The Proud Zeidy, Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov, Director, Chabad of NE Florida with the two new Shluchim!
The dual expression of “Mazal Tov! Mazal Tov!” took on new meaning this past holiday, to the Kahanov family, as two new members danced into their lives during all the joy and festivity.
Rabbi Mendy and Nechamie Browd (nee Kahanov) , Shluchim in Jacksonville, Fl, gave birth on Shmini Atzeres at around 12:00 pm to a happy baby boy.
To the surprise and delight of the hospital staff, Fraidy Vogel (nee Kahanov) and her husband Levi, new Shluchim to St. Augustine, Fl, arrived the very next day at the same hospital, same floor, three rooms down, with same the Bubby following in step.
Mrs. Kahanov, who was in the hospital with her daughter (Browd) while she was giving birth, had walked the 8 miles back home in order to celebrate Simchas Torah with the rest of the family and community.
It was a wet but very happy father and Bubby that entered the room, right in the middle of Hakofos, bringing a new wave of energy and excitement to the already joyous festivities. The crowd erupted in cheers and, with wishes of Mazel Tov, continued dancing to the tune of Siman Tov and Mazel Tov.
Hours later, Bubby was back in the same hospital, this time with her second daughter (Vogel) . This truly made her the Bubby of the day!
Between the black hats, the laws of Yom Tov, and the growing number of candles that were displayed in the waiting room, the maternity ward was all a part of the family Simcha.
The hospital staff could not do enough to accommodate their new patients with their special needs. Calling home to leave messages for the eager fathers and family at home, flipping on and off light switches and opening countless boxes of tissues, etc.
Not only did the same doctor deliver both babies- but the nurse who had participated in the first birth, insisted on staying hours past her shift to assist in this extraordinary event. Having just familiarized herself with the specific customs and provisions involving an orthodox woman giving birth on a Jewish Holiday, Nurse Danielle felt indispensable.
The Vogel baby was born early Friday night, only hours after his newborn cousin. Upon attending the Shalom Zachor, smiling guests back at home found themselves repeating the words, “Mazel Tov! Mazel Tov!” as they learned of the second Simcha.
The Bris (ritual circumcision) for Baby Browd will take place IY”H this coming Thursday, the 29 of Tishrei. The Vogel Bris will IY”H be held on Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan.
The Chabad community of Jacksonville looks forward with anticipation to hosting the Browd and Vogel out-of-town guests this coming Shabbos and to the extended festivities that have, for most, just come to an end.
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