Rivka+Weglein

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= __Rationale__ =

When I was first introduced to this project I had trouble choosing who to interview, but as soon as I saw the documentary 'Gud Shabbes Vietnam' I knew exactly who I wanted to interview. The documentary was published by Menachem and Racheli Hartman, a Chabad couple who chose to leave Israel in order to open a Chabad house in Vietnam. In the interview I hope to find out what made them decide to go on this Shlichut, when they decided to go and what they actually do in their Chabad house. I am also interested how they manage a day to day Jewish life in Vietnam, which is a country so different from Judaism. During this project I hope to learn more about Vietnam, a country I don’t know much about. This project is one of the biggest I have ever done and I hope it will be interesting a successful as a whole.

 = __ Profile __ =

Rabbi Menachem and Racheli Hartman both grew up in Israel, Menachem in Kiryat Malachi and Racheli in Jerusalem. Both their families have thank G-d been in Israel for many generations. Both were given a Chasidic-Chabad upbringing which is what they believe gives them the strength and ideology to cope with the many challenges.

During their teen years, just like other Chabad teenagers, they were already in Chabad houses around the world helping out in summer camps, Pesach Seders and other Jewish festivals. Racheli spent half a year in Moscow in an orphanage run by the Chabad shlichim for Jewish children. Menachem spent a year in Berlin helping out in the Chabad house there.

The words of the Lubavitcher Rebbe are what gave them the idea and encouragement to go on shlichut for life. Shlichut for life isn’t a job; it’s a way of life where you understand that it is your destiny and your way to contribute to Am Yisrael. This shlichut doesn't end after a few years it only ends when the Messiah comes, G-d willing, in our days.

After their wedding Menachem and Racheli decided together that they wanted to open a Chabad house somewhere in the world but they didn’t know where. After some discussions with the world wide Chabad organization, it was decided that they would establish a Chabad house in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. And that is where they moved to with their (now) three and a half year old son, Levi.

In their Chabad house, Menachem and Racheli serve the cities Jewish community in a few different ways. In their Chabad house there is a kosher restaurant with service every day. Most of the food for living and restaurant comes from Vietnam. Their main problem is milk products and frozen foods like meat and poultry but with the help of kind business men who bring them what they need from Israel every time they come Racheli and Menachem manage.

Apart from the restaurant Menachem is also responsible for everyday prayer services during the week usually with out a minyan though on Shabbat and Jewish festivals there is one.

In the Chabad house there is no such thing as a busiest season. Usually during December and January there are many Jewish tourists who need food and a place to stay. During the Jewish festivals and Pesach the 200 Jews who live in the city want to take part in the praying and events/ celebrations- this time could be called the busiest. For more information about the Chabad house go to http://www.jewishvietnam.com/

On a weekly basis there are Torah classes- the weekly Parsha as well as a special class for woman and girls. For those who want, Menachem offers private Hebrew and Halacha (Jewish law) classes.

When asked, the Chabad couple answered that they are not involved in any way in the conversion of any Vietnamese who are interested since the communist government wouldn’t appreciate it, as it is seen as missionary work.

One of the Chabad's house biggest focuses is the Hebrew School. The Hebrew school is more of an afternoon activity than anything else; it is intended for 3-10 year olds. Twice a week about 10 children show up to learn about Judaism, Hebrew and have activities for the Jewish festivals. During the Jewish festival activities up to 20 children show up. Meital, who is Levi's private pre-school teacher, runs the Hebrew school together with Racheli. Menachem and Racheli don’t know how Levi will receive a proper Jewish education when he grows older. If they don’t manage to found a Jewish day school, Levi will probably be home schooled by a private teacher.

Running a Chabad house doesn’t leave much time to go on vacation. Even so, the Hartman family finds time once a year to go away for two days to visit another city. Apart from that getting to know another culture is very interesting on its own and that is what they are doing all the time. They also visit Israel once a year to see family and friends. Some family members have already been to Vietnam to see the Hartmans and they hope that others will visit too.

When living in a Chabad house one hears many amusing stories. This is one Menachem shared. There was a Jewish man who lives in Vietnam who decided o put on Tefilin everyday. When he flew to Europe on an Arab air line and the time came to put on Tefilin, he didn’t want to put them on in front of everyone on the flight. Not wanting to miss a day without Tefilin this man concluded that the best solution is to go into the bathroom and put on his Tefilin and pray there. And so he did.

Menachem and Racheli's plans for the community continue to grow. These plans include building a Mikva which Menachem points out that there is a great need for even in Vietnam. The plans also include a daily nursery school for Jewish children which they hope to start next year. Menachem says that they can't tell how big their community will be in 10 years as they are not prophets but they do see the community slowly growing as the time passes.

Life has taught Racheli and Menachem to learn from every person and that each person has their own qualities. They said that when you live and work in a Chabad house and you talk with so many different people from so many countries and different families and religious backgrounds it is very interesting to learn about and from every single one of them.

Menachem and Racheli compare themselves in the worldwide Jewish community to a little screw trying to do its job. The terrorist attack in Mumbai and the deaths of Gavriel and Rivki Holtzberg the Chabad couple from Mumbai only strengthened their need to bring light to the world.

When asked what message he would like to give to the future generation, Menachem answered that we have to hold on to Am Yisrael as one nation- only that way it will be easier to survive.

=__ Something more than Jewish Vietnam __=

"Religion has exerted a deep influence on Vietnamese culture and the Vietnamese concept of life. The attitude towards life, death, and the world beyond bears a deep imprint of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism." (Dinh Te, 1) this is what we learn at the beginning of the article "Religion of the Vietnamese". In the article "Taoism – a part of the Tam Giao (Three Religions)" we learn that the three religions Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism are called the Tam Giao- the three religions (Taoism – a part of the Tam Giao (Three Religions), 1).

The main religion in Vietnam is Buddhism; it is also one of the world's greatest religions. Buddhism was introduced into Vietnam under the Chinese domination, in the second century B.C., by Chinese immigrants and by Indian preachers who came by sea. Buddhist monks served as counselors to the king at court. Since the Tran Dynasty (1225-1440), Buddhism has lost the status of a state religion but nevertheless it remained the dominant religion in Vietnam and a major cultural force. There are two branches of Buddhism: Hinayana (Little Vehicle) also called Theravada Buddhism, and Mahayana (Great Vehicle) Buddhism which is found in Vietnam. Most Vietnamese Buddhists belong to the Mahayana branch. The great majority of Vietnamese people regard themselves as Buddhists, but not all of them actively participate in Buddhist rituals at the pagoda. According to Buddha, man was born into this world to suffer. The cause of suffering is the craving for wealth, fame, and power that unavoidably brings about frustration and disappointment. In order to be free from suffering, a man must restrain its ultimate cause, craving. The core of Buddhist teaching says that there are eight "right" ways to live virtuously: right views, right thought, right conduct, right speech, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right meditation. Man's fate in this life is determined by what he has done in his previous life. This is the law of cause and effect also called the law of Karma. Theoretically, any person may become a Buddha by suppressing craving and following the Eightfold Path, but those who actually attain Buddha-hood are rare (Dinh Te, 1). "Confucianism is more of a religious and social philosophy than a religion in the accepted meaning of the word" (Dinh Te, 1). This religion has no church, no clergy, and no Bible. It supports a code of social behavior that man ought to observe to live in harmony with society and attain happiness in his personal life. Confucianism was introduced into Vietnam as early as the first century, during the Chinese domination. Two Chinese governors at that time, Hsi Kwang and Jen Yen, were most active in its introduction. It was after Vietnam achieved independence that Chinese influence and Confucianism became important in Vietnam. Confucianism pervades the thinking and behavior of Vietnamese people from all walks of life. The main idea of Confucianism is that in order to rule the world, one must rule one's country; in order to rule the country, one must rule one's family; and in order to rule the family, one must have control of oneself. Thus, the improvement of the moral self is the cornerstone of Confucianism (Dinh Te, 1).

Another religion which has a deep imprint on the way of life of the Vietnamese man is Taoism. Lao Tse (600-500 B.C.), the founder of Taoism, supported a philosophy of harmony between man and man and between man and nature. To achieve this state of harmony, all forms of confrontation should be avoided. By non-action and keeping away from human strife and cravings, man can reach harmony with himself, other people, and the universe. Reason and knowledge cannot lead man to the right path (Tao); it can be reached only by inward probing and quiet meditation. In essence, Taoism is a religious philosophy. However, the followers of Lao Tse transformed it into a religion with church and a clergy involved in the communication with deities, spirits, and the dead. The Yin Yang is a common theme in Taoism, with black representing yin and white representing yang. The symbol was derived from astronomical observations which recorded the shadow of the sun throughout a full year. The two swirling shapes inside the symbol give the impression of change - the only constant factor in the universe. However, since nothing in nature is purely black or purely white, the symbol includes a small black spot in the white swirl, and a corresponding white spot in the black swirl. Taoism aims to adjust the nature, and has its evidence in the daily life circle of ethnic Vietnamese whether they are city-dwellers or peasants on rice paddy fields. (Dinh Te, 1), (Taoism – a part of the Tam Giao (Three Religions), 1) One important feature of the religious attitude of the Vietnamese is his great tolerance. There has never been religious fanaticism or religious warfare in Vietnam. The religious belief of the common Vietnamese is a mixture of the three traditional religions Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism which have been coexisting peacefully for centuries in Vietnam. Even though Vietnam is now a Communist country, the structure allows for religious freedom, although those religions that are believed to be a threat to national security are suppressed. (Dinh Te, 1)

=__ Literary Connection __=

About 25 years ago Ilan Goldhirsch was approached by Yehoram Ga'on with the original song in French. Ilan Goldhirsch didn’t understand a word of the song but wrote the song to the tune of the original song. After some years Ilan Goldhirsch found a copy of the original song and was surprised to see that in the same place that he wrote the words hello to a wonderful land were the words, ' Hello America how are you?  ' . [] The song talks about the man traveling the world and seeing all the wonders of the world and some of the most beautiful sights. He has been to most famous tourist sights but has always returned home to Israel. He then describes how beautiful Israel is with many more details and much more love. The man in the song has personified the land and is always reminding her better even is it much, so it enjoys he though even and away, goes often he though even that to return to her- to Israel.

I didn't choose this song for no reason. I have been to Australia and have seen some of the most beautiful sights man can see while I traveled the land there. And even though I enjoyed myself so much during the traveling I never forgot Israel. Whenever I saw something so beautifully breathtaking I always remembered this song and the line ' It's so good to travel but even better to come back'. The whole time away I missed the familiar landscapes here in Israel and the views from my house or just on the way to Jerusalem or school. When I landed here I was so excited to see the land and I couldn’t wait to go on a trip somewhere to see more of Israel. Even now, two years after returning to Israel, I can't get enough of Israel and her views. The words in this song are too true as there is nothing better that coming back to Israel.

Menachem and Racheli went on their shlichut knowing that they will be seeing very little of beautiful Israel. As Menachem said in the interview, they come about once a year to Israel to visit family. Of course during that time they see plenty of Israel's unique views. Seeing Israel must be so special to them since they don’t see it so often. Sometimes I wish I was still in the same situation, that way I would appreciate Israel much more.

Below is a copy of the song and translation. The lyrics are from [] and it is a self translation.

**יהורם גאון** __לחן__: סטיבן גודמן **  הייתי בפריס וגם ברומא ראיתי את שבעת פלאי תבל בקוטב הצפוני וגם דרומה אך אין מקום כמו ארץ ישראל
 * **__שלום לך ארץ נהדרת __**
 * __מילים __****: אילן גולדהירש

וכמו גלויות של נוף יפות תמונות בזיכרוני עפות כמו בעד עדשה של מצלמה בתרמילי אותן אשא בכל מקום לכל מסע קטעי פסיפס מתוך תמונה שלמה

שלום לך ארץ נהדרת עבדך הדל נושא לך שיר מזמור גם אם לעיתים נודד אני על דרך מה טוב לנדוד אך טוב יותר לחזור

צריחי המגדלים בירושלים וסמטאות השוק הצבעוני גגות הרעפים של גבעתיים הניבטים מבעד חלוני

את האביב בתל אביב את סבתי ואת סבי את החלה ואת נרות שבת את ים המלח מול אדום ואשת לוט צופה לסדום ואת הקיץ בואכה לאילת

שלום לך ארץ נהדרת עבדך הדל נושא לך שיר מזמור גם אם לעיתים נודד אני על דרך מה טוב לנדוד אך טוב יותר לחזור

מימיה הכחולים של הכינרת והרקיע התואם מעל והרגשת הבית המוכרת בתוך עורקי זורמת כמו חשמל

הרי גליל והשומרון הפרדסים שבשרון וילדים בגן המושבה את הכרמל ואת הים אחד אחד ואת כולם תמיד קורצים אומרים ברוך הבא

שלום לך ארץ נהדרת עבדך הדל נושא לך שיר מזמור גם אם לעיתים נודד אני על דרך מה טוב לנדוד אך טוב יותר לחזור  ||  || __ Hello To a Wonderful Land __ Yehoram Ga'on Lyrics: Ilan Goldhirsch Tune: Steven Goodman 

I was in Paris and in Rome I saw the seven wonders of the world In the north pole and the south But there is no place like Israel.

And like postcards of pretty views Pictures are flying through my head Just like through the lens of a camera In my backpack I will carry them To every place on every trip Pieces of a mosaic from a whole picture

Hello to a wonderful land Your humble servant is singing to you a song Even though I often go away on trips It's so good to travel but even better to come back

The turrets of the towers in Jerusalem And the lanes of the colorful market The tiled roofs of Givatayim That are visible through my window

The spring in Tel- Aviv My grandmother and my grandfather The challa and Shabbat candles The Dead Sea facing Edom And Lot's wife viewing Sdom And the summer on the way to Eilat

Hello to a wonderful land Your humble servant is singing to you a song Even though I often go away on trips It's so good to travel but even better to come back

The blue waters of the Kinneret And the matching sky over head And the familiar home feeling Is flowing through my veins like electricity

The mountains of the Galilee and the Shomron The fields in the Sharon And the children at the kindergarten of the moshava The Carmel and the sea One by one and everyone Always wink and say welcome

Hello to a wonderful land Your humble servant is singing to you a song Even though I often go away on trips It's so good to travel but even better to come back ||

=__ Creative Connection __=

This part of the project is dedicated to Rabbi Gavriel and Rivki Holtzberg who were the Chabad couple in Mumbai and were killed by terrorists while living out their dream- Serving Am Yisrael. I chose the scrapbook format because seeing everything at once would be overwhelming. Turnig the pages of the scrapbook will pace the readers. I chose a chapter from Tehilim that I felt represented my thoughts about the tragic drama that Gavriel and Rivki got caught up in. the main idea of this chapter is about the evil preparing to kill the righteous, but G-d watches over and punishes the evil for their bad deed and rewards the good. The chapter ends with saying that G-d hates the evil and that the righteous will see G-d Himself. I hope that the terrorists who killed Gavriel and Rivki will come upon the punishment G-d sends them, as they are the ones that sent the Chabad couple to Heaven, and now as that end of the chapter says, they must be sitting at the foot of G-d's throne.

=__ Reflection __=

This has been a very funny project for me to do. Looking back at the project I see that it is not like me at all. I come from a German- Jewish family and now I see that almost everything I have done is connected to Chabad. During the project I learnt how a Chabad house functions in a land without almost any Jews. I also learnt why Chabad couples decide to go on shlichut for life, what pushes them to go and where the ideology comes from. I enjoyed learning about Jews with a unique philosophy; I feel this was a great opportunity to learn such things. I also learnt to accept Jews with different ideas are alright and that I can even learn from them. I feel that this project has been quite successful and enjoyable most of the way. It is a pity the project had to be so rushed because of the time of year. I think that in the future it should be started very early in the school year. Al in all I feel this project was a great learning experience and good preparation for a thesis I hope to work on next year.