Holtzberg tells of Mumbai Work

This week, students of the Ohel Chana Werdiger Learning Institute in Melbourne, Australia were privileged to have a visit from Rabbi and Mrs. Holtzberg, parents of Rabbi Gabi Holtzberg A”H, together with Rabbi Avremi Berkowitz who is assisting them in rebuilding the Chabad house that was destroyed in India. It was a very emotional experience for the students as Rabbi Holtzberg gave insights about the Shlichus of his son and daughter in-law HY”D and told them just a few stories about the life of true Shluchim of the Rebbe – Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg.

Despite the incredible physical and spiritual challenges raised by living in Mumbai, Gabi and Rivkah Holtzberg never let the difficulties impede their shlichus. They were completely dedicated in every way to every single Jew that they had met in Mumbai, whether they were local Jews or the many tourists and business people who came through Mumbai. It was very difficult to live there but still they were incredible in the work that they achieved there.

Rabbi Holtzberg emphasized to the students that a Shliach is like the meshaleach – the one who sends you. Every Shliach and Shlucha is sent by the Rebbe to do the job of the Rebbe and every chossid can learn many lessons from Gabi and Rivkah and make them practical for life. They told a few stories about Gabi and Rivky that illustrated this idea in so many practical ways. The students were very inspired by their example and took upon themselves hachlotos in memory of the Holtzbergs.