One of the reasons why I am a big supporter of the Chabad movement is because of their welcoming nature. Whenever I have visited a Chabad house, be it in Venice, Italy, Dubrovnik, Croatia, New York, New Hampshire… etc. every Rabbi I have met has been warm and welcoming. My good friend Rabbi Levi Baumgarten runs the Mitzvah Tank on behalf of Chabad, and I enjoy spending holidays with him and his family.
I think the scrolling headline across the homepage of the Chabad of Mumbai website says a lot about Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg who were killed in the recent terror attacks:
“Open Hut Sukkah! All welcome!! We look forward to welcoming you for Maariv followed by Kiddush at the Sukkah and Hakafot October 20 at 8:00 pm at the Chabad House for more information call 022-2283-1770.”
I have a heavy heart today, and my condolences go out to their families and friends. I also learned that Chabad established a fund to aid relief efforts in Mumbai, and people interested in making a contribution are encouraged to visit ChabadIndia.org.
I was saddened to read of their deaths as well. May the memory of the lives they lived contribute to world peace and may those who love them find peace and comfort.
Alav hashalom