New Shluchim Defy the Odds

By COLlive reporter

When Rabbi Mendy and Lifshy Ajzenszmidt, the new Shluchim to Lantau Island, the largest island in Hong Kong, approached the Discovery Bay management to arrange a Giant Menora lighting, the management was very skeptical if such an event could draw a crowd.

As a compromise they allowed for the Menora to be lit, but would only stay up for the night of the lighting and not for the duration of Chanukah.

When friends and supporters of Chabad of Lantau heard of their efforts to light the first public Menora in Lantau Island, funds were pledged to ensure its success. Baruch Hashem it was, with close to 200 people in attendance. The crowd was entertained by a magician and international electric violinist, Avi Pilcer.

After the Menora lighting, the management approached the Shluchim very surprised by the large turnout and told them that they look forward to adding Chanuka to their calendar of events.

Besides for the public lighting, a new club called Kid Space was launched at a party on the last night of Chanuka. Kid Space teaches children about Yiddeshkeit through creative and fun filled activities.

The children made sand art Menoras, decorated their own clocks, and played fun Chanuka games. The party concluded with dinner, homemade donuts, and of course, lighting the Menora.

As the Hong Kong International airport is located in Lantau Island, the Shluchim also visited the El Al security staff to bring them the taste of Chanuka with homemade sufganiyot.

Chabad of Lantau is a branch of Chabad of Hong Kong and was established by Rabbi Mordechai Avtzon, Head Shliach to China.