S Thomas is a tiny island, only nine miles long and three miles wide. We islanders call it rock fever. It might be hard for someone living on the mainland to understand, but when you live on an island, the sight of a departing plane, even though it may be full of total strangers, can make you choke up. A cruise ship slowly drifting away can leave you with a heaviness inside.
But sometimes, it’s possible to channel that opportunity into light. On our first Chanukah on shlichus, back in 2005, we sent bochurim to the docks, armed with cases of mivtzoyim menorahs. There was a huge cruise ship coming in, and as the passengers disembarked, the bochurim greeted them with cheerful Chanukah music, joyous dancing, and a menorah of their own. The entire atmosphere became charged with positivity and Jewish pride.
One of the passengers emailed us later to let us know that the surprise reception had inspired them to host a Chanukah party back on the cruise ship. Over 500 people attended, and many of them brought the menorahs they’d been given by the bochurim. They lit their menorahs together, the warm blaze of Yiddishkeit illuminating the night.
– From a talk by Mrs. Henya Federman
———-
The world reels in shock at the recent tragic passing of the shlucha, Mrs. Henya Federman. As hundreds of her colleagues and sisters-in-arms gathered together for the annual Kinus Hashluchos, Henya’s absence is an unsubsiding ache.
For over a year, DollarDaily.org, with the support of COLlive, has produced a weekly publication, IllumiNations, highlighting a shliach and shlucha from somewhere around the world. They share their stories of inspiration, their struggles, triumphs, and miracles. Thousands of readers await the article every Thursday, drawing strength and inspiration from their brothers and sisters on the front lines.
DollarDaily’s IllumiNations will be adding a dedication to future articles to the blessed memory of Mrs. Henya Federman. Her name gracing the header will serve as a shining example of the impact shluchim have, and im yirtzeh Hashem, give her much nachas.
The upcoming IllumiNations book, a compilation of the previous year’s interviews, will have a dedicated to her memory as well.
Those who wish to support Henya’s fellow shluchim and shluchos , can do so by signing up to DollarDaily.org. A donation of $1 each day helps Chabad houses around the world keep their doors open and continue spreading the Rebbe’s teachings.
May we see the immediate revelation of Moshiach, and be reunited with Henya and all our lost loved ones.
Join dozens of shluchim & shluchos who have already been interviewed, and continue Henya’s legacy of inspiration. Email [email protected] to set up an interview.
