Hundreds of Jews from the Pacific Northwest gathered participated in the fourth annual mega unity event entitled “One people, One Heart – An Evening of Unity & Inspiration Commemorating the Teachings & Impact of the Lubavitcher Rebbe OBM.”
This year’s event was virtually held online and was hosted by the Chabad centers of the states of Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho and British Columbia in Canada.
The event was planned and directed by Rabbi Shmuly Levitin, Director Chabad of Downtown Seattle and CYP Seattle.
Remarks were given by Rabbi Sholom Ber Levitin, Head Shliach of Washington State and the event underwriter Steven Baral.
President of Israel Reuven Rivlin gave warm remarks about Gimmel Tamuz and the Rebbe.
The event included a program entitled “Light Points” three powerful JEM videos featuring the Rebbe’s unique and inspiring perspective on three fundamental Jewish concepts. The idea of Bitochen trust in HaShem, the power and importance of a Jew being Shomer Shabbos & the Rebbe’s distinct view on people living with disabilities and the immense potential in every individual. The program was introduced by various Shluchim from the Pacific Northwest, including:
Mrs. Sarah Rivkin – Chabad of Kirkland, WA, Rabbi Shmuly Hecht – Chabad of Kelowna, BC, Rabbi Nissan Kornfeld – Chabad of Mercer Island, WA, Rabbi Shnai Levitin – Chabad of Queen Anne, Seattle, Mrs. Shimona Davidoff – Chabad of Shoreline, WA, Rabbi Mendy Greenberg – Chabad of Alaska, Rabbi Mendel Lifshitz – Chabad of Idaho, Mrs. Chaya Kesselman – Chabad of Tacoma, WA.
Rabbi Simon Jacobson gave a moving & captivating Keynote address, built on five foundational pillars within the life & teachings of the Rebbe. With the acronym MI POD standing for – Mission, Initiative, Persistence, Opportunity & Destination.
Helping with the setup and logistics of the program were: Rabbi Nissan Kornfeld, Rabbi Yosef Dovid Shtrocks, Rabbi Mendel Weingarten and Rabbi Yechezkel Rappaport.
Participants were greatly inspired & energized by the event.
“I wanted to let you know that I joined last night’s One People, One Heart event, and I found it so inspiring! It was truly a great event,” said Kayla.
“I really liked the event– hearing the story about the Rebbe staying in the sukkah in the pouring rain,” said Jason.
“I really liked the part where the Rebbe said that if there is a conflict between keep Shabbat and your job, always choose to observe Shabbat, and Parnasah will be taken care of,” said Aryeh.
“It was very interesting. Very cool to hear inspirational stories,” said Vlad.
Rivlin said it nicely