Chasidic Influencer Shlome Zionce Promotes Tolerance and Mutual Respect at Chabad of Orange County’s Summer Social BBQ
Ninety participants from across Orange County gathered for a Summer Social BBQ at the elegantly lit backyard of Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston, in Monroe, NY. Delicious dinner and desserts, fine wines and cold brews were enjoyed by all. Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston, directors of Chabad of Orange County, NY, welcomed the crowd and Rabbi Pesach sounded the Shofar, a tradition during the month that precedes the High Holidays. After sharing an inspirational message, Rabbi Pesach introduced the unique speaker for the evening – Hasidic influencer Shloime Zionce, describing him as an “out of the box Chasid.” “There are as many types of Chasidim as there are flavors of ice cream,” said Rabbi Pesach, “and their perspectives and worldviews are just as many,” he explained. “It’s refreshing to have a Chasid who breaks stereotypes as a Chassidic YouTuber, podcaster and travel writer. Burston then introduced Zionce.
Zionce, a 27-year-old father of two, is a travel writer for Ami magazine. He also serves as an ‘ambassador’ of sorts to the Hasidic community often appearing in viral YouTube videos and TV Shows, explaining Chasidic culture and traditions, with millions of views. As he travels around the world, Shloime spreads love and warmth as he teaches about Judaism while learning about other cultures. He has visited more than forty countries, many of which are not frequently visited by religious Jews.
The Orange County community was fascinated as Shloime described his travels to Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Afghanistan and many other countries. He shared stories about finding kosher food in Afghanistan, explaining tefilin to airport security in Saudi Arabia and being mistaken for an Israeli spy. He explained that at times he encountered challenging and even dangerous situations.
He also shared the life-lessons he learned. “We need to see the humanity in other people and try to interact with individuals who are different from us. It will enrich both your life and the lives of those around you.” In many countries, Shloime was the first Chasidic Jew people met, and the positive and warm impression shaped the way Jews were viewed. “As Jews, let’s be proud to be Jewish,” says Shloime. “I’ve walked around dressed as a Chasidic Jew in the heart of the Arab world, and all I have received is love and respect, because people love and respect someone who is 100% comfortable in their own skin.” (During his talk it began to rain. It was thus moved inside).
As a world traveler, Zionce has visited many Chabad Houses. Now, he is starting to travel to Chabad Houses to share his stories and insights of his travels. Chabad of Orange County is the second Chabad House to host Shlome Zionce as a speaker. Last week, he visited the Chabad of Suffern community, led by Rabbi Shmuel and Devorah Gancz.
For more info on Chabad of Orange County events, log onto www.ChabadOrange.com, email rabbi@chabadorange.com or call 845-782-2770. To view Shoime’s Youtube channel, www.youtube.com/c/ShloimeZionce/videos.
