Shabbat in an Empty Chabad House

Rabbi Shmuel Kopel tells the story of the establishment of the new facility following the devastating earthquake which hit the island’s city of Christchurch last February claiming the lives of three young Israelis….

First congregation
In the 1800′s an explorer traveled the South Island of New Zealand. He found a town with the most beautiful views. He exclaimed that this town is fit for the queen to visit. From then on the city was named Queenstown.

Today Queenstown is the holiday capital of New Zealand where millions of tourists visit annually. It is in the perfect place to get away and reflect on G-d’s beautiful creations.

Tens of thousands of Jews are amongst those who visit Queenstown. Many of them are young Israelis. After the devastating Earthquake in Christchurch, there was a desperate need to provide services to Jews in the South Island. Rabbi Mendel Goldstein appointed Rabbi Shmuel Kopel the task of figuring out the how and where. After extensive research Rabbi Kopel decided that Queenstown would be the perfect spot.

Queenstown
Thirty seconds after signing a lease on what would be the first Jewish organization in Queenstown Rabbi Kopel was approached by a young Israeli.

He inquired, is there a Chabad House?

“Now there is,” answered Rabbi Kopel.

“We gained control of the premises on Wednesday and I wasn’t sure if we can do anything for Shabbos. What can we do with an empty house, no tables, no chairs, how can we invite people?”

A few travelers volunteered to help prepare food and the word began to spread. Shortly before Shabbat a group picture was taken of nearly thirty guests. After Shabbat began many more arrived. Over fifty youths filled the empty room sitting on the floor enjoying the first public Shabbat meal in Queenstown.

If that is how many came the first Shabbat, how many will come next week?
There are still many challenges that face Chabad in Queenstown. With no major benefactor funding the project Rabbi Kopel must fundraise all the funds to establish and maintain the centre. Contributions can be made on their website jewishsouthisland.com

A special thanks goes to Mottel Feiglin, Avremy Raskin and Morry Fraid for providing vital assistance towards this project as well as the many donors from Australia and New York.