Jun 25, 2009 7:04 am US/Eastern
They Came From All Over For Rabbi Schneerson
From As Far Away As China And Australia Traveled Throngs Of Jews To Honor And Remember Late Spiritual Leader
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Jews from all over the world converged on Cambria Heights, Queens on June 24, 2009, to pay their respects to the late Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
CBS
They came from all over the world to remember a religious leader.
On Wednesday night tens of thousands of Jews made a spiritual journey to Queens.
They made the trip to mark the 15th anniversary of the death Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
The observance started at sundown and before it is over massive crowds will enter the holy place to be inspired by the memory of a spiritual leader they respected like no other.
Faithful and patient, the masses journeyed to Cambria Heights from near and far, inspired by the holiness of the final resting place of their rebbe.
"It's inspirational. It's dynamic. You feel the energy of the rebbe there and it just feels amazing," said Esti Duchman of Miami Beach, Fla.
The wait times lasted up to four hours as groups of 80 filed in to a small space to feel close to the late Schneerson.
Once inside each visitor received two minutes to pray and ponder. Some read and then shred notes for God's blessing at the rebbe's headstone.
"We believe this rabbi is special in our generation. He is the greatest one," said Henry Klein of Sao Paolo, Brazil.
Remembered as scholarly and visionary, Schneerson led the Chabad Lubavitch movement for more than 40 years, leaving behind an international network of rabbinical emissaries in 74 countries.
And here you find proof of the global reach of the rebbe's work. Many of these visitors traveled long distances to be here, some from as far away as China and Australia.
"More and more people are inspired by his life and what he has taught," said Rabbi Motti Seligson of chabad.org.
"His message continues to resonate because it is a living message, a message of reaching out to all Jews, all people," said Yosef Kantor of Bangkok, Thailand.
Organizers said this custom is growing every year, making it necessary for greater security and extra food and lodging for everyone coming in from out of town.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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