I received this e-mail this morning, and it may be relevant to some of you:
WELCOME RABBI LEVI & FRAIDY GERLITZKY TO CHABAD OF THE BIG ISLAND!
We would like to extend a heart-felt welcome, Boruch Haba to Rabbi Levi and Fraidy Gerlitzky, and their son Mendel, as permanent Rabbi & Rebbetzin to Chabad of the Big Island and the larger Jewish community.
We feel privileged to welcome in such a dynamic, committed and caring couple to further Judaism in Kona, and the entire Big Island. Levi and Fraidy have a deep passion for spreading the warmth and beauty of Torah, all over the world! They have taken their passion all the way to Lagos, Nigeria, running Chabad activities for the High Holiday season.
The Gerlitzky's spent time on the Big Island this summer and saw the true (spiritual) beauty of the island and its people, and are eager to contribute and continue the mission of spreading Judaism to every corner of the island and every Jew they encounter!
They will be spending the next few months planning and obtaining resources for their Shlichus in Kona (lit. mission; term used for Chabad outposts, as they fullfil the mission set forth by the Lubavitcher Rebbe.) Once their spiritual and physical bags are packed, the Gerlitzky's will make their way West, and settle on the Big Island.
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Levi & Fraidy are replacing the Chazanow's who are currently residing in Honolulu.
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HAPPY CHANUKAH!
We now find ourselves during the days of Chanukah, when we so openly and proudly proclaim the message of light to the outside; the triumph of purity; a little light dispelling much darkness; the spirit of the Maccabee's, an abbreviation of 'All those for Hashem, follow me!'; fighting evil with good, and so on.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe lived this message every day of his 40+ years of leadership, and as a result has vastly changed the face of world Jewry! The Rebbe cared so deeply for each individual and their connection with Hashem, and thus began the mission of sending young Chabad couples to - literally - every corner of the earth to spread the light, warmth and pride of Judaism.
We are humbled to have been part of the Rebbe's tremendous vision, by bringing Chabad to the Big Island of Hawaii. While personal circumstances have brought us to the point of relocating, we know this in no way reflects on the strength of the Jewish spirit glowing on the Big Island.
We have every confidence that Chabad, under the leadership of Rabbi Levi & Fraidy, will flourish in a tremendous way. And as the Chanuka miracle & message lives on just as strongly today, so will the flame of Yiddishkeit continue to burn in Hawaii!
Sincerely,
Rabbi Avremel & Rivky