First Seder for Jamaica Chabad

Few Jewish holidays evoke the same warm sentiments as Passover. Memories of family and friends gathered as the four cups of wine were poured, the four questions asked and the Matzah served, all contributed to Passover’s popularity in the Jewish community. Over 60 residents and tourists from all over the globe participated in Chabad Jamaica’s first Seder.

“Passover was a wonderful gift from G-d,” said Steve Kaufman from Ocho Rios. “On this weekend at Chabad Jamaica I have never had such a warm spiritual communication with G-d; I felt so privileged to be a part of it. I have been Jewish all my life, and this was one of the most moving experiences.”

Chabad’s community seder is part of a global Passover campaign that began in 1954, when the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of blessed memory, considered the most influential rabbi in modern history, launched the Shmurah Matzah initiative as part of an effort to create awareness and promote observance of the holiday. This year an estimated four million hand-baked Shmurah Matzahs were distributed by the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. In addition, millions of Passover guides in 17 languages educated people on the meaning and practices of the holiday. Every Jew in Jamaica received the matzos as well.

This Pesach, Rabbi Yaakov and Mushkee Raskin answered their calling: to celebrate Judaism and the warmth of their heritage together with the Jamaica community and its tourists. By promoting a deepened awareness and inspired commitment to Judaism, they hope to create a more unified and robust celebration of Jewish life in Jamaica.

Chabad’s presence on the island has a long and storied history, dating back to the summer of 1957. Over the decades, Jamaica was served by rabbinical students who visited the island, mostly during the summer months or for Jewish holidays. Today, nearly 60 years later, Jamaica has become the ninth Caribbean island to have its own full-time Chabad presence.

Passover in Jamaica was made possible by Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky and 2 special families, the Druin and Gratsiani families who came down to the island to celebrate the holiday. Bochurim Rabbi Chaim Levi Cohen and Rabbi Mendy Grossbaum were sent by Merkos, and came down to make this year’s Seder, a Seder like never before. We truly thank them all.

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Check out their Kosher take out service and other services at www.chabadofjamaica.com.