Jamaica News, Montego Bay: On Sunday, October 28, at the old hospital park in Montego Bay, Chabad of Jamaica (a local nonprofit know as “the one stop shop for everything Jewish” which includes, a synagogue, welcome center and the Kosher Hot Spot restaurant) along with the Metal-Brecker Foundation Inc. of New York, hosted a family fun charity event where school supplies were distributed to hundreds of Jamaica’s needy children. The fun included a delicious lunch, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, face painting and rides.
In a message to Rabbi Yackov Raskin, director of Chabad of Jamaica and Jamaica’s only rabbi, Minister Bartlet said; “thanks for your continued support of the Jamaican children and so many other causes. Chabad of Jamaica and the Metal-Brecker Foundation Inc., has touched us deeply!”. This message was delivered by Deputy Officer Gayle, who had organized for the children to attend the event.
Since his arrival four years ago (July 2014) with his wife Mushkee, Raskin has seen lots of success in his efforts to unite the local Jews of Jamaica by hosting and creating many holiday and recreational events. In this vein, they dedicate much of their effort to seeking out those local Jews who have, for one reason or another, found themselves disconnected from any Jewish community. The success of the Raskin’s and their Chabad of Jamaica, has added an element of excitement and buzz amongst the areas Jewish population.
In addition, Jamaica is host to some 200,000 Jewish tourist who visit the island by sea or air each year. As such, Chabad of Jamaica receives hundreds of calls each week from potential tourist seeking information about the island and its Jewish life.
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Visitors now know that there is a synagogue, a kosher meal for Shabbat or Jewish Holidays, a quick class on Jewish thought, and of course delicious meals at Chabad Kosher Hot Spot which opened up in July 2017. All of this, and more, is lovingly provided by the ‘all present’ Rabbi, making the experience that much more memorable.
The ultimate goal, is reaching out and touching all mankind on the Island with G-d’s message of love, kindness and dignity for all.
The following was sent by Raskin to his congregation and to all Jews in Jamaica this morning:
“We are shocked and saddened by the terrible and brutal murderous attack in Pittsburgh, PA Yesterday morning. No words can describe this horror and evil. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.
“Shabbat is a time of peace and serenity. This tranquility was brutally disrupted with the devastating attack on Jews praying in their Synagogue on Shabbat day in Pittsburgh. We are all grieving along with the families in mourning. Because that’s what we Jews do.
“We are shocked, in disbelief. Not just for the devastating loss of life but for the basis of these senseless murders. It’ll soon be eighty years since Kristallnacht. It beggars belief that “death to the Jews” is still a mantra heard on the lips of twenty-first century haters.
“But we must not give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity. We, the Jewish people are a collective affirmation of life. Our existence and achievements are a living testimony to one of Judaism’s greatest messages to humankind: the principled defeat of tragedy by the power of hope. Because that’s what we Jews do.
“Shabbat commences with the lighting of candles and concludes with the lighting of a candle. All through the ages Jewish people have responded to their plight by permeating the darkness with the light of goodness and kindness. As we pause to consider the enormity of the tragedy and ponder the question, “what can I do about it?” In the face of this darkness, look to illuminate the soul of another. In the face of such tragic death, make a difference to one other life.
“Join us today October 28 for our annual Charity Fun day event To increase in acts of goodness & kindness from 1-3PM @ Old Hospital Park, Montego bay
“May the souls of those tragically taken be bound in the bond of eternal life; May G-d send comfort to those who mourn and healing to those injured. May we see an end to all devastation and a “Shabbat world” filled with peace and harmony among all mankind.
“Am Yisroel Chai – We the Jewish people have, are and will live on forever more. Because that’s what we Jews do.
“Rabbi Yaakov Raskin
Chabad of Jamaica
Your one stop for everything Jewish”
A Moment of Silence was held during the charity event on Sunday, in memory and prayer for the 11 victims who perished during the terrible and brutal attack in a Pittsburgh synagogue this past Saturday. The children who attended the charity event were encouraged to add in light and positivity, as it is the only means by which we can chase away darkness and negativity.
At the dawn of human history, G‑d gave man seven rules to follow in order that His world be sustained. “The seven biblical laws” which were given by G-d through prophet Moses, on the mount of Sinai for all mankind, are a sacred inheritance of all the children of Noah. The great Rebbe and world leader, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, demonstrated how every person on the face of the earth can use these as the basis of his or her spiritual, moral and pragmatic life. If enough of us will begin to incorporate these laws into our lives, we will see a different world very soon. Sooner than we can imagine. and by increasing in goodness & kindness, can we successfully dispel all hate, thus redeeming and perfecting our world forever.
For more info about Chabad of Jamaica ltd. and their services, visit http://www.jewishjamaica.com 1-3 Gloucester Avenue (Hip Strip) Montego Bay, Jamaica
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