The effect of Shabbat in the Heights, the annual Shabbaton of the Jewish Learning Institute held in Crown Heights, is still reverberating with the 250 participants.
“This visit affected my life, I am not the same after the visit as before,” wrote Gregory Anderson of Miami Lakes, Florida to the organizers at JLI.
“I felt connected to the Rebbe, and to Chabad as never before, and a sense of how much this message must reach out to Jews who are not connected yet.”
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen of Charlotte, North Carolina, said: “It would be hard to pinpoint just one thing on the program that amazed the members of my community who came.”
“It was the total experience that thoroughly impressed upon them the mission of Chabad,” he said, referring to the warm welcome of the Crown Heights community, the inspiring message of the speakers, the visit to the Rebbe’s shul, home and Ohel and more.
“The weekend gives participants insight into what motivates their Shluchim to serve with total dedication,” said Rabbi Shmuly Karp of JLI, who organizes the Shabbaton.
Participants also learn that they don’t need to be a Shliach to influence others. Jane Marcus, of Vernon Hills, Illinois shared that after her experience with Crown Heights hospitality she resolved to “widen my net and increase the number of guests I welcome in my home for Shabbos.”
For many, the weekend crystallized what they have been experiencing in their local Chabad House. Kenneth Wehl of Lynnwood, Washington, says that “now I know where I belong. Chabad is a perfect fit. I also have an amazing appreciation for the Rebbe.”
