Nicolle Naomi’s extraordinary journey from her childhood in Costa Rica to becoming a Chabad Rebbetzin in the same country is a story of self-discovery, perseverance, and her true commitment to the Rebbe.
Nicolle, born in Venezuela and the oldest of 2, moved to Costa Rica at a young age and attended a non-Jewish school. Growing up, she didn’t initially discuss her Jewish identity at school, feeling different from her peers. However, her family’s connection with the Chabad Shluchim of Costa Rica, the Spalter family, sparked a remarkable transformation, leading them to explore their Judaism more deeply.
As her family became more observant, her younger brother smoothly adapted to their new way of life and was enrolled in the Chabad school. Nicolle Naomi found the transition a little more challenging. Balancing her desire for personal freedom with the expectations of religious practices, she struggled during her early teenage years. Despite her reluctance to fully engage, her parents fully supported and loved her and never forced her to do anything she did not want to do. While not ready to fully embrace this new way of life, her connection to the teachings of the Rebbe and the Spalter family remained very strong.
Nicolle Naomi’s connection to Judaism deepened when she encountered stories about the Rebbe’s outreach efforts. She realized the profound impact that Chabad shluchim could have on individuals seeking a connection to their heritage, just like her own family. The Spalters, inspired by this same mission, left their home to reach out to Jews like Nicolle Naomi.
At the age of 15, her family moved to Israel, where Nicolle Naomi attended an all-girls Jewish school. This experience broadened her perspective on Judaism, realizing that Judaism exists on a spectrum and she could embrace it at her own pace and comfort level. It was a crucial step towards her personal journey of Teshuva, and her parents, supportive but never forceful, played a significant role.
Nicolle Naomi’s path to becoming a Lubavitcher chossid was gradual. Initially unsure of her place within the community, she attended the annual Chabad Women’s Kinnus with her mother when she was in the 10th grade, where her full immersion in all the ways of Chabad solidified her commitment. After attending the Chabad Seminary in Kfar Chabad, she got married at 21 to Rabbi Yaakov Yehuda Rubenstein. They both shared a common goal: to go on shlichus. The couple, both fluent in multiple languages, never envisioned returning to Costa Rica. However, an unexpected opportunity arose when they learned about a need for shluchim in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
After considering various locations for Shlichus, Nicolle Naomi called the Spalters to ask if they had any good ideas for a place for them to go. As Hashgacha Pratis had it, Rabbi Spalter introduced them to the idea of opening a Chabad house in the beach town of Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Despite initial hesitation, they decided to go and visit Tamarindo and see if this was a viable option.
Right away, both Nicolle Naomi and her husband fell in love with the place and its people. The decision to stay was reinforced by a strong connection, a sense of purpose and the encouragement and support of her parents, especially her mother. Despite the geographical and emotional distance from home, they decided to stay, signing a contract and embarking on their new journey of opening up the very first Chabad house in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
However, their journey took an unexpected turn when Nicolle Naomi’s mother, still living in Israel, fell ill. Despite these new challenges, her mother insisted they continue their Shlichus, emphasizing the importance of their mission. The family faced a difficult decision—whether to continue their shlichus with their ailing mother in Israel or remain by her side. Despite the hardships, Nicolle Naomi’s mother insisted they fulfill their mission as the Chabad Rabbi and Rebbetzin of Tamarindo. She believed in the importance of their work and encouraged them to go back to Tamarindo. Both Nicolle Naomi’s mother and father were their biggest cheerleaders and supporters.
Tragically, Nicolle Naomi’s mother passed away, leaving a profound impact on her family and their community in Israel. Baruch Hashem, upon moving to Israel, Nicolle Naomi was blessed with two little sisters. After the passing of her mother, she desperately wanted to stay in Israel and help care for them but her wonderful father pushed for Nicolle Naomi, Rabbi Yaakov Yehuda and their beautiful children to go in the direction that he and his wife OB”M had wished for them to go: the honor and privilege of being Shluchim of the Rebbe.
After a challenging period of caregiving and personal loss, the Rubensteins made the decision to honor Nicolle Naomi’s father and mothers vision and returned to their shlichus in Tamarindo. Anyone in Israel who knew her mother knew how much this Shlichus in Tamarindo meant to her and urged the young couple to carry on with their Shlichus. The community of Tamarindo welcomed them back with open arms, recognizing the profound impact Nicolle’s mother had on their lives.
Today, Nicolle Naomi and her husband continue their mission in Tamarindo having just secured a brand new location, fostering a community with programs and activities for children. The legacy left by Nicolle’s mother serves as a guiding force, reminding them of the importance of their Shlichus.
Chabad of Tamarindo are now hosting a fundraiser for their new Chabad house. The fundraiser aims to support their programs and activities for children, offering a sense of community and connection. The Rubensteins remain dedicated to making the Rebbe proud and continuing the legacy that Nicolle Naomi’s mother so passionately believed in.
Join us in supporting this meaningful cause and help Nicolle Naomi and her family create a vibrant Chabad community in Costa Rica. Your contributions will honor the memory of a remarkable woman who inspired others to embrace their Judaism and pursue their calling as Chabad Shluchim.
https://www.charidy.com/cmp/tamarindo
Wish we could see more posts like this.
How the rebbe is guiding be’poel
Wow, wishing them so much Hatzlacha!
thank you for sharing