Google Translate, 16 Interviews, and an Argentinian Adventure

Over 20 years ago, JEM launched the My Encounter project, an ambitious undertaking to collect firsthand accounts of personal interactions and experiences with the Rebbe.

Recently, their mission took them a flight away: to Argentina.

For four full days, from early morning until late at night, the JEM team conducted sixteen interviews, recording close to forty-five hours of footage.

Hiring a local filming crew, Google Translate saved the day, giving them a way to communicate with the Spanish speaking videographers. By the end of the trip, they had accumulated nearly three terabytes of material, capturing memories that can now be shared and bring inspiration to communities around the world.

While these interviews will be carefully researched and released over time, here are a few brief glimpses into what was shared:

Mrs. Sarah Tawil recalled how, when she and her husband were leaving on shlichus to Argentina in the early 1960’s, the Rebbe personally came to the front door of 770 to see them off — and remained standing until their car disappeared from view. She described feeling the Rebbe’s fatherly concern again and again, through every challenge and milestone.

Rabbi Shaul Mizrachi shared a gripping moment when his three-year-old child fell into an elevator shaft and lay in critical condition. The doctors lost all hope. That very Sunday, a family friend in New York went by the Rebbe for dollars and asked for a blessing. The Rebbe gave a brocha, and soon after, the child suddenly woke up, and made a full recovery without lasting injury.

Mrs. Shterna Grunblatt spoke of arriving in Argentina as a newlywed and the early, uncertain days of building Chabad there. At one particularly difficult moment, overwhelmed, she wrote a heartfelt letter to the Rebbe asking for strength. The response came swiftly: “Praiseworthy is her portion, and great is her merit in spreading Judaism and the wellsprings of Chassidus outward…” Those few words became a source of courage she held on to, and continues to hold on to, to this day.

Thanks to your ongoing support, stories like these — and countless others — are being recorded, preserved, and ultimately shared to inspire people around the world.

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