New Shluchim to Pai, Thailand

By COLlive reporter

Rabbi Mendy and Chani Zayants are the new Chabad Shluchim to Pai, a town in the Mae Hong Soon Province that is one of the most popular destinations in Northern Thailand.

The couple arrived there a few days before Rosh Hashana 5780 to establish a new and permanent Chabad Center in the city that sits in a valley on the banks of the Pai River.

Although off the beaten track, Pai has become more popular with travelers, especially with many young Israelis backpacking through the country after finishing their obligatory army service. Quickly falling in love with the seclusion and beauty in Pai, many stay there for a week and even more.

This past Pesach, more than a hundred guests joined the first public Seder in Pai. They were personally invited by a Rabbi who wandered the streets of Pai looking for fellow Jews.

The Seder’s success highlighted the need for the establishment of a more permanent center in the city to host Jewish events throughout the year, Rabbi Zayants said.

Day to day, Chabad of Pai would assume the same mission as the other Jewish centers in Thailand – a ‘home away from home,’ especially for those far from home. On Rosh Hashana, the Zayantses already hosted 150 Jews for prayers and festive meals.

They are running a crowdfunding campaign to raise $50,00 to help bring Jewish unity and awareness to Jews in far away Pai. Every dollar donated during this time will be matched by friends and family – Donate now and DOUBLE your impact.