(AJNews) – The Roving Rabbis of Chabad Lubavitch of Alberta, led by Rabbi Menachem and Rebbetzin Rochel Matusof, are making history this summer with their first-ever journey to Canada’s Far North. While the program has traditionally focused on communities throughout Alberta, this year it has expanded to include Yukon and the Northwest Territories, offering the first opportunity of its kind for many Jews living there.
This historic visit has been months in the making. Rabbis Avremy Matusof of Calgary and Shloimy Stern of Brooklyn, both 23, have been working closely with the leadership of the Jewish Cultural Society of Yukon and the Jewish Cultural Society of the Northwest Territories, coordinating efforts to connect with as many Jewish residents as possible through community gatherings and personal visits.
In Yukon, the visit builds upon a longstanding relationship between Rick Karp, President of the Jewish Cultural Society, and Rabbi Menachem Matusof. Over the years, Chabad of Alberta has supported the community by providing Shmura Matzah for Passover, Chanukah kits, the Alberta Jewish Calendar, which includes Whitehorse Shabbat candle-lighting times, as well as ongoing guidance, encouragement, and other Jewish resources.
In the Northwest Territories, where the Jewish Cultural Society is fostering a new chapter of Jewish communal life, Chabad is proud to support the community’s growth, strengthening Jewish identity and practice.
The impact of the Roving Rabbis was felt even before they arrived. In Yellowknife, news of the upcoming visit prompted additional Jewish residents to come forward and connect with their local Jewish community. In Whitehorse, people eagerly reached out to purchase Tefilin and Mezuzas, which the rabbis brought up north alongside a wide range of Jewish books and other resources.
“While showing them around Whitehorse, it was incredible to see how everyone we encountered reacted so positively to their appearance,” said Rick Karp. “At Miles Canyon, as soon as we stepped out of the car, we heard someone call out, ‘Rabbis! Rabbis!’ It turned out to be a Jew visiting from Southern California who was delighted to see them. Later, while sitting in their hotel lobby, we met Ben, who is visiting from England for the 1,000-mile paddle race down the Yukon River. He put on Tefilin with us for the first time in his life—and celebrated his Bar Mitzvah right here in Whitehorse.”
“We’ve also encountered many friends and supporters who told us they pray for the Jewish people and stand with us,” said Rabbi Shloimy Stern.
So far, the Roving Rabbis have distributed more than 35 Jewish packages for children and adults, including Shabbat candle kits, kosher treats, Mitzva crafts, and easy-to-use educational materials. Seven new Mezuzas have already been affixed to homes across Northern Alberta and Yukon, proudly displaying Jewish identity.
Many people purchased inspirational books and learned about Chabad of Alberta’s various adult education programs available virtually, as well as the Nigri Jewish Online School, which serves students around the world. One Jewish resident of Whitehorse put on Tefillin for the first time in his life using his newly purchased pair.
“They’ve moved the community to a whole new place,” said Karp. “We’ve never had anything like this here before.”
Having just completed their second week of travel across northwestern Canada, the Roving Rabbis, who began their journey in Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie before continuing to Whitehorse, are scheduled to arrive in Yellowknife on July 13, where they will remain until July 17.
Anyone wishing to connect with the Roving Rabbis, or who knows someone who could benefit from a visit, is warmly encouraged to get in touch or pass along their contact information.
This summer also marks the 85th anniversary of the arrival of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in North America in 1941. The Roving Rabbis Program was among the first of the many outreach initiatives he established shortly thereafter, and has since grown into a worldwide effort that has touched millions of souls.
Contact the Roving Rabbis by email: RovingRabbis@
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