Chabad of Wheeling

What an IMPACTFUL evening with close to 400 attendees!

Can We Pray For You?
It's been quite an adventure traveling here with our two little ones. We've enjoyed visiting family, friends, as well as the central Synagogue at Lubavitch World Headquarters and exploring the Jewish Children's Museum with Chana. Our return to Wheeling is scheduled for Wednesday, after nearly two wonderful weeks here in New York.

The highlight of our trip is happening tonight and tomorrow. We are here, along with tens of thousands of other Jews from around the world, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Rebbe's passing in 1994. Tomorrow, the four of us will have the privilege of visiting the Rebbe's resting place, known as "The Ohel."

Throughout Jewish history, the holy resting places of the righteous have served as our spiritual oases. The gravesites of our patriarchs and matriarchs, as well as those of our great sages, are viewed in our tradition as places of prayer and introspection and have provided solace to us for millennia.

Today, many people visit the Rebbe's resting place—the Ohel—daily, and countless more send their requests for prayers and blessings.

We would be honored to bring letters and blessing requests on behalf of you and your family. Please feel free to send them to me via email. When writing your letter or email, remember to include the Hebrew names of the individuals for whom you are requesting blessings, along with their mother's Hebrew name.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Mendel and Mushky Shmotkin

P.S. Click Here to learn more about the Rebbe's Yahrtzeit and resting place. chabad.org/3Tamuz

P.P.S.
We will be marking the 30th Anniversary, here in Wheeling:
Sunday, 6:30 PM at the Westin - with an unforgetful evening of unity and optimism. Be sure to buy your tickets at jewishunityevent.com .

Many of you reading have seen us in the past year and a half, at the park, in Town Center, knocking at your door, or just around town. Almost all of you have asked or wondered, “So really, what in heaven's name brought a couple like you from Brooklyn to Wheeling?”

You are not the only ones who've asked, and Wheeling is not the only place it is being asked.

You may have noticed Chabad’s rapid growth all over Chicagoland and, in truth, across the world. Many of you have seen Chabad Representatives on campus, supporting Jewish students through the craziness they have faced over the past few months.

The question is, why? What drives us?

We are all inspired and driven by the message, foresight, and inspiration of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson OBM. The Rebbe’s message of hope, positivity, and optimism that he saw in every Jew through his teachings and interactions, inspires us and thousands like us to be there for every Jew everywhere- and act as a beacon of light for all of the world and society.

As we commemorate 30 years since the Rebbe’s passing, Chabad centers in the area have come together to give us all an opportunity to celebrate the Rebbe’s life and legacy through learning about his message of hope and optimism.

Speaking on this topic will be a prominent writer and speaker who has authored many books, including the New York Times bestseller “Rebbe,” a biography of the Rebbe’s life.

Together we will gather in unity to gain inspiration and learn how all of us can internalize the Rebbe’s message into each of our lives, whereby we can live more positively and optimistically.

Together, we can take a deep breath, forget for a moment about the newsfeed that can often be negative and depressing, and sit with other Jews of all stripes and colors.

Put it down on your calendar and book your tickets at jewishunityevent.com.

You won’t regret it.

Hope to see you there,

Rabbi Mendel and Mushky Shmotkin

Thank you Wheeling Town Center for hosting this wonderful market! Congrats to Erika Rodgers for winning the JUMBO CHALLAH RAFFLE! Reach out to Erika if you'd like to help her out😆

So nice to meet so many new faces at the Market!

Women and girls! We have the special opportunity of ushering in the Shavuot Holiday in just a few hours, by lighting the candles! Chag Sameach!

Join us for a Super Special Shavuot Celebration!!
This Wednesday at 5:30
RSVP TODAY:)
wheelingchabad.com/shavuot

With thanks to the Almighty, we are so grateful to have reached our goal, 105%! We are so wowed by your support in making this happen! It takes special people like you to FUEL THE IMPACT IN WHEELING! Thank you for your care and encouragement and for those who donated TWICE, we have no words! We are truly humbled. We are truly lucky to have you as dear friends and family.

May the Almighty repay you with abundant blessings for you and your family!

With hearts full of gratitude,
Rabbi Mendel and Mushky

Thanks to the special people we know, we made it to 75% TONIGHT, at 9:57 pm!
Can you help us reach that final stretch?? 1.5 days left!
Charidy.com/chabadwheeling

Can YOU help us reach 75% today?!

A voice from a fellow Wheeling member:
Ever since the inception of Chabad of Wheeling, the major thrust has been to connect our community with Judaism and become one big family - united! We are so lucky to have Rabbi Mendel and Rebbitzen Mushky at the helm fulfilling the role of the Mitzvah of returning to our very own “family!” All the wonderful celebrations become an integral part of who we are! So let’s find joy and solace in our own family ! “Am Yisrael Chai!”

If you've considered donating and haven't yet, NOW is the time! We're counting on you to FUEL THE IMPACT IN WHEELING!! We can't do it without you! Every donation DOUBLED! only 2 days left!

If you have already donated, THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! We are tremendously grateful to have your support:)

Can you answer their call?

Can you answer the call of Jennifer, a Wheeling teenager, "I feel like the only Jew in town..."

Can you answer the call of Jordan, a young professional, "It is so crucial to have a safe space during these times- possibly the most difficult time for Jewish young adults. Our friends have turned their backs on us. There is so much confusion..."

Can you answer the call of Lauren, an elderly woman, "I feel so helpless and full of fear..."

Can you echo the voices of Brian, Cathy, Hillarie and Fay, who find immense comfort in celebrating and practicing our Holidays together?

We are LIVE for the next THREE more days! We are Fueling the Impact in our community! Making more of a difference. Reaching more lives. Forging more connections. Every donation you give, will now be DOUBLED! Your $36 becomes $72! Your $180 becomes $360! No amount is too small- your every dollar counts in Fueling the Impact in Wheeling!

Thank you to all those who have donated already! In the last 24 hours we've gone from 25% to 42% !! We are so appreciative to all of you who have made that happen!

We need YOU now to help us reach our complete goal!
Please donate TODAY!

With hearts full of gratitude,
Rabbi Mendel and Mushky

Getting geared up for our Jewish young professional Shabbat Dinner tonight! Excited to meet new faces as well. We are amazed at the number of JYP there are in Wheeling! If you or someone you know would like to be connected to JYP network- reach out and say hi! We're eager to meet you! Shabbat Shalom!

SAVE THE DATE! Come celebrate Shavuot together! June 12, 5:30 pm, Hear the 10 Commandments and enjoy a delicious Dairy spread!

Let's hear a shoutout for Tori Portman for winning the JUMBO Challah raffle!!!

What a downpour we had today! Many of you couldn't make it to the Wheeling Open Air Market... We missed you at our Challah Stand! You are welcome to stop by tonight to pick up a Challah, free of charge, as a treat for yourself or a loved one! Message (224) 279-1155 for pickup location. You also have an opportunity to win a JUMBO Challah, delivered to your home (within Wheeling) by entering the raffle wheelingchabad.com/challahraffle
Raffle will be drawn at 9:00 TONIGHT so don't delay and share with your friends!!

And of course, regards from our little helpers in the kitchen!

Busy, fun week! Getting geared up for Wheeling's Artisan Market tomorrow! Was so nice to meet so many in the community at our Challah Stand last year:) Come by tomorrow 4:30-8:30 for a Challah and chat! Don't miss the opportunity to win a JUMBO Challah as well!
Flashback to last year's good times...
Wheeling Town Center Marcy Skora Manning

Reach out today to hear more details! Preps are underway for this special Fri night! (224) 279-1155

Today we enjoyed a homey indoor BBQ, here at Chabad of Wheeling- celebrating Lag B'eomar! This day highlights the strength and unity of our people!

Let's gather together with the awesome Jewish young professionals in Wheeling for a warm Shabbat Dinner, filled with friendship and camaraderie! Enjoy the traditional Shabbat foods with a unique modern twist. Reach out today! (224) 279-1155

SAVE THE DATE! July 14
Mark your calendars for a truly unique evening, here in wheeling! Stay tuned for more details...

FROM OUR VERY OWN!

From our very own Mrs. J. Stein of Wheeling:

Today, more than ever before, it is so important to not only identify as a Jew, but to connect with our fellow Jews in our midst. The world is not only very divided about Israel and the Jewish people it has become hostile towards us. By standing together and united in our own community, we are not only protecting our heritage - but sustaining it! There is no better gathering place than our very own Chabad of Wheeling! Instead of feeling cold and isolated, Chabad of Wheeling offers warmth and rejuvenation through community programs. The Jews of Wheeling truly deserve the collectivity of sharing and celebrating their rich heritage! Through the auspices of Rabbi Mendel Shmotkin and Rebbitzen Mushky Shmotkin, we have experienced a fun and festive Purim , heard the blowing of the Shofar and the beautiful illumination of the Menorah in an intimate town hall setting! What could be better? With your help and the amazing dedication of Rabbi Shmotkin and Rebitzen Mushky we can achieve our very own “Am Yisrael Chai!”

A very special noteworthy addition to this article is that Rabbi Mendel and Mushky recently welcomed a beautiful baby boy adding to their family with daughter Chana!!! A hearty Mazel Tov!

WE ARE LIVE!!!!
We are excited to launch our campaign, where every dollar of yours will be DOUBLED! You will be IMPACTING our community- more connection, more programs, more celebration and learning, at a time when we need it most! No amount is too little! LET'S FUEL THE IMPACT TOGETHER!
wheelingchabad.com/match

IS TIME IN OUR CONTROL?

A "Timely" Message

BH

If I were to ask you, what is something over which you have no control? Wouldn't one of those things be time? The clock ticks, a day finishes, and a new day begins. However, a mitzvah performed this time of year may shed a different light on this.

When our ancestors left Egypt on Passover thousands of years ago, they embarked on a 49-day journey to receive the Torah at Mount Sinai. In anticipation, they counted down the days. And so, to this very day, Jews count down each day from Passover until the holiday of Shavuot, which celebrates receiving the Torah.

But thinking about it a bit more, what does counting time really mean? We usually count money or objects to avoid losing or forgetting them. Time, however, is beyond our control. So, what would be the purpose of counting it?

And here comes the powerful lesson this mitzvah tells us: Time is something valuable we can lose or own. It is in our hands to use it and own it by infusing it with Torah and mitzvot, and God's mission of making this world a better place.

Wishing us all success in "counting time."

Rabbi Mendel and Mushky Shmotkin

P.S. We hope to continue sending you more “timely” messages.

Flashback to last year Purim... Chabad of Wheeling's first Purim Party! Can't wait to celebrate with you this Purim on March 24🥳

SAVE THE DATE! Celebrate this Purim with your Wheeling Jewish community!
RSVP at wheelingchabad.com/purim

https://www.journal-topics.com/articles/hanukkah-offers-extra-significance-this-year-as-chabad-of-wheeling-holds-menorah-lighting/

Hanukkah Offers Extra Significance This Year As Chabad Of Wheeling Holds Menorah Lighting - Journal & Topics Media Group Wheeling Village President Patrick Horcher looks on as Rabbi Mendel Shmotkin lights the menorah. (Photo by Lara Jackson) The first Menorah Lighting was held at the Wheeling Town Center, located at 375 Dundee Rd., in Wheeling last Sunday, Dec. 10. It was presided over by Rabbi Mendel Shmotkin of the....

What a display of Jewish unity and pride- coming together for Wheeling's first Public Menorah Lighting!