Journey to Vietnam and Cambodia

Vietnam. Late morning at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi. Hundreds of passengers waiting by their gates for flights to various Far East destinations. All, without exception, turn towards the center of the terminal and stare at a group of young Jews wearing Tefillin.

Scenes such as this repeated themselves many times during the 12 days of the recently completed annual trip of members of Brazilian organization Espaco K (‘Space’ in Portuguese) to Cambodia and Vietnam.

“Nowadays, all students go on holidays and trips around the world,” explains Rabbi Dudu Levinzon. “To attract students to come with us on our trips, we choose destinations that the students would not reach on their own. Now, after three successful years of trips to India, Hong Kong and China, our registration is fully booked before we even have a chance to open it.”

This group of 40 students from across Brazil is part of Chabad’s Espaço K organization for Jewish students, established a decade in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The success of this unique organization has spawned branches in locations worldwide, including France, Austria, Germany, South Africa, Florida and more.

The first 2 days of the journey were spent in Southern Vietnam. The famous Cu Chi tunnels, the Mekong Delta, a tour of the vibrant streets and markets of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), were all capped off at the Chabad House of Rabbi Menachem Hartman, where the students enjoyed an inspirational and uplifting Shabbos together with the local community and Israeli backpackers.

On Sunday afternoon the group continued on to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, for the second part of their trip. The Northern Vietnam leg of the trip included the Tam Coc caves, a cruise to Ha Long Bay, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and the many attractions of Hanoi.

The next destination on the trip was Siam Rip, in Northern Cambodia. Arriving on Wednesday afternoon, the group enjoyed bike-riding through the scenic villages, a visit to a local school, a cruise to the floating village of Chong-Kneas, and tours of the many historical buildings and sites.

Late on Friday afternoon the group arrived in Phnom Pen, Cambodia’s capital and largest city, to spend Shabbos at the local Chabad House with Shliach Rabbi Bentzion Butman. The Friday night Davening with its exuberant dancing, and the Shabbos meal that was transformed into a spirited Farbrengen were an unforgettable experience for both the tourists and the local community.

The inspirational Shabbos was concluded with a musical Havdala service, followed by a festive Melave Malka meal during which all the participants expressed their appreciation. Addressing the group, Rabbi Butman quoted a member of the local community who told him that “This Shabbos with the Brazilian group moved me even more than my visit to the Kotel. To celebrate together with Jews from Brazil and around the world in such a remote location gave me an indescribable sense of Jewish pride.”

“These trips create a special bond between the participants,” says Rabbi Moishy Libersohn, one of the organizers. “Our trips have a powerful impact on the participants, and the camaraderie they create among the group helps us significantly in our other activities in Brazil.”

The trip was organized by Moshe Goldstein and Bentzi Sasson of “Exotic Kosher Travel”, (www.exotickoshertravel.com) who specialize in organized tours to exotic and remote locations, with much experience with groups, organizations and communities.

Photos: Bentzi Sasson