Dear Friend,
In shock, I join the 3000+ Chabad Centers & World Jewry in mourning the tragic and senseless loss of my fellow Chabad emissaries in Mumbai, India, Rabbi Gavriel & Mrs. Rivkah Holtzberg, who together with other Jewish hostages were killed by terrorists in the Mumbai Chabad Center. 'May Hashem Avenge Their Blood'
Our hearts are shattered at the news. And tonight their little son Moshe'le will mark his second birthday...
We have no words, we have no answers. We don't begin to understand. Hashem's ways, nor are we expected to. Only Hashem Himself can restore the light of Moshe'le's life, and comfort him and the rest of this aching world.
We only know that until He does that, we must continue their life's work. They deserve no less.
In dark times like these, where there seems to be no answers to our legitimate questions, we were taught by our dear Rebbe, that our only option is to increase in bringing light to our world.
We will continue to try and emulate Gabi and Rivka, to seek out our brothers and sisters in every corner of the globe with love and commitment, to give every one of them the opportunity to ignite the flame of their souls until that day when, in a world filled with that reflected light and warmth, G‑d Himself will wipe the tears from every face.
2,000 years of exile have taught us that despair is not an option, we must continue on. The Rebbe reminded us countless times that if the darkness becomes more intense we must counter it with extra light - the light of additional Torah & Mitzvot. And so, dear friends, in response to the many who are asking what can be done to help: Please do an extra Mitzvah.
It's almost Shabbat. Candle lighting time week is 5:18. In a world that has become so much darker, can we try to bring in some light?
Two suggestions: Ladies & Girls, Shabbat begins in a few hours with candle lighting at 5:18 pm. If you don't already do so, please light the Shabbat candles this evening at the appropriate time in memory of the victims. If you already observe this Mitzvah please take a moment to contact a friend or relative who is not yet observing this Mitzvah and encourage them to begin.
Gentlemen, please consider the Mitzvah of Teffilin. If you need assistance in fulfilling this mitzvah please feel free to call me at the Chabad Center and I will be glad to show you how to observe this special Mitzvah. The following is a link to our website with illustrations on these and other mitzvot.
Finally, families gather when they're hurting - perhaps we can comfort one another. Let's Daven a bit more this Shabbat - We'll have a special Shabbat kiddush following our morning services on Saturday. Torah Reading & Rabbi's sermon 11:00 am. Kiddush luncheon at approx. 12:45 pm at the Chabad Center, 1190 Highway A1A, Satellite Beach. The community is invited to join us.
Almighty G‑d
A Chabad House to so many is an anchor - a safe house in a world of mayhem - yet where will we turn when that sacred place is desecrated - Gabi and Rivkah moved there not to seek any glory just to serve your
people with no distinction of their background or level of observance - they heard the cries and responded to hundreds if not thousands of lost souls yet for some reason their cry was left unanswered …
Who will raise their baby?
I have no answers, I am still in shock - Yet as a Jew I know that soon is Shabbat. This Shabbat, hug Your children a bit closer and recommit to make your home an unofficial Chabad house - an island of Jewish warmth in their memory for all those who need it.
May this be the final chapter in our long and bitter exile, and may we soon experience G‑d's fulfillment of His promise of Moshiach and a world filled with G‑dliness, goodness and kindness.
May we hear only good news from each other. Wishing you all very best of news.
Rabbi Schneur Zalman Oirechman
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For more information on the situation of Chabad of Mumbai and the life of the Holtzberg’s, Please click here
To find out Chabad of Tallahassee's Response to the Teror Victims in Mumbai, CLICK HERE.
