Chabad of Japan hit
the streets this year with a Sukkah mobile, an unusual sight for Tokyo.
Dozens of Jews, both businessmen and tourists were given the
opportunity to bench the arba minim. Along with the sukkos mivtzoim,
plenty of Sheva Mitzvos publicity, a major activity in Japan, was also
done. The Mivtzoim was arranged by the local Tokyo shluchim, Rabbi Binyamin
Edrei and Rabbi Yosef Kelinman.
Rabbi Kleinman
Helping the Yidden Bench on the Arba Minim
On his music tour in Japan, reggae star Matisyahu Miller
partook in the Shabbaton in the luxuries “New Hutney” hotel. During the
Shabbaton the participants were introduced to thought provoking topics
on the fundamentals of Judaism and Chassidus.
The guest, Matisyahu, discovered this Shabbaton after spending the
previous Shabbos with the Shluchim Rabbi Binyamin Edrei and
Rabbi Yossi Kleinman. After Shabbos Matisyahu concluded the
Shabbos in a “high note” as he made havdalah and sang the nigun “Tzama
Lcha Nafshi” of the Rebbe which he customarily sings at his
performances. The shluchim and guests left the Shabbaton deeply
satisfied from the programs and from the guest, Matisyahu who truly
goes beyond the letter of the law in using his influence to spread the
Rebbe’s message.
B’’h
Chabad House of Japan was established around 7 years ago.
In Japan, there are around 3,000 Jews. There are about 10,000 Jews, who
come for business annually.
Chabad House of Japan is a non-profit organization. Every Chabad House
fundraises for its own community. It is the spiritual lighthouse of the
area.
Around 1 year ago, we opened a kosher restaurant in central Tokyo. It
is opened daily, and provides gourmet kosher food for anyone interested.
Around half a year ago, we slaughtered kosher chickens in Japan. This
is the first time that large scale, kosher slaughtering was ever done
in Japan.
We have weekly Torah classes for men and women. Many Torah lessons are
given over the phone daily, to Jews all around Japan.
Every Shabbat, we have services and a festive Shabbat meal that
follows. Many participate, as it reminds them of their roots, and
brings them a sweet taste of Judaism.
We have a monthly children’s’ program, called Tokyo Jewish Birthday
Club. It is geared to teach the children, about the Jewish Holidays in
every month in a fun, hands-on, creative way.
There has been a great spiritual revolution, since we arrived in Japan.
Many have come close to the Torah and keep mitzvoth.
Our biggest challenge is a kosher women’s mikveh.
As of today, there are women who use the ocean as a mikveh. Needless to
say the extreme difficulties involved in this.
We resolved to build a women’s mikveh, with G-d’s help. The total cost
is $350,000. This total price includes buying the land, 100 square
meters, and the actual construction of the mikveh.
We have a base of $115,000.
We would like to ask anyone who can, to help us to build this mikveh by
donating money. We are sure that G-d will repay in abundance, measure
for measure. There will be a plaque on the wall right near the entrance
to the Mikveh, with the names of all the donors.
Please take a part in this important and urgent cause.
Below is an excerpt of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Melech Hamoshiach,
regarding the importance of building a mikveh.
‘’…regarding the noise in regard to family purity (mikveh), one should
think, that it is as if G-d gave him the opportunity to save a whole
city from destruction (death), G-d forbid.
Surely he would sacrifice his life for this, and he would praise G-d
that gave him the merit to do this great kindness. Even more so, the
noise (regarding building of the mikveh), is literally saving lives.’’
We will ask a blessing from the Lubavitcher Rebbe Shlita, for all the
contributors.
Our fervent prayers that G-d fulfils all your heart’s desires for the
good. May we merit the complete redemption, with the coming of Moshiach
now.
All around the world, in every country, you will find a Chabad House.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Shneorsohn, King Moshiach,
established these centers. The goal of Chabad Houses is to be an open
house for acts of kindness and charity. A place where people could
learn about themselves, and their connection to G-d and the Torah. It
is an educational center. The continuous and ongoing success of these
‘’lighthouses’’ shows the demand and necessity of such centers
worldwide.
Especially in our times, where there is a spiritual hunger, for meaning
and direction. There is a great weakness in values and morality. The
goal of Chabad Houses is to supply people to be focused on the proper
things in life, so that they can be an asset to society.
The U.S. government has awarded the Lubavitcher Rebbe, King Moshiach
for his incredible achievements and contribution to society. They
established his birthday, every year as Education Day U.S.A. in a
Congressional resolution.
Chabad House of Tokyo Japan, directed by Rabbi Binyomin Edery, has been
active in Tokyo for the past 6 years, running educational programs, for
children and adults, celebrating Jewish festivals, establishing a
kosher restaurant. Now we are starting a new national project, helping
needy people in Japan. Underprivileged persons will know that they can
get food or household products in an honourable way without shame.
The project stages are divided as follows:
1- A Soup kitchen, where people can get hot food, ready. We will also
have a service, where food will be delivered to houses.
2- Household products and equipment. Electrical appliances, cleaning
products, blankets,
3- Children’s necessities, books, clothes, school supplies,
4-Advice and mental support
To achieve this goal we have established a new Non-Profit-Organization
(NPO) in Japan, under the Chabad group umbrella named: “Chabad House of
Japan”.
We will collect donation and distribute services under this
organization which will be transparent for donors and hope it will
create not only better life for the needs but also better feeling and
joy for the givers.
We would like to give everyone a chance to being a partner in this
blessed project. By contributing money or products, people will be
happier and lead easier lives.
Please join and encourage your friends to be part of these acts of
goodness and kindness.
Sincerely yours,
Rabbi Binyomin Edery
Chabad House of Japan
For contributions please send to
Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi, Omori branch, 1258988, futsu, Chabad House of
Japan.
May G-d repay you in abundance for your generosity of heart.
Long live the Rebbe King Moshiach forever and ever.
