By Yaacov Brooks
A delegation of women from Latin American communities, experienced the wonders of Crown Heights, delving into the past and present of Chabad’s outreach hub, with a 2-day itinerary of immersive tours and classes, all in Spanish, organized by The Spanish Desk at Merkos 302.
“He called each person a universe, a glimpse of divinity within the dust, a warrior, a healer, a sacred spark,” Reina Benarroch typed a poem in her Miami condo, recalling standing in the Rebbe’s office on a recent trip to Crown Heights. “And in his gaze, deep as time itself, he invited us to rebuild the world, to weave a bridge of kindness, between the mortal and the eternal.”
Growing up in the 1960s among the Sephardic community in Venezuela, Reina Benarroch wasn’t deeply familiar with the Rebbe or Chabad. Years later, now living in Miami, Florida where Chabad has an impactful presence on her life, she was eager to learn about its iconic leader and origins. Shortly after Sukkos, she joined a group of Spanish-speaking women for a tour of Crown Heights and a visit to the Ohel.
The two-day getaway, organized by Rabbi Chai Kohan, director of The Spanish Desk at Merkos 302, came about as an indirect result of a connection formed on mivtzoim some 20 years ago. Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, then a student at Miami Yeshiva, would visit Mr. Meir Shnitzler weekly on Fridays to lay tefillin. Now a key figure at Chabad Headquarters and having maintained the connection over the years, Rabbi Kotlarsky gave Mr. Shnitzler and his wife Gillian a tour of 770 on their recent trip to New York.
Inspired by the vibrant energy in the beating heart of Chabad’s global activities, its lively atmosphere, and deep spirituality, Mrs Shnitzler wanted to share the experience with her circle of friends. She pitched the idea to her peers at the Rosh Jodesh Latino club in Miami, and with the coordination of Rabbi Chai Kohan and logistical support from Aidy Freeman, the plan came to life.
“Our goal was to provide a platform for Spanish-speaking people to learn about Chabad in an immersive way, in their own language,” explains Rabbi Chai Kohan. “Everyone was able to take one nugget of inspiration into their daily life, and now many attendees asked us to arrange a similar trip for their husbands! Which we will gladly arrange in due course.”
The trip was opened to the public and a second group of ladies from Costa Rica, led by their head shlucha, Mrs Chana Spalter joined the itinerary.
Beginning with a brunch in Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky OBM’s home, the cohort was addressed by Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302 who highlighted the Rebbe’s appreciation for every last Jew no matter their geographic isolation. Mrs. Rochel Benchimol, Co-director of the Manhattan Sephardic Congregation illustrated a similar theme with stories.
There was no wall he believed could not be torn down, no shadow his light could not reach.
“Each act of kindness,” he said, “is a candle lit in the darkness, a promise to the soul, a dance to the Creator.” Reina’s poem continued.
Rabbi Hillel Raskin, program coordinator at Chabad Latin Center, New York then gave a tour of 770, the iconic building from where the Rebbe’s influence poured forth to all corners of the globe. Exploring its ephemeral corridors, the ladies saw where the Rebbe answered letters from thousands of Jews daily, addressed throngs of Chassidim who went on to become leaders in their own right and gained a new appreciation for the Chabad movement they’ve come to love.
Thus, his words thundered, and his steps left traces of hope. His movement is not just a march; it is an ocean of ignited souls, a force that still dances today, a rushing river toward redemption.
Just a short walk away, at the JLI offices, Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum, Mashpia at Oholei Torah, led an interactive Torah class in Spanish. The packed schedule which also included a Mikva tour, and a visit to the Rebbe’s home on President Street, concluded with a lavish dinner addressed by Mrs Molly Resnick, at the Jewish Children’s Museum.
After regaling the attendees with her remarkable story of finding faith through Chabad in the 1960s, which The Rebbe himself encouraged her to share, Mrs. Resnick invited each attendee to share their personal highlight and a practical takeaway they gained from the trip. Across borders, but bonded by a shared experience, new friendships were formed.
Uplifted by the trip, Reina Benarroch didn’t want to keep the inspiration to herself. “It was so moving to learn about the Rebbe in my own language. To visit the Ohel, his home, his office, to walk in his footsteps. That’s why I wrote the poem about the Rebbe, so those who don’t know can learn too. It’s all about learning new things, and sharing that magic,” she said.
The trip culminated in an educational visit to the Rebbe’s room in 770 and to the Ohel in Queens, complete with an introductory class on the Ohel’s significance and how to conduct oneself during the visit. Attendees headed home with a renewed understanding of Chabad’s operations, the role of a Tzaddik, and a strengthened commitment to spreading its warm light to others too.
Such was the Lubavitcher Rebbe, a living flame, a divine torch, and every soul he touches, every heart he awakens, is part of his fire, a spark in the great chorus of the world, crying out for redemption, burning with his flame, living in his name, the poem concludes.
