By COLlive reporter
When the going gets tough, the tough go rappelling. Chabad likes to discuss overcoming adversity. Chassidim say, “When you are bound above you do not fall below.”
Rabbi Anchelle Perl, Director of Chabad Mineola in New York, took this to a new height by rappelling down the 170-foot Tower at Nassau Community College in Garden City, NY.
“The scariest part was stepping backwards over the edge,” shared Rabbi Perl after the climb looked on by local government and community leaders. “My friends were quick to tell me to keep my daytime job!”
The climb was provided by the Over the Edge Global company, that helps non-profits raise awareness of its causes in exchange for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of rappelling over the edge of a building.
Chabad of Mineola thanked the local sponsor, the EAC-Network, for allowing them on board.
“A delegation of friends and supporters waited below to welcome the rabbi back to solid ground,” reported Malka Kipnis, “for we all waited with excitement and a little trepidation, as the rabbi slowly made his way down.”
“As he hung on tightly to the rope, we could hear the rabbi spoke to us via a microphone attached to his collar,” noted local attorney Alan Bookvar.
“First, he kept reassuring us he was fine, thank G-d. Then, he reminded us that all our souls have descended from heaven, is constantly attached by a spiritual cord of 613 strands – the 613 mitzvos and we all have a mission to make this world a home for G-d.”
At the conclusion, after the rabbi had reached the end of his rope, he pulled out a fabric Ten Commandments banner from under his shirt.
“There are so many people whose face daily challenges and sadly go over the edge without a soft landing, so we are here today to say: we care and will do anything we can to help anyone who falls through the cracks,” he said.
“We are all enjoying the summer, with even a great vacation planned. Let’s not forget that so many individuals and families struggle with basic needs right here in our local community facing fear and obstacles that most of us can’t ever imagine.”
By repelling down the side of a building, it brings to mind a favorite Yiddish saying used in Chabad circles of “l’chatchila ariber.” This phrase translates to “leap over it in the first place”. It’s an attitude thing. When a problem arises, we go into “crisis mode,” trying to figure out ways to dance around the issue and get by. What l’chatchila ariber is telling us is that we should jump over a problem almost as if it never existed in the first place.”
Everybody was treated with a home going gift bag filled with Shabbos chicken soup, Shabbat candles and Challahs.
…When you are tied from above you dont fall !!
Love Reb Anshel from years back in CH as a bochur… Elie Benz ( at gmail)
to bring Moshiach Now! Hatzlacha in everything!
Rabbi,you are the Man.
That is just too beautiful for words
… one of the most creative minds and activists in Lubavitch today!
hope this was sent everywhere
Whew just seeing the photos etc. A ” publicity feat ” with the good SHALIACH RAV not only doing the talk but also the walk,
Shabbos Challah & Soup is the take away .
Loved the Ten Commandments too!
Ben Abrams
on everyone’s heart and mind! Baruch Hashem you’re really amazing, Yasher Choach! Moshiach Now!!