A permanent home for all things ‘Jewish Jamaica’ was celebrated in tropical Island style at a sun-drenched event attended by Jamaican dignitaries, visiting Chabad emissaries from the Caribbean and North America, dozens of local Jewish residents, and many visitors from all over the world.
Adding to the growing Chabad family and helping to continue the Rebbe’s monumental mission and vision of having beacons of hope and light in every corner of the world, the historic Grand Opening of The Chabad House in memory of Mr. Raymond Doweck was a night to remember. The event was marked by the 8th night of Chanukah where a 20-foot menorah was dramatically lit overlooking the mighty Caribbean Sea, and the Rose Doweck Mikvah was officially opened, becoming the only Mikvah in Jamaica. The newly created sefer Torah was brought out and into the arms of Chabad Jamaica’s Rabbi Yaakov Raskin who passed the Torah around to celebratory and customary dancing and singing, marching down to the new sanctuary which was dedicated in memory of Rebbetzin Mushkee Raskin’s father, Rabbi Zushe Wilhelm, who always had an active interest in Chabad of Jamaica.
Dr. Horace Chang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of National Security & Law Enforcement was in attendance, and his presence and reverence was felt as he lit the Shamash on the menorah and delivered an important speech that touched upon his pride in seeing this beautiful Grand Opening, his deep understanding of The Jewish history in Jamaica, and the vital role that Chabad Jamaica plays in the community and in welcoming visitors from all over the world supporting Jamaica’s tourism industry.
The epic culinary experience at the Grand Opening was served in true Jamaican style but with a twist: all of the meat was koshered on the island with a shochet who was flown in from the USA; Kosher Jerk Chicken, rib eye, fresh baked scotch bonnet pepper challahs, beef sliders, fresh island fruit and vegetable salads, and of course, pina colada and mango scotch bonnet sufganiyot for the last night of Chanukah.
Live Jewish Jamaican reggae music played for the crowd who were in celebratory spirits, speeches were given, L’Chaim’s flowed, and the dancing continued well into the humid night as the gentle island breeze surrounded the celebrations like a warm hug.
Chabad Jamaica’s key contributions and offerings currently include:
The Kosher Hotspot – Jamaica’s only kosher restaurant on the hip strip of Montego Bay
Synagogue Services – There is no setting more beautiful than our Beit Knesset, overlooking the sea, and the first of its kind in Montego Bay since 1914
Weddings – From specialty menus to exclusive kosher offerings, no detail is spared to ensure your Jewish wedding is nothing short of amazing.
Bar & Bat Mitzvahs – Customized to the needs of each family, surrounded by the jewel of the Caribbean.
The Rose Dweck Mikvah – A Spa for the Soul. Our Mikvah, containing waters untouched by human hands because they fell as rain directly into the Mikvah, is the closest thing we have to a piece of heaven on earth. Water is the most spiritual of all the physical elements. It gives us the opportunity to reunite with our spiritual source. The first Mikvah in Jamaica’s history, offering the best in comfort, hygiene, aesthetic, and privacy.
Kosher Villa Services – The ultimate retreat! These villas offer relaxation on the terrace with a view of the gardens and private pool. Koshered Kitchen with new sets of dishes. Each well-appointed villa is staffed with a cook, housekeeper, and butler. From that first cup of coffee to your nightcap, all your needs are catered to. Living and dining areas, featuring colonial-style furnishings, can be opened to the passing sea breeze and cool Jamaican evenings.
Adult & Children’s Education – Vital spiritual inspiration for adults and a place for every Jewish child to experience and learn about Judaism in a fun creative environment.
Shabbat And Holiday Dinners – Accommodating any size of group from 2 to 200 guests, and adhering to all necessary dietary restrictions.
Island wide challah & kosher food delivery – Need a Shabbat Challah but happen to be in Treasure Beach? Ocho Rios? Runaway Bay? Negril? No problem, we have you covered. Chabad delivers.
Shabbat Services & Kiddush – Enjoy an elegant Shabbat dinner in a unique and intimate setting overlooking the sparkling turquoise waters of Jamaica. Dine on traditional Shabbat delicacies, with flavors of the Caribbean woven throughout the menu.
School Supplies Distribution – Join and support Chabad of Jamaica in the unique opportunity to engage with Jamaican children and enhance their lives.
With a rich history dating back to 1500, all the way back to the original Jews who escaped the Spanish Inquisition, the Jewish population in Jamaica has made a significant impact; from politics to industry, from culture to finance from mercantile to development and education to charitable endeavors. This impact will continue and the mission of the Lubavitcher Rebbe will grow and reach tens of thousands of Jews both living in and visiting Jamaica.
For more information, visit www.jewishjamaica.com or contact Rabbi Yaakov Raskin: [email protected] / 1-876-452-3223
Beautiful work .
תודה רבה שלום
Kol hakavod!! It looks beautiful! Much hatzlacha!