Chabad Jewish Community Center in Bakersfield is celebrating 21 years since its founding in 2002. Their Chabad center has grown and flourished, and according to Co-Director Rabbi Shmuli Schlanger along with his wife Esther Malka, it’s all thanks to the generous and kind support of his community.
Rabbi Shmuli Schlanger expressed his gratitude, saying, “Our Chabad Jewish Community Center has been a beacon of light for the past 21 years, and it is thanks to the unwavering support of our community that we have been able to serve in various capacities, touching the lives of many.”
Over the years, the support of the community has enabled them to extend their reach and impact through a diverse range of programs and services. From hosting School and Yeshiva Shabbatons to providing sustenance for Frum Jews on the go, assisting Mikvah Yidden in Prisons, supporting Bochurim working in Hashgocha in the area, reaching out to Sober living homes. They also connect with the Jewish community in Bakersfield and greater Kern County – they have become a pillar of support for those in need.
Chabad of Bakersfield has widened their impact even further with the creation of the ‘Basi Legani’ Garden and only Holocaust exhibit in the area.
Rabbi Shmuli Schlanger emphasizes, “Through our many year-round educational programs, community outreach activities, year-round Prayer services, and High Holidays and Festival Services, we continue to be a source of pride for you and our entire Bakersfield community.”
As we approach the end of 2023, they are now announcing their fundraising goal for the year-end campaign – “we aim to raise $26,000.00 to contribute towards our operating expenses. This campaign is crucial for sustaining the ongoing success of our programs and services,” explains Rabbi Schlanger.
“We are turning to you, our dear friends, to join us in this great mitzvah,” Rabbi Shmuli Schlanger says. “Your support has been the driving force behind our accomplishments, and we invite you to continue being a part of our journey.”
Every contribution, no matter the size, will play a vital role in ensuring that the Chabad Jewish Community Center can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in Bakersfield and beyond.
In a recent account shared by Rabbi Schlanger, the Chabad Shliach recounts a meaningful encounter with a woman named Diana, or as she introduced herself, Yetta Esther. Their paths crossed two decades after her last visit to a menorah lighting event. Diana approached Rabbi Schlanger, revealing that her elderly mother was currently residing in a rehabilitation center owned by Brias Healthcare, under the ownership of businessman and philanthropist Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz.
What unfolded was an inspiring conversation into the delicate realm of faith and Jewish identity. After extending an invitation to visit her mother, Diana disclosed a significant detail—she and her family identified as Messianic Jews. Unfazed by this revelation, Rabbi Schlanger decided not to postpone the meeting, choosing instead to embrace the opportunity for connection.
The encounter took place at the rehabilitation center, where Rabbi Schlanger found himself in the presence of Diana’s 96-year-old mother. Initiating a heartfelt interaction, he began singing, triggering memories and sparking a conversation about the essence of the soul. Rabbi Schlanger conveyed the enduring connection shared by all Jews, even those who may have strayed from their roots.
This encounter is a small snapshot of a day on Shlichus, It reflects the broader mission of the Chabad house. The Chabad house serves as a hub for various activities. From educating children on Holocaust memorials to engaging with local yeshivas and bochurim working in wineries, the Chabad community is committed to fostering connections and dispelling darkness in these final moments of the dark Golus.
Operating in a conservative part of California, Rabbi Schlanger notes the community’s unwavering support for Israel and Eretz Yisrael. The Chabad Shlichus, strengthened by numerous fundraisers and events, thrives with the conviction that the Rebbe’s guidance remains a powerful force in their day-to-day lives.
To participate in this meaningful endeavor and contribute to the Chabad of Bakersfield year-end campaign, please visit https://charidy.com/chabadbakersfield.
The Schlangers are an inspiration to all have been privileged to witness their Shlichus firsthand.
They have made a spiritual desert bloom.
מחיל אל חיל