After 17 Years, Shluchim Start Over in Another Country

About 17 years ago, Rabbi Avraham and Nechomi Greenberg moved to Pudong, Shanghai, China where they co-founded a Chabad Jewish center, spreading the light of Judaism for the hundreds of Jews living and visiting there.

The last three years in China were unbelievably challenging. Most foreigners left the Shanghai and Pudong area, and the few local Jews who remained were completely cut off from the wider world. For about six months the Greenberg’s themselves faced quarantine without the possibility of leaving their home.

Even during those extremely difficult times they persevered, keeping the embers of Judaism in Shanghai alive. Using every tool at their disposal, they remarkably managed to lead minyanim, Torah classes, Bar Mitzvah celebrations and children’s activities.

During the great lockdown, when the 28 million residents of Shanghai were locked in their homes for long months, and transportation and delivery services were shut down, the Greenbergs made sure that every Jew in Shanghai had Matzah for Pesach.

Now, after the dust has settled from the corona storm, it has become clear that 90 percent of their community in Shanghai has not returned to the city, and there are only a few families remaining in Pudong.

In light of the situation, they have decided to embark on a new Shlichus to Phuket, Thailand where together with their 11 children, they will establish a new Chabad house for the developing local Jewish community there.

The current Shluchim in Phuket will be focusing on serving the many Israeli tourists and backpackers.

The Greenbergs launched a fundraising campaign, for the benefit of the new Shlichus in Phuket. Click here to donate www.RestartingShlichus.com