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New Chabad Representatives Broach Intermarriage Directly

Lubavitch.com
Rabbi Yair and Debby Vassershten, new Chabad representatives to Santa Fe.

Santa Fe, Argentina — The toughest challenge for the new Chabad representatives to Santa Fe, in Santa Fe province, Argentina, is to gently dispel mistaken notions about Jewish identity pervasive to this community of 1500 Jews.

“Assimilation here is very high, and we have a lot of people of mixed marriages harboring misconceptions about Jewish identity,” Rabbi Yair Vassershten told Lubavitch.com.

Since coming here from Buenos Aires by the invitation of Rabbi Shlomo Tawil, Chabad’s representative to Rosario, Rabbi Vassershten and his wife Debby have been received with warmth and even gratitude by people on the street and in their places of business, where Vassershten goes to seek them out.

The people here are remarkably “absorbent,” he says, describing their openness to yiddishkeit, despite so much misinformation.

Rabbi Vassershten has been going door to door, introducing himself. “Many are telling me that they feel so good to know that someone finally cares about their spiritual life.” One non-Jew approached the rabbi, and upon learning why he was there, said that he wished his priest would come knocking at his door too.

Article continued (Lubavitch.com)

The apartment of the new Chabad representatives, doubles as Santa Fe’s Chabad House.

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6 Comments

  • JOhn

    I wish you ALL the best,

    May you inspire many, many Jews to do Teshuvah and to return to their roots!

    And even making Aliyah!!

    :D

  • Miriam Jaskierowicz Arman Ph.D.

    The fact that you are in Santa Fe is a miracle desired by the Rebbe. When I first spoke in Santa Fe, two and a half years ago for the women at the very first women’s tea ever, I spoke of the REBBE and was very sure then that there would be a Sheliach soon. The invitation to come to Santa Fe was extended to me by very dear friends Judith and Israel Moljo, who single handedly in the past three years have brought Shabbos and Yiddishkeit into the city. Because of their work, the community became more and more aware of their“heritage” and the work which they have done in the community as a whole must be acknowledged. A few weeks ago they again sent 14 children to B’nai Brak and a beautiful Torah was brought by the Rav from B’nai Brak to Santa Fe. They are so giving and open… their work has brought much light and love into that community. Please do not forget them…extend a hand and befriend them..they are full of love and giving and will be a great asset..I cannot wait to return….