A Letter From Rabbi Yehuda Shemtov
This past September marked the 25th anniversary since Miriam and I moved to Yardley, as ambassadors of the Rebbe, obm, to begin the task of establishing the local branch of the Lubavitch movement, with the mission of transforming Bucks County as another source of spiritual light for the world.
These have been an introspective few months, as I reflected on the past 25 years of my life. To be sure, we have had incredible success. Along with a very devoted group of 4 Rabbis & Rebbetzins, we established 3 strong centers serving the Jewish population in Bucks County; created one of the largest network of educational, social and spiritual services in the area.
Yet, not everything is always as it appears to be. To be honest, I feel a huge void. A sense of emptiness. I have, therefore made the decision to move on from the past and open a new chapter in my life.
The void and emptiness I feel are the 10’s of thousands of Jews who have not been inspired with our uplifting message of Jewish. Done joyfully. Assimilation, apathy, and indifference have seeped very deeply into the fabric of our people, and, despite the 10’s of thousands of Jews we have touched, there are so many we have not.
Times have changed. I must change.
I have decided, therefore, to stop reflecting on the past and focus on the future. To build on what we have begun 25 years ago and realize that we need to do SOOO much more than just strengthening our existing work. We need to expand. We need to grow exponentially. We need to reshape our image and our vision to meet the needs of the large Jewish community and address its real spiritual needs. We need to meet the alarming growth of assimilation and apathy head on, with a greater growth of inspired & joyful Judaism.
This first day of Chanukah, of rededication, I begin the new chapter of my life with renewed and doubled commitment to, in fact, reach out to EVERY Jew in the county.
On this 25th day of Kislev, when we celebrate the miracle of oil which led to the rededication of our holy Temple, I celebrate the 25th anniversary of Lubavitch of Bucks County with a rededication to growth.
Today, I announce our ambitious plan to strengthen and expand. Complete our main campus in Newtown. Strengthen our existing centers throughout the county, and expand to other frontiers.
Over the next few days, I will be introducing this initiative in various stages through our website.
Today, I introduce our new branding to reflect a fresh approach to meet the current and future needs of the community. Click here.
I hope you will join me and my fellow shluchim and shluchois in Bucks County to reach every Jew. To make the HUGE difference, to proudly be in the forefront of the fulfillment of our Jewish destiny, and proudly join in the march of the rededication of our Holy temple once again.
Happy Chanukah!
Rabbi Yudy Shemtov
Senior Rabbi/Executive Director
