Dear Zalmy (Rabbi Zalman Kudan, Youth Director at Chabad of S. Barbara in California),
As a Shliach, I know that many a difficult task may fall into my lap at any moment. On top of running our regular programs, Shluchim always need to be ready for that 4:00am call, running to the hospital for an emergency visit, or hosting a stranded Jew at a moment’s notice. Yet, every so often, a Shliach astounds me with an act of pure selflessness that goes far above and beyond what would be expected.
As I juggle last minute summer camp preparations and many other tasks, I feel blessed that I can turn to you, Zalmy, and you will always be there to guide and advise me – in addition to managing your own Chabad House programs. No matter what is on your plate, you will find time to help.
This past Monday was no different. I called you for some advice, and as always, you made time. But as you were speaking, I could tell something was up; you sounded different. You then gave me a new found appreciation for your Ahavas Yisroel and complete dedication to the Rebbe and your Shlichus.
You explained to me that there is a single mother in your community who was very sick, r”l, with the doctors giving her just days to live. Her 15-year-old son whom you have learned with and mentored now needs a home. When this woman asked if you would take care of him, you said yes without missing a beat. You took him in to live with your very own family.
Camp is just days away. There are reams of paperwork and other legal issues to worry about in this situation. You have your own family, ka”h, to take care of.
Not only did you do it, but you did it without compromising any of your ongoing programs and activities and while continuing to give time to your fellow Shluchim. You did it with a full heart and without a moment’s hesitation.
We often throw around the word lightly, but you, Zalmy, are a true hero. I salute you.
Your friend and inspired fellow Shliach,
Moshe
P.S. The mother has since passed away. A fund has been set up to help this Shliach overcome these new challenges and expenses, especially to purchase a van for the new addition to their family. Donate here (specify: for Kudan).
Zalmy, your Kew Gardens family is so very proud of you and Shterna’s selfless act of chesed. May Hashem bless you with much brocha and hatzlocha, and true yiddishe nachas from all your children.
B”H This is so inspiring to hear. I think this may just be my inspiration for the year. What a selfless, non-elitest, kind, and generous act of love. The teenager’s mother, will no-doubt, be your guardian angle. It for sure meant so much to her to know, on her death bed, that the love of her life will be in good hands. At that moment she was so helpless, and while she was physically dying, her immense love for her child was brining on. You allowed her to die in peace. Thank you for being such an inspiration. May HaShem… Read more »
Unbelievable!!!
a great guy help me once on a shabbos
Thats so inspiring! Keep the awesome work Rabbi! People all over the world are being inspired from you and your family !
Thank you so much for an amazing atitude !
May we only hear good news from you and your family. May Hashem only give you the best forever, brachot, nachat from everyone !
My shluchim took me in and have provided a home for me for the past two years, they took me in with no hesitation and made it clear from the beginning that I could participate (or not) in whatever I wanted. Before them, I had been homeless living on couches and in basements since my family situation was abusive. Thank G-d for Shluchim!
selfless!
How about: “You and YOUR WIFE took him in to live with your very own family…” ! The credit is due to both of them.
You guys are so inspiring! I had the privilege of meeting the Kudans a few summers ago. I was so impressed by how well they treated the counselors they hired! You greeted us so warmly and I’ll always remember that!
May he be a great addition to your family, yasher koach to both of you- wow!
Zalmy and Shterna you never cease to amaze me with your kindness and positive energy which you spread to all who know you. I am so proud to know you both. Hatzlacha raba!!
This is so inspiring. Everyone go and donate! This is really special.
amazing shliach!!!!!! shkoyach!!
Beyond inspiring!
Let us all put our money where our mouth is and show that that we REALLY care. Just donated $100.
Please click on the link!
These are true true yiddishe people.they save lives. Do anything to save a life.
They don’t ask…do you rent..or own..or talk about the rubbish , they save lives.
Hashem is so proud of them.
Go from strength to strength.
My brother Sdbk an overseas shliach adopted a teen girl when he was too young to have a teenage child.Very busy doing his shlichus we weren’t told of this new addition.But when his familyy picture included a teenage girl in pants,we found out her gradmother who was left to raise her was going to send her to the church.So my brother and sister in law as usual did whatever needed done and adopted her!!they should have only nachas!
yes his wife is super super special. they are a real team with a bunch of little babies.
adopting a teenage boy completely changes the dynamic of their home and life style. true mesiras nefesh!
he must have a super super super special wife
I guess this is the time to give credit where credit is due to the many shluchim who don’t get recognition for the numerous children they have adopted as their own..
A shliach near me adopted TWINS at age 6 (after an extremely turbulent past) and have been living by them ever since.
today they are in yeshiva and seminary in israel.. (of course paid for by the shluchim who have a large family of their own)
and im sure this one example amongst many…
The Rebbe’s army!
I have tears in my eyes! What a true inspiration!!!
That’s a real shliach!! May you go M’Chayol El Chayol. May we only hear good news!
That’s serious selflessness
I second this letter all the way!
As a camp director and Shliach myself, I benefited a tremendous amount from Zalmy’s advice and practical guidance. I am extremely inspired. Thank you Moshe for speaking up!
You are the best in the world
Tarzana
I am so nispoel.
BS”D
we are lucky to have a shhliach like him around.
Zalmy,
You are truly one of the most selfless people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet.