Today, the most successful way to start a new yishuv in Israel is with a “garin,” aka a “seed group.” The Ohr Chabad garin is made up of 25 (soon to be 30) families, who will be moving into the Yishuv together in the coming months. Until then, we get together as often as we can, to build our community spirit and love.
On Purim, many of our garin families got together for the most beautiful seuda, with homemade food.
On the women’s side Chaya Mushka Hendel started off the farbrengen on the topic of simple bitachon (faith). We then discussed the Rebbe’s maamer (discourse) on VeAta Tetzaveh and how to keep the flame burning today through learning chassidus and thinking about it to the point that we feel the desperate need to light up every corner of the world and bring Moshiach. This then led to a discussion about loving every Jew as they are, for the soul inside—and then how much more wonderful life is when you can truly feel joy for other people when they have good things.
The farbrengen led to spirited dancing and laughter, celebrating that we will soon be living together in Ohr Chabad.
On the men’s side the farbrengen revolved around building a community in the spirit of our Rebbeim, and what that means according to various teachings in Chassidus. They discussed the importance of getting out of your comfort zone to do what the Rebbe wants.
Ofer Cherkasky pointed out that at this point in his life he is thank God truly comfortable. He has a nice home, job, and family—and that’s how he knows it’s time for him to get up and do more! Setting up a new yishuv in the very early days will not be easy, but it’s what the Rebbe wants, and we are the Rebbe’s feet.
Of course the men sang and danced and put on the clown noses that the children brought them.
Moran Farin organized programs for the teens, who in turn organized programs for the younger kids. They played games, put on plays, and wrote silly stories which they then read to the parents between fits of laughter.
Then the kids ran off like the little tribe they are, looking out for each other and, painting each other’s faces (over and over again), and getting into all kinds of good mischief.
Next year we will celebrate Purim in Ohr Chabad, and hope you will join us too!
