October 9th, 2023
“Mendy old chap
Shalom
When you need me I will go and fight for Israel
Best wishes
Dougie”
Douglas. An elderly Jew. He hasn’t seen a pair of tefillin in over 60 years.
Born and raised in the middle of Africa in a pinah nidachas, Douglas enjoys solitude. He doesn’t socialize much with those around him, and definitely not with Jews!
But walking through the tiny airport in Livingstone, Zambia, home to the great Victoria Falls, his soul came alive. There walked two young men, with yarmulkes, tzitzis, and beards. Douglas immediately introduced himself, and tears sprung to his eyes as he said the Shema and laid tefillin with Bentzi and Shea.
Douglas and I connected over whatsapp.
The very thought of vibrant Jewish life in Zambia was surreal to him.
Douglas and I continue to be in touch.
And the embers of his neshama have been kindled anew.
*
Just over a year ago, we sat down and made a promise to the Rebbe.
That come what may, no matter the hardship, we would plant the Rebbe’s flag in the country of Zambia.
Whether its 12 hours a day without electricity and a $15,000 generator, or flights to Mikvah, doctors visits, and bringing in food;
We are here.
And we will grow.
But we cannot do it without you.
We need you to help us thrive, to make sure that we are not stagnant but constantly growing – נאך מער שטארקער, נאך מער לעבעדיקער, נאך מער אקטיוו.
If you can dedicate your maaser of this month, or chomesh, or perhaps a little more, for Karkafta Douglas, for 2 year old Stella* who experiences Yiddishkeit through Ima & Me, or for Linda* who is now eating Kosher meat only.
Please take this opportunity to be a part of our Shlichus.
There is no doubt that the Rebbe will appreciate you personally.
משאכ יהודי הנל שאף אחד אינו יודע אודותיו חוץ ממנו – אם הוא לא יעזור לו – מי יצילנו?!
But on the other hand, this yid [who lives far away in a ‘pinah nidachas’ – farthest corner of the earth] who nobody knows he exists besides for you – if you don’t help him, who will save him!?
-Purim 5728
72K in 48 HOURS! www.Charidy.com/zambia
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Rabbi Mendy and Rivky Hertzel
