What Happens When Chabad Bochurim Go on a Trip

By Sruly Meyer/COLlive

During a recent trip, a group of Chabad bochurim did exactly what you’d expect from them. Continuing their mission to inspire other Yidden, and find those who need, to put on Tefilin as per the Rebbe’s directive.

Sarah Dukes shared with COLlive.com about her son Mendy‘s experience as he, along with seven other Bochurim, embarked on a journey to the Grand Canyon, where a meaningful encounter ensued. Joining Mendy were Yudi Zalmanov, Shloimy Rubinstein, Mendel Sollish, Avremy Shapiro, Nissi Lebovics, and Zalman Wolvovsky, all led by Menachem Meltzer.

Sarah recounted: “Even though this was not an official Merkos program, they organized this adventure for themselves, yet they embraced Mivtzoim even while on a break. They shared stories with the local Chabad house and a gathering of 70 people on Shabbos.”

One memorable Tefillin encounter was with a man who is from the Netherlands. It turned out to be Hashgocha Protis because he also owns a second home in Flagstaff, the city near the Grand Canyon. Impacted by the experience with the bochurim, he sought out the local Chabad Shluchim Rabbi Dovie and Chaya Shapiro.

The Shapiros mentioned that it’s amazing that they found someone who is local and they haven’t met them before. “We are so happy the boys met this Yid, who is now looking to be more involved in our activities. They found someone we never met, which is a pretty big deal for small-town Shluchim who feel like they’ve already met every single yid in town that there it to meet!” Mrs. Shapiro told COLlive.

The week the Bochurim were in Flagstaff for Shabbos coincided with them hosting a frum camp with over 60 guests visiting from New York. “The bochurim joined the meals, and everyone was inspired by their stories,” Mrs. Shapiro said.

Chabad of Flagstaff is accustomed to hosting Frum visitors, and they enjoy the diverse atmosphere of frum families and their own community interacting.

“Serving the Jewish community here, including the NAU campus, has always attracted frum visitors due to our proximity to the Grand Canyon and beautiful national parks,” she said. “Our new Chabad house has expanded our capacity to cater to everyone, including frum visitors. We get frum families everywhere, including places like Lakewood and Monroe.”

She highlighted the unity, saying, “It’s inspiring to witness the amalgamation of frum and non-frum individuals joining to celebrate Yiddishkeit.”

The visiting bochurim continued to make a Kiddush Hashem by proactively sharing their Tefillin stories and their commitment to Shlichus.

Rabbi Shapiro added, “We host Pesach and Shavuot programs that unite our community with other frum individuals. This interaction showcases Yiddishkeit to both groups and garners tremendous feedback. Last Sukkos we had a group go to the campus to shake lulav and esrog, and we had a father and son from Boro Park join them, and they had an incredible experience doing so.”

“For many Frum people visiting Flagstaff, this is their first up-close interaction with Chabad Shluchim, and the energy between them and the community is electric. We all walk away benefiting!” Mrs. Shapiro concluded.

For those interested, the website for visitors is www.thekoshercanyon.com. The upcoming Sukkos program promises relaxation, inspiration, and adventure, inviting families to enjoy the sights and celebrations during Chol Hamoed.