The Shluchim of Long Island joined together for a Melava Malka after Yud Shvat. It was billed as a Kickoff Celebration for the 50th year of Chabad’s presence on Long Island. Over 40 shluchim and 25 shluchos came from around Nassau and Suffolk Counties to celebrate and hear stories from Rabbi Anchelle Perl, Rabbi Leibel Baumgarten, and Rabbi Tuvia Teldon about the early years of their shlichus.
Rabbi Teldon, who hosted the event at the beautiful, new, 14,000 sq. ft. Chabad House of Mid-Suffolk under the direction of Rabbi Mendel and Bracha Teldon, didn’t disappoint his esteemed guests. The food was plentiful and delicious, catered by Olga’s Gourmet. The evening began with a video of the Rebbe about chamisha asar b’Shvat, and ended with Rabbi Levi Paltiel, shliach in north Nassau and Director of Kollel Dach, as well as Rabbi Motti Grossbaum of Stonybrook.
In between, the memories flowed, recalling how desolate yiddishkeit was 50 years ago and how difficult it was for Chabad to get a strong footing in the Jewish community, at a time when the Reform and Conservative were so dominant. Rabbi Teldon spoke about the connection of their shlichus to Yud Shvat, and how he and his wife Chaya struggled financially for many years, He advised the shluchim who struggle today to persevere and assured them the Rebbe’s brochas will bear fruit. Rabbi Perl detailed his many steps to establishing Chabad in Nassau County, sometimes against great odds. Rabbi Baumgarten spoke about coming out to run a shul when he was 15 years old.
Each shliach and shlucha was sent off with bokser and other fruits in preparation for the following evening. The spirit of achdus was palpable and the hakaras hatov to the Rebbe for the zechus to be his shluchim was felt by all.
