Rabbi and Mrs. Goldman Wrap Up USA Lecture Tour

By COLlive reporter

On the first night of Chanukah 2021, one legendary rabbinic Shlichus couple wrapped up a whirlwind tour speaking, lecturing, and leading communal Farbrengens in eight cities across the United States.

It was Rabbi Yossy and Rochel Goldman‘s first step into a new, exciting, and energetic stage of their Shlichus having been appointed Rabbi Emeritus at Johannesburg’s iconic Sydenham Shul and following directly on being honored as the recipients of the Jewish Community Service Award in South Africa.

Rabbi Goldman, a respected Shliach of 45 years, first address a session at the International Kinus Hashlcuhim in New York. He shared guidance from the Rebbe to him and his community for a keenly interested group of some 200 Shluchim. On Motzoei Shabbos, he addressed some 50 Shluchos at the annual Melave Malka at the home of Sheindel Gutnick in Crown Heights.

The next Shabbos saw the Goldmans as Scholars-in-Residence in Atlanta at Congregation Shaarei Tefillah with Rabbi Yossi and Dassie New. As the Atlanta Braves had just won the World Series, Rabbi Goldman naturally used baseball as a springboard for his sermon. He shared the Rebbe’s comments about the legendary Sandy Koufax not playing on Yom Kippur as he was personally present at that Farbrengen.

Dr. Brian Gordon, formerly of South Africa, who organized the entire program commented, “Rabbi Yossy Goldman was our Shabbat Project Guest Speaker. He inspired and brought smiles to the many who attended the sold-out Friday night dinner. Many people had not been out to such an event since February 2020. His talks from Jewish Humor to his sermon on the Parsha, and Antisemitism, were all outstanding. His wonderful way of interacting with the community will be remembered by all.”

Rebbetzin Rochel, whose energy and enthusiasm are positively infectious, inspired the women in the afternoon.

Next stop was Chicago and Chabad of Northbrook under Rabbi Meir and Miriam Moscowitz. Michael and Stephanie Levy sponsored this special Shabbos program in honor of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. And what an anniversary it was, with riveting speeches, a sermon that brought tears to the eyes, and many emotional reunions with South African expatriates.

Michael Levy was gushing. “Rabbi Yossy and Rebbetzin Rochel Goldman brought super energy and excitement to our 50th wedding anniversary Shabbaton in Northbrook, Illinois. They delighted participants and brought not only Yiddishkeit, but also amazing stories and anecdotes of their 45 years’ experience on Shlichus in South Africa.”

At the Friday night dinner, the Levy children surprised everyone by announcing that their gift to their beloved parents was to dedicate the Shul Hall as the new Michael & Stephanie Levy Social Hall.

Then the real road trip began. Kansas City was the gracious hosts for Shabbos Vayishlach. First, a geshmake Yud Daled Kislev Farbrengen was held with the Shluchim of Kansas. Then, Rochel spoke to leaders of the local Jewish Federation on Zoom on Erev Shabbos. Sadly, due to a localized spike in Covid infections, the Friday night dinner was canceled and was moved to Rabbi Mendy and Devori Wineberg’s home with a smaller crowd. Shabbos services carried on though, and Rabbi Goldman delivered his much-anticipated ‘Why the Jews?’ talk on Motzoei Shabbos where the numbers of people on Zoom were even more than those in attendance personally.

Dr. Eric Kulick, who attended the Shabbos was glowing in his tribute. “It was a wonderful treat to hear Rabbi Yossy Goldman’s three talks when he spent the Shabbos with our congregation at The Shul – Chabad of Leawood. Rabbi Goldman is one of those special speakers who is enlightening and entertaining at the same time. His talks are full of wisdom, insight, humor, and inspiration. It was a great joy to listen to him.”

From Kansas, the Goldmans flew to Cleveland for a Pre Yud Tes Kislev event at the beautiful Waxman Chabad Centre under the leadership of Rabbi Shmuli and Rivky Friedman. A very nice crowd attended and after Rabbi Goldman’s eloquent address, there was a Farbrengen with the Rov, Rabbi Berel Chaikin, and other Shluchim participating.

Yud Tes Kislev was celebrated in Pittsburgh at the Yeshivah Shul Center by the invitation of Rabbi Elchanan Friedman and Rabbi Goldman was welcomed by Rabbi Yisroel Altein and Rabbi Yisroel and Blumi Rosenfeld, Head Shliach of Western Pennsylvania.

Rabbi Goldman’s talk, created for this event, was on The Philosophy Behind Chabad Outreach, and explained how even though today many other organizations are involved in Outreach and “Kiruv,” the Chabad-style of Outreach is still unique. It was based on Tanya and on the Rebbe’s unique approach to loving and accepting our fellow Jews regardless of their background. Afterwards, he farbrenged for the Yeshivah bochurim.

“Rabbi Goldman was able to share in a very beautiful and inspiring way a Yud Tes Kislev message of Hiskashrus that was appealing both to our younger generation, and older men and women,” said Rabbi Rosenfeld,

And then, it was on to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where a joint Yud Tes Kislev dinner was held at the Center of Jewish life in Mequon. Wisconsin’s Head Shliach, Rabbi Yisroel Shmotkin, and all the Shluchim joined the hosts Rabbi Moshe and Dinie Rapoport where the large crowd appreciated the Keynote Address over a delicious dinner in the beautiful social hall.

“The crowd was tremendously inspired by Rabbi Goldman’s talk,” said Rabbi Rapoport. “His presentation on the Rebbe’s love and concern for every individual gave new meaning and insight to the mission of Chabad outreach.” Rabbi Moshe also made a Siyum on Tanya and the next morning Rochel gave a shiur to the women who studied Tanya with him.

The final Shabbos of this trip, Parshas Vayeshev, “brought it all home” with their children in Center City, Philadelphia where Rabbi Yochonon and Leah Goldman head up the historic Congregation Bnai Abraham Chabad and the vibrant Center City Jewish Pre School. Rabbi Yossy’s powerful drosha made a deep impression on the audience of both locals and visitors.

For inquiries about Rabbi Goldman’s future speaking schedule, you may contact [email protected]