Chabad of Markham has Crown Heights Shabbaton

This past weekend forty very excited and enthusiastic women left Chabad of Markham, Ontario full with anticipation as they made their way to spend a real wholesome Shabbos in Crown Heights.

The women spent a few hours in Manhattan and rushed off to prepare for Shabbos in Crown Heights. After lighting Shabbos candles they were treated to a special Davening at the Ahavas Yisroel Shul, replete with singing and great Kavana.

The women stayed at different homes in Crown heights and were impressed with their hosts incredible hospitality and graciousness. The meal, the Dvar Torahs, the warmth, a real tribute to our Rebbe!

The entire Shabbos kept the women busy physically, emotionally and spiritually with a packed program of speakers and meals.

Goldie Plotkin and Esther Gitlin, Shluchos to Markham can’t express their appreciation enough to all the most wonderful hosts and individuals who helped make this shabbaton so meaningful and spectacular – Rabbi Yossi Jacobson who addressed the women on Shabbos morning at Beis Shmuel, Ella Lerman who spoke to the women on Jewish History at shalosh seudos, which was graciously hosted by the Shluchim office, thanks to Rabbi Gedalaya Shemtov and Rabbi Avrohom Green.

Rabbi SImon Jacobson who delivered a fiery lecture before Havadala, followed by an out of this world Havadala led by Rabbi Moshe Hecht. A big thank you to Mrs. Sima Dennenbaum for welcoming in our women so graciously and warmly.

The trip to the Ohel was momentous as the women davened at the Ohel and prepared their Pan. With tears and emotions running high, everyone felt a tremendous sense of awe as they approached the ohel and opened their hearts to the aibeshter. The connection the women felt to the Rebbe, our Nasi was palpable. A few prayers at the Rebbetzins Ohel finalized our experience there.

A walking tour of Crown Heights, a museum tour led by Rabbi Sholom Ber Baumgarten who so graciously welcomed us to the one and only Children’s museum wowed everyone. A visit and welcome to Michoel Muchniks art gallery, and of course a visit to the Rebbe’s room for more tefillos and yearning. Thank you to Rabbi Sholom Ber Gansburg for opening up the room!

This experience in New York is one that will be remembered for a lifetime. The kindness and generosity from all the hosts and residents of Crown heights was truly a Kiddush Hashem.

They say a guest for a while, sees a mile! I guess what I am saying is that we really have a lot to be proud of and the Rebbe’s community really knows how to welcome Shluchim and their communities. Thank you Rebbe!