Twelve students from the Torah Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa had the opportunity to spend the Tishrei month in Crown Heights.
The students traveled to New York to spend the holiday of Sukkos while gaining inspiration in the Rebbe’s neighborhood.
The trip was organized by the school’s bochurim Shluchim from 5775 and 5776, with whom they have maintained friendships, and the Shluchim who will be spending the upcoming year in the school.
The students spent the holiday visiting both New York City and Crown Heights landmarks, davening, learning, farbrenging and taking part in the Yom Tov festivities.
The students were completely changed and uplifted by the experience, organizers said.
“I return to South Africa a completely transformed young man,” said Ezzy Benjamin, a T.A.B.H.S. student. “From the moment we stepped out of the stretch hummer limo, we knew the inspiration and unity ahead will stay with us forever.
“From spiritual endeavors, like Farbrengens, jam-packed prayers in 770, and Mivtzoim, to exciting adventurers, such as Times Square, Ellis Island, and so much more, every second impacted us on the highest of levels,” he said.
A special highlight for many of the students was a trip to the Rebbe’s Ohel in Queens, for most, their first visit, where they had the chance to pray and put in a “pan” note to the Rebbe.
“The ultimate climax of the entire trip was walking into the Rebbe’s Ohel,” said Yoni Glassman, a T.A.B.H.S. student. “The feeling that even though he is not with us physically, I just knew, he was listening to my own prayers, despite thousands of others asking for their own. I felt as if was I was the Rebbe’s top priority, especially being his personal guest.”
The trip was certainly life-changing for the entire group, the bochurim Shluchim said.
“Attending a Chabad school all my life, I had only heard and seen what the Rebbe and Chassidut is about,” said Yakov Drutman, a T.A.B.H.S. student. “Suddenly, here I was seeing the true core of Chabad, alive right before my eyes!” he said.
“This trip has been a game changer for my life and of all my friends. An adventure that will never leave me! I am now so proud to be part of such an incredible movement. Thank you Rebbe,” Drutman added.
To continue following the TABHS SHLUCHIM’S programs, visit www.facebook.com/ShluchimTABHS
Your trip and experience look incredible and inspiring!
Well done for being complimented for your derech eretz!
May the memories and inspiration of your trip this Tishrei guide you throughout your lives!
Send them to South Africa, it’s how we raise our children here 🙂
Dear Torah Academy of Johhanburg I would like to say thank you very much for coming Crown Heights for Yom Tov it looks like you had a very tight schedule the main thing is you had a wonderful time and that is the most important thing again thank you for coming so we should be together in Yerushyaim
You’re such a legend, in so many capacities. A bochur of many hats, dealing with many different style bochrim, and succeeding with them all. Everything about you want to help others and connect on a whole new level!
Every time I saw this group they were extremely polite, thankful and respectful. HOW CAN WE GET CROWN HEIGHTS TEENS TO BE LIKE THEM?
What a heart warming picture 🙂
Mendel is the top bochur in lubavitch! Most amazing, unbelievable, talented and friendly person to be around. We love you mendel!
Your D2 friends!
May you all go mchoyil el choyil
We’re so proud of your incredible dedication to the cause. H next step, please teach a Gemara class via Facebook live so you can continue to positively influence these holy children
Looks amazing!! Go mendel and jj!!!