Roving rabbis hit the Poconos

| 29 Sep 2011 | 01:31

    Stroudsburg — Rabbi Mendel Bendet of Chabad Lubavitch tries very hard to make himself available to every single Jew in the Poconos. With Chabad’s open door policy, those who cannot make it to services, classes or programs are never forgotten; the Rabbi visits hospitals, assisted living facilities, and the elderly and feeble in their homes. But imagine if any Jew who wanted a visit from a Rabbi to their home or office could get one? Sounds impossible? Think again. The Roving Rabbis have hit the Poconos! Chabad has recently launched this new program with the purpose of giving every person on opportunity to learn more about Judaism in a personal way. Rabbi Yossi Bendet (a Rabbinical student from Brooklyn) and his colleague, will be spending the next three weeks roving throughout the Poconos, visiting, studying and schmoozing with all types of Jewish people from different areas of town. Equipped with Tefillin, Mezuzahs, Shabbat Candles and plenty of Jewish books and literature, these unique rabbis will bring along a chance to learn more about Judaism, do a Mitzvah, study Torah, or just Schmooze. Best of all, they will bring along their wonderful smiling faces. “Many think of religion (Judaism) as rigid and intense” says Bendet. “This is a great time to let them see how enjoyable and meaningful Judaism can be.” “That’s the Chabad trademark; making the Judaism available and easily accessible, but no pressure.” Rabbi Bendet is encouraging people to take advantage of this opportunity. He finds that many people are looking to get more involved, but have been held back. “For some it’s a gnawing question that they were never comfortable to ask, for others it has been an negative impression or experience from many years ago that has stayed with them, and others simply never had the opportunity.” Well the opportunity is here, “and we deliver. We’ll come to you at your convenience” says Bendet For more information or to schedule a visit contact Chabad at 570-420-8655 or info@jewishpoconos.com .