The Guam Jewish community is receiving a visit from two rabbis.
Rabbi David Loksen and Rabbi Shmulie Hecht, of the Brooklyn, New York-based Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Community Enrichment Program, are currently volunteers with Chabad Hawaii, which sponsored their visit to the island.
Rabbis visit Guam’s Jewish community
The Guam Jewish community is receiving a visit from two rabbis.
Rabbi David Loksen and Rabbi Shmulie Hecht, of the Brooklyn, New York-based Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Community Enrichment Program, are currently volunteers with Chabad Hawaii, which sponsored their visit to the island.
Rabbi Loksen said the goal of the organization is to reach out to Jewish communities across the globe.
“Following World War II, (Jewish people) scattered all over the world,” said Loksen. “It is the mission of the Lubavitch to reach out to them and bring them back into the faith.”
The rabbis arrived July 22 and will be leaving Aug. 12.
Loksen said the rabbis have been doing house visits so far.
“We’ve been putting up mezuzahs, what you call a ‘Jewish security system,’” he said.
A mezuzah is a scroll placed on the door frame of a home containing verses from the Old Testament. The article serves as a reminder of the lamb’s blood Jews in ancient Egypt used to mark their doors for protection.
“We go to homes and teach them about Jewish heritage, about the Torah,” said Loksen. “We answer any concerns they may have as Jews.”
“There’s been a lot of discussion, a lot of shmoozing,” said Hecht.
The rabbis held a Sabbath service Friday at the Pacific Islands Club Resort.
Dr. Joel Joseph, a Jewish community leader on Guam, said there are currently no rabbis on island to tend to the needs of the Jewish community.
“Hopefully, we’re going to have a naming ceremony or two,” said Joseph, who said the ceremonies entail religious services relating to newborn children.
With no resident rabbis on island, Joseph said he’s acted as a community stand-in since his arrival.
“There was a funeral, unfortunately, not long after I arrived on island,” said Joseph. “No one knew the prayers, but I did, since I attended religious school.”
Hecht said it is possible the Lubavitch may assign a permanent rabbi to Guam, “depending on the needs of the community.”
aryeh
go shmuli go !!it ain’t the camp enviroment you so cherish but I hope your enjoying it
soooooooo proud!
go shmulie!!! your cali cuzzins are cheering you on!! keep up the awesome work!
Neatie...
mr loksen, whilst i am sure you did outstanding work there, it would be highly advisable to look neat and proper in appearence by tucking in your shirt,the people we are trying to be mekarev are not up with bochurim fashion and don’t realize it’s really cool,they just think you’re a shloch…
Rivky
Rabbi David! We are all so proud of you!
2113 lime st.
Keep up the great work!
dude
first of all its rabbi loksen second thats him he needs a wife to change that
Stop with the Gasmius
Did you ever see the way the Facebook CEO get dressed in the morning?
I’ts what inside that counts. Besides in Guam no one tuks in!!!!!!
zroslayasistritchka
Mr. Loksen looks pretty neat to me. Besides, it’s his charm and charisma that knocks people’s socks off. Not to mention his melodic voice.
CH Cynic
Rabbi “Dave” might want to tuck his shirt in…
hawaii;)
rabbi dave??? shelo sheenu shemosom…
looks like your doing a great job!
Judi
Reb Dovid came here to Hawaii and we loved him! We thought he was awfully dressed up though, so I am glad to see that he relaxed a little, itty bit when he went to Guam. Please come back to Hawaii anytime and keep spreading your sweet spirit throughout the Pacific!
Shai Gold
I may be heading to Guam, please send me the contact info of
Dr. Joel Joseph Thanks! Shannaj Tova