Rabbi Menachem Mendel and Rikki Kunin (née Junik) have been appointed to lead a new Chabad shluchim in Los Angeles’ densely populated Wilshire Corridor. Read the full story
COLlive reporter
Rabbi Menachem Mendel and Rikki Kunin (nee Junick) have been appointed to the new Chabad Shluchim of the Wilshire Corridor in Los Angeles, California.
The Wilshire Corridor stretches from the western edge of Beverly Hills to Westwood and is home to one of the largest concentrations of Jewish residents in the Western United States.
Rabbi Kunin said the establishment of a permanent Chabad center has become urgent, given the rapid growth of the Jewish community in West Los Angeles.
“We are honored to be a part of the Rebbe’s mission to spread Judaism and prepare the world for the coming of the Messiah,” he said.
The new shluchim were appointed by their grandfather, Rabbi Shlomo Kunin, who serves as chief shliach and director of West Coast Chabad.
He noted the timing of the new Shlikhas, which was announced ahead of the 30th anniversary of Gimel Tamuz.
“I remember Gimmel Tammuz 5754, 30 years ago. We just stood there in shock, speechless. The darkness of Garus seemed to deepen,” Senior Rabbi Kunin said.
“At that moment, I remembered a letter I had written to the Rebbe: ‘In the face of seemingly insurmountable difficulties, we will open a Chabad House!’ The Rebbe replied: ‘Lechatila aribel un aribel.’ With tears in my eyes but unwavering determination, I made a promise to the Rebbe: ‘Rebbe, I promise you: we will expand your mission, protect your facilities, and open even more facilities!’”
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