Our Shabbos in Crown Heights

By Rabbi Moshie & Mirel Laufer, Shluchim to Barrington, R.I.

Two weeks ago, Shabbos Parshas Eikev, we had the privilege to share with a group from Rhode Island, an experience they will never forget – a Shabbos in Crown Heights. It left a lasting effect on every person in our group, thanks to Anash and to the Mosdos in Crown Heights!

As we arrived in Crown Heights on Friday afternoon, we got straight to our busy schedule. There was so much to do in just a short period of time!

We were first greeted at the Shluchim Office (thanks Moshe Pinson and Avroham Green) where we had lunch catered by “Q-cumber” and enjoyed a brief introduction to the Rebbe, Chabad and life in Crown Heights by Rabbi Berel Epstein of the Chassidic Walking Tours, who answered many of the questions we had before they were even asked.

From there we visited the Rebbe’s Library, with a guided tour by Rabbi Zalman Levin, after which – thanks to Rabbi Sholom Ber Gansberg – we had the opportunity to Daven together in the Rebbe’s room. This proved to be a very emotional and inspirational experience, which many of the group members continued to talk about throughout the rest of the trip.

A very informative tour of the Crown Heights women’s Mikvah with Mrs. Dina Rosenfeld ended a busy day shortly before Shabbos.

B’hashgacha Pratis – heading back to our van to meet our hosts, we passed the Mimulo flower shop just as they were about to close. They invited us in and helped us pick some beautiful flowers for our gracious hosts.

We were hosted by Rabbi and Mrs. Binyomin Klein, Rabbi and Mrs. Yitzchak Gorowitz, Rabbi and Mrs. Shlomie Friedman, Rabbi and Mrs. Gershon Eichorn and Rabbi and Mrs. Gershon Laufer (A thank you to Mrs. Fayge Benjaminson for arranging the accommodations).

Friday night, we all braved the torrential rain and Davened Kabolas Shabbos in 770, where one participant enthusiastically said, “I’ve never seen so many Hassids before!” Others were touched by a spontaneous invitation to a Shabbos meal extended by a friendly Crown Heights resident.

On Shabbos morning we were hosted by Beis Shmuel for “Chasidus far’n Davenen” and enjoyed an in-depth Chassidus shiur taught by Rabbi Chaim Aharon Chazan which covered some of the basic foundations of Chabad Chassidus. This was followed by a lively discussion about the topic of prayer with Rabbi Dovid Sholom Pape.

The Shabbos afternoon meal was catered by Mendy’s and was held at the Jewish Children’s Museum, where a number of the host families participated as well, and shared many thoughts with the group. A lavish Shalosh Seudos was prepared at the home of Rabbi and Mrs. Shimon Aharon Rosenfeld. Rabbi Rosenfeld led a very interesting discussion on the meaning of Jewish pride which lasted well into the evening. The group then joined Yehuda Piamenta for a kumzitz after Havdalah.

Sunday morning began with a trip to the Rebbe’s Ohel, where many of the participants took upon themselves positive commitments in many areas of Torah and Mitzvos. At the Ohel we were welcomed by Rabbi Aba Refson and a delicious brunch was prepared for our group by Bentzion Futerfas.

Following the Ohel we visited the Sofer – Oraita were Rabbi Yaakov Banon explained the process of the making of St”m.

The weekend concluded with a visit to the Jewish Children’s museum where our group saw firsthand how Chabad brings Yiddishkit to life. Thanks you Goldie Cohen for an amazing tour!

The response we received after everyone returned home to Rhode Island was heartwarming. One woman wrote how she took out her grandmother’s Shabbos candlesticks to begin lighting them each week. Another said, “I feel completely energized, awakened and excited about my family’s Jewish future. I would go back to Crown Heights any time!”

It’s remarkable how many members of Anash and Mosdos of Crown Heights, volunteered their time to demonstrate the beauty of Chabad Chassidus and help make this weekend an amazing success.

We would like to thank Rabbi Kasriel Kastel and the staff at the Lubavitch Youth Organization for their invaluable assistance in making this weekend in Crown Heights an amazing success and our New York coordinator Rabbi Batzalel Laufer.

Thank you Crown Heights for showing us the beauty of the Chabad community.