By COLlive reporter
Rabbi Shmulik and Chaya Berkowitz (nee Katz), along with their 7-week old son Sholom Dovber, will be establishing the first Chabad Center in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Berkowitzes will be moving to the tropical island, an hour’s flight from Miami, in just two weeks on the auspicious day of Chof Kislev, just in time for the upcoming Chanukah holiday.
The new Shluchim will hit the ground running, and already have a series of events planned for their first weeks on the Islands known for one of the world’s most beautiful beaches and as a popular spot for tourists from around the world.
The new Chabad Center will serve the religious needs of the small Jewish community as well as vacation homeowners and visitors to the series of Islands which make up Turks and Caicos, with a base in the main Island of Provo as well as in Grand Turk, where thousands of cruise ships dock every year.
The local Jewish community “has expressed great excitement about the news that there will finally be a full-time rabbi and synagogue on the island,” Rabbi Berkowitz told COLlive. “They are especially happy about the plans for the founding of a Chabad Hebrew School.”
The Berkowitzes will be providing Minyanim, Shabbos meals and holiday programs, and plan to offer Kashering services and Kosher food packages in the coming weeks, delivered to villas or hotels.
The Berkowitzes are looking forward to hosting one of their first events, a public Menorah lighting on the Island, which they expect will capture the attention of both residents and visitors.
They are also planning on hosting Chanukah events in different homes, hotels and on Grand Turk Island.
“We are so excited to embark on this journey to fulfill the Rebbe’s mission, to spread light in the most far-out places,” Rabbi Berkowitz told COLlive.
The new Shluchim were hired by Rabbi Mendel Zarchi, Head Shliach of the Caribbean Islands.
To donate to the new Shluchim as they begin their new Shlichus, click here or Cashapp $Chabadtci. Visit their website at Jewishtci.com.
We are so proud of you, Shmulik and Chaya. Hatzlocho Rabba in your Shlichus .
Wow! Wow! You are an inspiration to all of us! Chabad lebt!