24 mins ago

Shliach Builds Jewish Life on a Cambodian Island

Thousands of Israeli travelers visit Cambodia’s Koh Rong each year, and the local Chabad House has quickly become a hub of Jewish life on the island. From Tefillin and daily Minyanim to a Menorah lighting, a Siyum Sefer Torah and a Pesach Seder for nearly 400 Jews, Rabbi Shalom Ber Natan and his family are expanding their activities while raising funds for a generator, renovations and essential supplies ahead of the coming Yomim Tovim • Read More, Photos

A young Chabad House at the edge of the world, already achieving remarkable things in a short period of time. Where, how and why? Meet Koh Rong. A beautiful tourist island in southwestern Cambodia, right on the Gulf of Thailand. White beaches, clear waters and tropical forests fill the island from one end to the other.

Thousands of Israelis arrive here every year as part of the famous post-army trip, coming to breathe and relax before returning to the race of life. Most stay for a week or two, but quite a few are captivated by the place and remain for longer.

Just three minutes from the sea, Rabbi Shalom Ber Natan welcomes us to Chabad House. Over a cup of coffee, sitting on the couch across from a picture of the Rebbe, we hear his story:

“We arrived on the island with the Rebbe’s blessing through Igros Kodesh, just before the Kinus Hashluchim. Already as we stepped off the ferry, we met the first Jew on the island, who merited to put on Tefillin with us. We knew that the activity was beginning right then and there.

“A few weeks later, we were privileged to celebrate Chanukah together with the travelers. A three-meter-tall menorah was placed on the central pier, and every evening we lit it together with more than 200 Jews. Dancing, Chanukah songs and the smell of donuts filled the air. You could say that the entire beach celebrated Chanukah together with us in the glow of the Menorah.

“Since then, we have managed to find a location, renovate it and adapt it for Chabad House activities, and above all, meet and work with hundreds of Jews every week. Davening, Tefillin, Shiurim, Chavrusas, writing to the Rebbe, and of course, a Kosher restaurant. There is never a quiet moment.

“As the days passed, on Shabbos Zachor, just before Purim, we experienced an especially moving moment: the Siyum Sefer Torah here on the island, for our Chabad House. Excited travelers welcomed the Sefer Torah as it arrived on the island by ferry. After the writing was completed, it was carried in a joyous procession to the Chabad House. The entire island danced that night.

“More days passed, and more and more Jews heard about Chabad House. By Pesach, we were privileged to sit down to a Seder with nearly 400 Jews!”

The activity at Chabad House, thank G-d, continues to grow, and great lights require great vessels. There are still many basic things we lack in order to provide the best possible services and reach every Jew, both physically and spiritually.

For example, the island was connected to the electrical grid only in recent years and has since become a very popular destination. Nevertheless, electrical problems remain common, and there have already been occasions when we were left without electricity for several days. We therefore urgently need to purchase a suitable generator. A significant investment, but an absolutely essential one for the ongoing operation of Chabad House.

In addition, we need to bring a container from Israel containing kosher food and essential supplies. Another section of the Chabad House still requires renovation and expansion so that we can properly feed and accommodate everyone who comes through our doors.

There is still quite a bit of basic equipment that is needed, and there is much more work to be done.

As we approach the New Year, the Yomim Tovim, and the large number of Jews expected to visit the island over the coming year, we need your help. We have launched a campaign ahead of the New Year, and we would greatly appreciate it if you would visit the link, take part and become a partner in the activities of Chabad of Koh Rong.

A monthly donation of any amount will provide us with a stable foundation to support our activities throughout the coming 12 months.

One donation from you can help thousands of Jews.

To donate, click here.

With appreciation,

Rabbi Shalom, Odaya and little Mendele
Chabad of Koh Rong, Cambodia