ever.”
KD nursery school teacher, Mrs. Kaspi loved our holiday school programs. "Thank you so much for the fantastic Rosh Hashanah session we had with your volunteer, Mrs Pink. The children and the staff had such a wonderful and educational time; we all learnt so much.This will definitely enrich our children’s Jewish knowledge.”
Not to be outdone, KD, NCJPS, and B&WJPS put on an exciting learning competition. “We are so grateful to you for providing such a fantastic mission and prizes” said Mrs. Glickman from KD. “There was such excitement among the children. We are all looking forward to your next program.”
Dozens of L'chaim volunteers visited hundreds of lonely and elderly individuals before Rosh Hashanah, bringing them New Year wishes and apple and honey gift packages. Mrs. W.L. from Crumpsall was one of the people visited. “I just sat by the window all day, watching as people brought Rosh Hashanah presents, flowers and cards to my neighbors” she told us. “I had not received even one phone call wishing me a good year! I was feeling more and more isolated and depressed when your volunteers walked in with that lovely honey package. It has brought me back to life. Thank you so much.”
In response to increasing demand, The Holiday Times added a pullout Hebrew/English calendar this year, which was distributed to over 10,000 homes in the Greater Manchester area. That made Mrs. Roslyn B. quite happy. “I look forward to your magazine because it is my only link to the Jewish community. The new calendar really brought an entirely new Jewish feeling into my home this year.”
Before the Sukkot Holiday, we got busy distributing dozens of sets of Lulavim and Etrogim to teens and families who had never owned their own set. Ten-year-old Rebecca M. was so happy to get her own set, she wrote us a note. “Guys, tonight was just so special. My family and I finally have a Lulav and Etrog of our own, and we are in shock!”
The L'chaim Sukkah-Mobile travelled across the North of England to reach out to Jewish
families who may never have seen a real Sukkah. David S. was astonished. "I think you made history!
I never saw a Sukkah in this part of England before, and it brought back my most enjoyable childhood memories. Thank you, thank you.”
We also hosted a gala Kumzitz with Mike Tabor for the men; a clown show for the children and a guest speaker for the ladies followed by live music and dancing. A good time was had by all.
The final word however, came from our fabulous C-Teens group, who partied like only Cteens can, at our annual Sukkah Bash. The teens enjoyed hours of good food, games, discussion and dancing to Jewish music. One of the teens, Sammy J., summed it all up when he said “my friends and I had a blast; who knew that being Jewish could be so cool?”
For further information about all the activities of L’Chaim Chabad Lubavitch, or if you would like to be added to our mailing list, or make a donation to our many programs, please call our office at 0161 792 6335.
By The Numbers:
10,000
The number of homes that received The Holiday Times magazine and pullout Hebrew calendar.
100
L’chaim Volunteers including men, women, teens and children.
750
People who shook the Lulav and Esrog
250
People who heard the Shofar
9
Senior Centers visited by volunteers
3
Hospitals visited by volunteers
11
Area shuls visited