Donor Thanks Winter 2023

WINTER 2023 EDITION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Shahar’s Story Rained In — Rosh Hashanah in Pai Chaim’s Legacy Hugs for you

BANGKOK | KOH SAMUI | PHUKET | CHIANG MAI | LAOS | PAI

SHAHAR’S STORY SHAHAR RADA

18 YEARS OF INSPIRATION

SHAHAR, YOU BELONG HERE. YOU ARE ONE OF US. THAT WAS MY WELCOME.

KIRYAT NETAFIM, ISRAEL

Shahar shared his story while on break working as a reservist in the Israeli army in Be’eri, a kibbutz destroyed by the terrorists on October 7. A deep contrast with the destruction behind him, his uplifting testimonial inspires and encourages us as a nation to continue to connect with one another — with deep love.

It was 2005 and like so many of my friends, I decided to get some ‘air’ after finishing my service in the Israeli army and travel the world. One night in Khao San, I asked a man for directions to the Chabad House. I walked in and seeing a microphone and keyboard, I started singing and playing. Shortly after, a man walks in — it was the same one who had given me directions.

“You’re a singer?” He asked.

“I’m a professional keyboard player!”

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We start performing together.

Just A few minutes later, Rav Nechemya walks in and greets us with great joy, “G-d sent me a keyboard player and a singer! We’re going to have a Hachnasat Sefer Torah tonight!”

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One of my first days there, I walk in to see Rav Nechemia hugging a strange guy. He had wild dreadlocks, messy clothing, and coming closer his smell overwhelmed me — I didn’t understand how Rav Nechemya could be so generous.

So a few hours later, in private, I asked him. “Rabbi, I’m amazed, isn’t it hard to hug some people? His answer reflected his genuine, pure love for all of Am Yisrael. “Shahar, listen, if you’re hugging a diamond, you don’t check first if it’s clean.”

Thailand brings people where they need to be. Whether it’s Shabbat dinner or oneg, or one on one interactions, with Rabbis or fellow guests — visitors feel an openness in the Chabad House, a safeness and where there’s an opening, there’s a place to heal.

Shachar, you belong here. You are one of us. That was my welcome. And that feeling hasn’t changed — not in 18 years. player

Purim with Rav Nechemya

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YOU CHANGED MY LIFE. JUST IMAGINE YOUR IMPACT ON THE MILLIONS OF JEWS PASSING THROUGH YOUR DOORS.

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Sometimes a person has to run away to find a source of light in their life.

Chabad of Thailand provides that light for millions of people. Look at me, Shahar Rada — look how deeply my visit lives with me — 18 years later? And if I am one person, just imagine what you do for millions of Jews passing through your doors. Thank you for changing my life.

Ofir, the keyboard player from my first visit to Chabad of Bangkok, and I became close friends and continue to perform for Chabad of Thailand.

(Above) Shahar and Ofir perform for soldiers in Israel at a Chabad of Thailand event October 15.

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I once asked Rav Nechemya, “To what extent do I need to make an effort and work to reach my dreams and aspirations?” He answered. "You have to give it your everything—your 100%— but in the end know that what happens is from G-d and meant to be."

This message guides my life—to do my best even while the outcome is not in my control.

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PURIM IS FOR GIVING After that first visit to Chabad of Bangkok, I committed to sing and bring joy to communities outside of Israel every Purim. In the beginning when I was single, it was easier. Now, thank G-d, I am married with three children, it’s not simple. I do it because I am inspired to be part of the giving.

Warm goodbyes with Rabbi Kantor after performing for soldiers in Israel

RAINED IN ROSH HASHANAH IN PAI ADI STAV

CHAIM’S LEGACY THE KASNETT FAMILY

The Thai fixing my scooter squints looking up at the horizon. "Big rain coming,” he says Finished, he jumps on his motorcycle to make it home before the deluge starts. I also rush to get myself together for Rosh Hashanah dinner in the Chabad House and leave just as monsoon rains begin pouring relentlessly on the little village of Pai.

On April 25th, 2018, our family received the devastating news that Chaim, the shining light in our family, had drowned while traveling in Goa, India.

Under the makeshift canopy in the Chabad House courtyard, backpackers arrange festive tables and prepare food. I worry, looking at the tables, would anyone actually show up in such a storm? But more than 400 men and women show up drenched in their holiday best to dip apples in honey and crown G-d king.

The Thai security couldn’t understand it, "Who are these crazy people who came to gather in such a downpour?" The awnings barely hold back cascading water and we sit together, our feet in puddles, declaring our hopes and wishes for the upcoming year as we eat symbolic foods. We sing holiday songs, and stand together to perform an enthusiastic rendition of the "Kol haOlam Kulo," including traditional dance moves.

Chaim loved to travel and explore the beauty of the world, to meet new people and enjoy new experiences.

Chaim saw the good in every person, the humor in any situation and the beauty in the world. He made friends with anyone and everyone and never once judged someone by their religious observance, beliefs, background, or history. We made a promise to Chaim: we would create a space where people can feel comfortable and safe, where differences are bridged and friendships formed, and where travelers from all over have a place to ground themselves as they journey.

Outside there’s a storm, no one in Pai goes out. But in this courtyard the hearts of the people refuse to be stopped by rain as they celebrate the sovereignty of God in the world.

And so we promised to establish a Chabad house in his name in Pai, a place he had visited and loved so his beautiful legacy can live on,

“Really, my experience was so special and pure! I never felt this way about my Jewish part of the life. You made me feel and connect with the true and pure version of Rosh Hashanah.

‘Thank you’ doesn’t express enough” CHABAD OF THAILAND DONOR APPRECIATION NEWSLETTER

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS POSSIBLE

THIS YEAR’S GROWTH Women’s Mikvah complete in traveler’s Chabad of Bangkok First Jewish Kindergarten in Koh Samui New Rabbi moves to Phuket to develop local community Purchase of the Chabad of Koh Phangan property Reopening of Chabad of Laos Completion of the new Jewish cemetery in Bangkok

Thanks to you over 100,000 guests joined Shabbat and Holiday meals this year in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Pai, Koh Phangan and Laos.

YOUR SUPPORT CREATES A SAFE OASIS OF HEALING FOR THE SOLDIERS AND ISRAELIS EXPECTED TO VISIT. “As someone actively involved with the wounded, I know Chabad of Thailand will be the next step in the healing journey for soldiers, and for so many in this country."

DR. DAVID STRAUSS Chabad of Thailand “Alumnus” Doctor and volunteer coordinator of program which has distributed over $1,000,000 worth of donated medical supplies to the front since the beginning of the war

CHABAD OF THAILAND DONOR APPRECIATION NEWSLETTER

Celebrating

Rosh Hashanah in Phuket

Learning about Chanukah in Koh Samui

Backpackers relaxing at Chabad of Bangkok

Dear Friends, Soldiers waiting to enter Gaza hugged you.

During our 36-hour solidarity trip to Israel on October 15, Rabbi’s Nechemia, Eliezer and I hugged hundreds of soldiers on your behalf.

The hugs surged with emotion as many soldiers remembered their visits to Chabad of Thailand.

Inspiring kindness and charity at Chabad of Bangkok

We felt Jewish pride and strength in those hugs.

Appreciation for Am Yisrael and for our tradition. They reflected gratitude for memories of warm Shabbat and holiday meals. Connection and friendship. Their hugs — and all these emotions belong to you.

Thank you for providing inspiring and joyous Shabbat tables at the warm and hospitable Chabad Houses throughout Thailand. Your ‘hugs’ now fortify these soldiers as they serve on the front lines protecting our people and our land.

Rabbi Yosef C. Kantor Director, Chabad of Thailand

YOU CAN BRING MORE LIGHT TO THE WORLD DONATE TO CHABAD OF THAILAND'S YEAR-END CHANUKAH CAMPAIGN AMERICAN FRIENDS OF CHABAD OF THAILAND 80 SHORE ROAD | PORT WASHINGTON, NEW YORK 11050

WWW.JEWISHTHAILAND.COM

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EIN 030498942

Visiting soldiers in Israel

Gathering for dinner and Torah at Chabad of Laos

JEWISHTHAILAND.COM/SHABBAT