By Mayer Gurkov and Mendel Jacobs
A most extraordinary and moving encounter awaited us earlier this afternoon as we entered the seemingly regular law firm in Libertyville, Illinois, where we’ve been spending the past week and a half, searching for Jewish homeowners and business people, seeking to awaken their Jewishness.
As we approached and discovered that the attorneys – father and son – were both Jewish, we inquired as to when was the last time they had put on Teffilin. One can imagine how surprised we were to be informed that neither of them had ever done so, the son now 40 years old, and the father 65!
After some persuasion, the pair agreed to each do the Mitzvah for the first time, and to our delight, we were privileged to be the ones assisting them in marking their belated Bar Mitzvahs!
We shared some words of inspiration in preparation for the upcoming new year, and notified them about the local newly established Chabad center in Vernon Hills, IL, by Rabbi Shimon and Mrs. Rochel Susskind, encouraging them to get involved with the Jewish activities there.
After the conclusion of our very pleasant visit, we headed out further on our search for the towns Jews, but not before we stopped at the nearby liquor store and rejoined our new friends for a special “L’chaim” in honor of this momentous occasion. The remaining staff at the office, Jews and non-Jews alike, were all very happy to participate in the celebration and wish the “Bar-Mitzvah boys” well as they reached this new milestone in their lives.
i was wondering why u didnt come to the 3 weeks kicks oak park michigan now i know
C what gan isreal in detriot does!!
the shluchim shimon and rochel are just amazing keep it up
what nachas for your parents, you’ve grown so much mayer!
we love you!
good job mayer
keep it up
r
Mendel and all you shluchim out there.. Keep rockin the world
We’re so proud of you, Mendel! Keep up the good work!
Jacobs Family
i guess you put on the ties for the bar mitzva pictures cause in the other picture you are not wearing ties
As ALWAYS Mayer Gurkov!!!! bringing loads of nachas to your family in Wayne, N,J. and so much nachas to the Rebbe!!!! We are ever so proud of you!!! Can’t wait to see you EH next week!!!
Incredible
Wow Mayer great work!
M.g
Wow two karkaftas. What a brocha you bring to the world. Such nachos to the Rebbe! Go Mayer Go!!!
Our bochurim!!!!
youre adding a suit to your chitas!
bless you mendel. a very old friend