Trip to Lubavitch Town Leads to a Marriage Proposal

Chabad of Rostov’s group of young professional students needed a boost of inspiration. With the current political situation, and the closest airport being closed for over a year, the Shluchim were desperately trying to figure out how to inspire them with a unique and unforgettable experience. And so, they decided to give take them an unforgettable experience and take them on a 24-hour bus journey to the historical village of Lubavitch.

As Chabad Chassidim, Lubavitch holds a special place in our hearts. But why did this trip attract 26 students to make such a trek in the middle of winter? The answer is simple: the Neshama stays warm even in the coldest temperatures. There’s nothing more meaningful than hands-on, experiential learning.

This trip gave the students young professionals time to unplug from their daily grind and connect to their Jewish roots while being enveloped in this incredibly holy and historical village.

During the trip, they had the opportunity to connect with each other and to their Judaism in a real, tangible way. But most importantly the students also had the great honor and privilege of praying at the resting places of the 3rd and 4th Rebbes of Chabad.

For two students in particular, Ida and Levi, this trip was probably the most memorable and monumental journey in their life.

After spending the morning davening at the Ohel of the Rebbe Maharash and the Tzemach Tzedek, Ida and Levi got engaged!

Their group of friends was honored to say mazal tov to what may very likely be the first Jewish couple in over 100 years to get engaged at the Ohel of our Rebbeim in Lubavitch!

The young Chosson had known for a while that he wanted to marry his Kallah, but something was holding him back. She was more advanced in her religious observance than him. He knew he needed to make some changes, but he wanted to learn and discover a deeper connection to Judaism authentically in his own way.

So, off to Yeshiva he went for six months, in preparation for the day he and his Kallah would be ready to ask the Rebbe for his blessing for their engagement. And what better place than in the city (village) of love?

As the entire group celebrated the engagement, they were reminded that every time a Jewish couple decides to build a home on the foundations of Torah and Mitzvos, it goes against the tides of assimilation, Communism, Naziism, and all anti-Semitism. And this couple, in particular, has overcome their personal hurdles to reach this point. Their journeys have merged most beautifully, and everyone proudly wished them only blessings and a Bayis Ne’eman Yisroel.

Although Chabad left the village of Lubavitch for good in 1915, the name of “Lubavitch” stuck, even after the Rebbe Rashab left for Rostov in 1915. Now it represents a unique way of life—one we all hold near and dear to our hearts. This trip was an unforgettable experience for the young couple and all the students.

As Sara so clearly expressed: “We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with each other and to our Judaism in a real and meaningful way.

“Thank you so much for the incredible opportunity to plunge into the holy atmosphere of Lubavitch. Although the journey was long, staying there more than made up for it. My soul was saturated with strength from visiting the origins of Chabad, and it left an indelible impression on me.”