This was written by Yael (Jacquie) Rosenfield
Jacquie Rosenfield, a Mansfield resident, spent the weekend of February 12-16 2009 in Crown Heights section of Brooklyn NY, at the Chabad Lubavitch world headquarters. She was attending a guest program geared to supporters of Chabad centers around the world, running simultaneously with the international conference of Shluchos (Chabad Rebbetzin’s). She writes a brief rendition of her experience:
“When I decided to go as Tzivi’s (Kivman, the Shlucha to the greater Mansfield, MA area) guest to the Shluchos Conference in Crown Heights, all I knew was that I wanted to go and what I was hoping for was a total immersion in Chabad. I wanted more than just an evening class or even a Shabbat experience. Other than that, I didn’t know what to expect. I could not have imagined what a joyous, enriching, enlightening experience it would be.
There were about 150 of us guests attending (those who were not Chabad Shluchos but had come with their Rebbetzins). I quickly bonded with them because we were all on the same path of learning more about our Judaism and practicing more mitzvot. Some were closer to the beginning of their path and some were further along, but we were all on the same path.
We exchanged stories of what got us into Chabad – some through their children – some through going through a loss and seeking Jewish guidance – many different stories. And then there’s mine – my excuse is: “they (Rabbi Yossi and Tzivi, the local Chabad Lubavitch representatives) moved in 2 blocks from me!” But I also knew that I was ready.
The days were a combination of classes on a wide range of topics that included: Mikvah, applying the Ten Commandments to your marriage, and Prayer. We heard a speaker who was from the Chabad House in Hebron, Israel, about what it’s like living walking distance from one of the holiest spots in the world – the graves of our forefathers and foremothers….and how she puts her 6-year-old child on the phone to convince potential visitors that it is safe enough to visit.
We had a spiritual guided tour of Crown Heights that included a visit to a Matzah factory, a scribe where they make Mezuzahs, Tefillin and Torahs and a Chassidic art gallery. At the Matzah factory, I learned about the special process that must be followed to make the hand made ‘Shmurah’ Matzah. The process including careful watch not to allow the dough to rise, by making the Matzah from start-to-finish in less than 18 minutes! After learning about it, I made the decision to eat only Shmurah Matzah at my future Seders.
Chabad’s philosophy is that, together with action (mitzvot) one has to have Knowledge. This is exactly what I now know to be true. I learned so much – over the weekend - about G-d, what the purpose of our lives are and how we can make G-d happy; and to thank Him for our lives by following the commandments/directives that he gave us. I started being able to see the divine intervention in every aspect of my life.
In addition to classes and tours, we were served meals three times a day fit for royalty. Most meals were served to us all together in the Jewish Children’s museum across the street from ‘770,’ Lubavitch world headquarters. However, many meals were in the homes of the people who graciously opened their homes to us guests. The spreads were amazing – always a variety of salads, cold foods, warm foods, catered and presented beautifully. Our tables had fresh flowers on Shabbat and at other times a model of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
Shabbos was a special experience. We each had dinner with our respective Shlucha (Chabad Rebbetzin), and I was treated to an amazing Shabbos dinner with Tzivi, her mother and many of her sisters (all of whom are shluchos in different areas of the world) at her aunt and uncle’s home where the table was also set fit for royalty and the food was so good I ate much more than my capacity. The atmosphere was warm and comfortable and I felt like I was with family.
Shabbos day there were more lessons, more food and more bonding. We had a chance to go to “770” (the main synagogue) which was packed to the hilt; and a Havdallah service in someone’s home.
The home that I stayed at was with relatives of Tzivi who did not know who I was until I arrived. They’d just moved into their new home and were so excited to have their first guest. They bought beds and new bedding. They truly practiced Hachnasas Orchim (the Mitzvah of inviting guests into ones home). They had another guest from Israel, a shlucha who had arrived unexpectedly, who they also did not yet know personally. She shared the room with me and so, luckily, I was forced to practice my Hebrew because she knew very little English. It was a new and good experience for me to share a room with someone who followed the mitzvot to their ability. e.g. netillat yadayim (ritual washing of the hands) upon awakening, covering one’s head at all times and davening (praying) Shacharis in the morning.
Sunday we visited the Ohel – it was my second time going – and as I was familiar with it, it was all the more meaningful for me. Since then, I’ve had numerous miracles occur, and I’ve taken on more new mitzvot.
As we are learning in the Tanya class, if we consider spiritual priorities as more important than bodily wants and needs, we can be content and joyous. This became truth for me over the weekend.
I want to end by saying that I heard the definition of happiness this weekend as ‘knowing who you are and knowing where you’re going’. I’m very pleased to say that, thanks to Chabad, I am happy.”