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Nine Young Shluchim Bring an Unforgettable Shabbos to Southwest Florida

An extraordinary Shabbos at Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida leaves an entire community uplifted, inspired, and wishing their special guests could stay just a little longer • Read More, Photos, Watch

What happens when nine enthusiastic young rabbinical students arrive at a Chabad House, bringing with them an abundance of Chassidic warmth, infectious joy, heartfelt singing, and an unmistakable passion for Yiddishkeit?

At Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida, the answer was an unforgettable Shabbos that left an entire community energized, inspired, and asking one question:

“Rabbi, how can we get them to stay?”

This past Shabbos, October 23–24, nine young Shluchim from Yeshivah Dor Hashvi’i in Miami spent Shabbos with the Jewish community of Southwest Florida, under the leadership of Rabbi Yitzchok and Rebbetzin Shani Minkowicz, together with Assistant Rabbi Eliezer Tewel.

And from the moment they arrived, it was clear that this would be no ordinary Shabbos.

Welcoming Shabbos With Song, Dance, and Jewish Pride

Even before Shabbos began, the young Shluchim were already singing, filling the Chabad House with the unmistakable sounds of Chassidic melodies and the joyous anticipation of Shabbos.

Their enthusiasm was contagious.

As community members gathered for Friday evening services, the atmosphere quickly transformed into an electrifying celebration of Jewish life.

The prayers came alive with heartfelt singing, spirited dancing, and a beautiful sense of togetherness. Young and old joined in, swept up in the warmth and excitement. It wasn’t simply a Friday night service. It was an experience of Jewish unity, where the joy of being Jewish could be felt in every corner of the room.

Following services, the community gathered for a beautiful Shabbos dinner filled with delicious food, inspiring words of Torah, heartfelt conversations, and, of course, more singing. The celebration continued late into the evening. In fact, the gathering went on so long that the lights eventually went out!

But perhaps that was the most fitting moment of all.

The physical lights may have gone out, but the spiritual light illuminating the room was shining brighter than ever. Nobody wanted the evening to end.

A Shabbos Morning Filled With Torah and Inspiration:

Shabbos morning began with the young Shluchim joining community members for the study of Chassidus, sharing the timeless teachings of the Rebbe and the profound spiritual wisdom of Chassidic philosophy.

That inspiration flowed naturally into Shacharis, where the students once again brought extraordinary enthusiasm, beautiful melodies, and a vibrant spirit to the prayers.

Following services, the community gathered for a festive Kiddush and Chassidic farbrengen. What began as a traditional Shabbos gathering blossomed into hours of heartfelt inspiration, Chassidic singing, Torah insights, and meaningful connection. The farbrengen continued until 4:00 in the afternoon!

Community members remained captivated by the sincerity, warmth, and youthful energy of these remarkable students.

There was something especially powerful about watching young men, devoted to Torah, Chassidus, and the Rebbe’s mission, share their love of Yiddishkeit so naturally and joyfully. Their enthusiasm reminded everyone that Judaism is not merely something we practice. It is something we celebrate, something we live, and something that fills our lives with meaning and joy.

Dancing Under the Stars – A Beautiful Conclusion to Shabbos:

As Shabbos drew to a close, the community gathered for the afternoon and evening prayers, followed by Havdalah.

But the inspiration did not end there. Under the beautiful Florida night sky, the community joined together for Kiddush Levanah. And once again, the young Shluchim burst into joyous singing and dancing. It was a breathtaking conclusion to an extraordinary Shabbos.

Under the moonlight, surrounded by fellow Jews united in song, prayer, and celebration, the community experienced yet another beautiful expression of the joy and vitality of Jewish life.

The dancing continued, the smiles were everywhere, and the memories will undoubtedly remain long after the students returned to Miami.

“Rabbi, Can We Keep Them?”

Perhaps the most meaningful testimony to the success of the Shabbos came afterward.

Community members approached Rabbi Minkowicz, one after another, expressing how deeply they had been touched by the visiting students. “Rabbi, how can we keep them here?” several asked. With a smile, Rabbi Minkowicz joked, “Maybe we should just take away their car keys!”

But behind the laughter was a beautiful and heartfelt sentiment. The community had experienced firsthand the extraordinary impact that young rabbinical students can have when they bring their learning, sincerity, warmth, and Chassidic enthusiasm into the lives of fellow Jews.

It awakened an even greater dream:

“Our hope and prayer is that one day, G-d willing, we will establish a Yeshivah right here in Southwest Florida,” said Rabbi Minkowicz. “Imagine having young Shluchim learning Torah, inspiring our community, bringing joy to our prayers, and filling our Chabad House with this beautiful energy every single day.”

Nine Young Shluchim, One Extraordinary Mission

The nine visiting rabbinical students from Yeshivah Dor Hashvi’i were:

* Shneur Weinstein
* Avremel Ostrozynski
* Menachem Haberman
* Moishy Hornbacher
* Chaim Yosef Cohen
* Shloime Belinsky
* Moshe Wagner
* Menachem Silver
* Mendel Spritzer

Each brought his own unique warmth, personality, and enthusiasm, but together they represented something far greater: the enduring vision of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, that every Jew has the power to illuminate the world around them.

These young Shluchim did not simply visit a community for Shabbos. They brought light, they brought joy, they strengthened Jewish pride, and they reminded everyone of the extraordinary beauty of living a life filled with Torah and Mitzvos.

The Music May Have Ended, but the Inspiration Continues!

As the students departed, they left behind much more than wonderful memories.

They left behind renewed enthusiasm for prayer, a deeper appreciation for Torah study, stronger bonds of Jewish friendship, and a community eager for more.

Rabbi Yitzchok and Shani Minkowicz, together with Rabbi Eliezer Tewel, expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the nine young Shluchim for sharing such a meaningful Shabbos with the Southwest Florida Jewish community. Nine young Shluchim. One unforgettable Shabbos. Countless Jewish souls inspired.

And perhaps the greatest blessing of all is that the inspiration of this Shabbos will continue to shine, bringing even more Jewish warmth, unity, and joy to Southwest Florida.