Personal Message

Dear Friend,

Chanukah 2012.

It began like Chanukah at Chabad does each year- menorah lighting on the Village Green, Chanukah on the Ice at Parkwood, LIRR menorah lighting, Hebrew School family fun day, and JLI teen program. The same but so different- the menorah was lit, the doughnuts were distributed , but Rabbi Yoseph Geisinsky was not there to lead the festivities. On Monday December 10, he suffered a sudden heart attack and today his doctor stated that his medical condition, though still critical, is thank G‑d responding to treatment.   

How does a wife and partner of 25 years remain steadfast in these situations? How do nine children of a beloved father react when such challenges come our way? And how does a community of many different synagogues and backgrounds respond when they hear of such news?   
  
A step into the small visitors' waiting room on the CCU unit of North Shore University Hospital will not only answer your question, it will take your breath away. One cannot describe or visualize the outpouring of love and affection from the many friends crowding the small area. What an amazing community we live in! Best wishes were expressed and heartfelt blessings were bestowed. The warmth, care and concern of our dear friends enveloped us in a loving embrace. Some of you sat quietly and turned the pages of the book of psalms, silently mouthing the heartfelt words of King David, while others joined in Tehillim conference calls. Women's groups baked challah in his merit, and children's schools started mitzvah campaigns. Many filled the hospital auditorium with Maariv prayers, and hundreds from across the community came to pray and to give their support. A notebook was quickly filled with blessings and good wishes for the Rabbi. You sent hundreds of emails of mitzvot added, you studied Torah, you did chesed, all in the Rabbis merit, and for that we thank you.

Those of you who know the Rabbi are definitely aware that he is a determined man with a vision of the big picture, always on the forefront, ready to assist another person. He doesn't believe "problems" exist, only challenges that can be overcome. Show him a rainy day and he will tell you of the flowers that will grow. Show him an empty lot and he will prove to you that a school will be built.

This Shabbat, at Mincha we will read about the struggles and challenges of Joseph in Egypt, who was thought to be dead by his father. "Od Yoseph Chai" - Yoseph is still alive is what Joesph's niece pronounced and it is that message which we firmly believe today. Every struggle and every challenge brings a Jew closer to his spiritual strength. 

You are invited to join us at Chabad this Saturday for evening and morning prayers as well as for a joyful  Kiddush of unity. You may be interested to know that all classes and activities will continue as usual and winter camps will open as scheduled. As Joseph was not deterred by struggles, Chabad will continue to flourish as we await the speedy recovery of Rabbi Geisinsky.

Thank you for your outpouring of prayer and love. It means so much to us. Thank you for including us in your daily thoughts and good wishes. This morning a doctor said it best when he saw a group of people saying Psalms in the waiting room "Whatever you're doing with those prayer books, keep to it, it's helping.."

On behalf of my family,

Warmest Thanks,

Chanie Geisinsky

Please, dear friends continue to pray for the Rabbi and very soon he will once again adress you in this column.