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Kitchen preparations in Bangkok
Photo: Nechemya Wilhelm
More modest event in Pune
Photo: Rachel Kupchik
Photo: Lior Deborzki
Unprecedented security in Cusco
Photo: Lior Deborzki

Chabad prepares for Passover worldwide

Many Israelis traveling, living abroad to spend seder night at Hasidic movement's houses across globe; 800 guests expected to celebrate in Bangkok, while 1,000 will read Haggadah in Cusco, Peru

Preparations for Passover are underway, and there's someone looking out for Israelis abroad: Chabad houses around the world are inviting everyone to feel at home and take part in the seder dinner Monday night as their guests – whether in South America or in the Far East.

 

"We have already begun cooking, and all the young folk are coming here to help us out," Cabad emissary in Bangkok Rabbi Nechemya Wilhelm told Ynet on Sunday. Rabbi Wilhelm estimated some 800 guest will participate in the Passover seder in the Thai capital.


Preparations for seder in Bangkok (Photo: Rabbi Nechemya Wilhelm)

 

"The feeling is that it's going to be a joyful and interesting Seder," he said, "Once it used to be only backpackers participating, but these days there are also families with children."

 

According to Wilhelm, the local police are making the necessary arrangements ahead of the Jewish holiday.

 

"They are taking security matters very seriously and are very eager to help us. They will begin blocking the surrounding roads in the afternoon, including a major intersection," he said.

 

In the southern city of Pune, India a more modest event is in the works. "We are having a small seder with about 50 guests since we are located in the south and there are not many tourists around here during this season – the temperature is around 40 degrees Celsius," explained Chabad emissary Rachel Kupchik, "We have single travelers, businessmen and local families that are having the seder with us."


Advertising seder in Pune, India (Photo: Rachel Kupchik) 

 

Also in Pune local authorities are taking security matters as top priority. Last month, nine people were killed and dozens injured in a terror attack that took place only 150 meters away from the Chabad house. Since then, Kupchik noted, eight police officers have been permanently stationed around the compound, and their number will probably increase for the holiday.


1,000 guests expected in Cusco (Photo: Lior Deborzki) 

 

Despite last month's attack and the terror attack at the Mumbai Chabad house a year and a half ago, Kupchik is not concerned. "India is a very relaxed place that favors Jews. When you say you are from Israel people are supportive and express concern."

 

Kupchik added her goal for the holiday is to make her guests feel at home: "The moment you enter the Habad house, you are with family – that's the feeling I want to relate to my guests and the travelers that are celebrating the holiday with us," she said.

 

Nothing will stop Israeli travelers 

Chabad house in Cusco, Peru will host 1,000 people for the annual seder. "Last year we were 1,500 but because of the floods and mudslides in the area, many stayed back in La-Paz and did not manage to get here," said Chabad emissary Rabbi Ofer Kripur. Despite the harsh whether, he estimates many will come read the Haggadah with him – "nothing will stop the Israeli travelers," he said.

 

And how do you prepare for such a seder? "We've already butchered two tons of poultry and bought 600 kilos (1320 lbs) of grapes. We also received a container of matzot and wine from New York. We hired some 50 people from culinary school and another 30 waiters and the whole project is overseen by my superb wife," Rabbi Kripur said.

 

According to Kripur, the security arrangements both in the police and at the Chabad house are "unprecedented. I worked in the past in the security department of El Al, so I have prior knowledge of the subject. In terms of security, god bless, we are all covered."

  

In Chile, the fear of terror attacks was replaced by fear for an earthquake. "We hope nothing happens on the eve of the holiday. We haven't experienced any aftershocks during the past two weeks and we hope it stays that way, but anything can happen," said Rabbi Elimelech Perman of Chabad house in Pucón. Rabbi Perman will host some 150 people at the Seder, while an addition150 will spend the holiday in the capital of Santiago.

 

"We erected a tent adjacent to the house, and it will be a big celebration," said Rabbi Perman. According to him, the majority of participants are backpackers, while the seder in Santiago also attracts local Jews that want to participate in a Passover seder, but do not know how to conduct it on their own. Both Chabad houses will be secured, as is customary in many Chabad locations around the world.

 


פרסום ראשון: 03.29.10, 08:47
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