How Shluchim Spent Thanksgiving

By COLlive reporter

If you ever wondered how Philadelphia’s Chabad rabbis spent Thanksgiving, we’ve got all the details for you.

Some 45 rabbis and their families traveled to the rural area of Newtown in Pennsylvania, named on one of Yahoo’s list of the 10 Coolest Small Towns in America.

The Shluchim, who serve in the greater Philadelphia region, gathered together to learn, socialize and spend time together in a way of “Sheves achim,” part of a new trend they began last year during the holiday.

The event was initiated by Head Shliach of the Philadelphia region Rabbi Avrohom Shemtov, and was coordinated by Rabbi Yudy Shemtov, director of Lubavitch of Bucks County in Newton, Pennsylvania and Rabbi Eli Dovid Strasburg Director of Chabad Lubavitch of Delaware County.

The program began with Mincha and a Chinese lunch, which was enhanced by an address by Rabbi Avrohom Shemtov where he shared some unique interactions with the Rebbe, as well as some inspirational words about the concept of “Ich fuhr doch it eich” – the Rebbe’s words “I travel with you.”

The afternoon was then filled with learning, including a session led by Shliach Rabbi Levi Weber of the Chabad Israeli Center, and tip-sharing workshops coordinated by Rabbi Shraga Sherman of Chabad of Main Line and moderated by various Shluchim.

The day concluded with a Seder HaNigunim with the young children Shluchim led by Rabbi Mendel Levin, menahel of the Cheder Chabad in Philadelphia.

The Shluchos gathered for their own program, enjoying learning, workshops and joining with their daughters for their own Seder Hanigunim led by various Shluchos.

A simultaneous children’s program was coordinated by Sara Sherman of Chabad of Mainline, with their own lunch, learning, activities and a bowling trip.