A Heartfelt Jewish Funeral in India: A Community's Remarkable Journey

Why did you decide to live in India? "We arrived as part of a mission from the Lubavitcher Rebbe. My husband suggested embarking on this mission a year after our marriage. As a young man, he helped a Chabad House in India, and the idea appealed to me. We consulted Rabbi Kopchik, the main emissary in India, about where a Chabad House was needed. He directed us to Goa, a bustling area with many travelers and families. A warm Jewish home, kosher food, Shabbat meals, and a synagogue were essential here. As Indians speak English, language wasn't an issue. We've been on this mission in Palolem Beach, India, for ten years." Is there a Jewish community in your area? "India is a vast subcontinent, divided into states. We're in Goa, on Palolem Beach. Goa is a popular destination for traveling families, and recently, it's become a hub for those settling for longer periods. The presence of schools and activities for children, and its organized and Westernized atmosphere, makes it appealing for families. Here, we have a community of Israeli Jewish families staying for six months to a year, along with some long-term residents." What education options are available for your children? "Initially, we had no educational institutions, so I established a kindergarten for my children and other Jewish children from local families. It expanded to include various age groups, a nursery, and even a school for my older boys. I work with young women from Israel volunteering as educators and local helpers. With a rewarding yet demanding role, we witness significant impact from their efforts. Recently, an online program for emissary children was launched, connecting children worldwide with teachers from Israel. It's an excellent setup with small classes, which became more popular due to COVID-19." What's your weekly routine like? "Mornings are usually spent at the Chabad House, teaching or engaged in the kitchen operations. With a team assisting, I oversee the kitchen, especially during busy times. During afternoons, I focus on quality time with my children after kindergarten, while evenings involve team meetings or acting as a ritual attendant. Once a week, I host a challah baking evening for women, sharing Torah teachings. Neta shares an authentic account from the start of the year: "Yesterday, we were part of a bris in Goa. The baby was already two months old due to India's gender disclosure laws. When we learned Sivan and Dudi had a boy, we were thrilled but knew finding a mohel during COVID-19 with closed borders would be a miracle. Thanks to faith and efforts from many, including Brit Yosef Yitzchak and the Israeli Embassy, a mohel arrived on a special visa. Mohel Shimon Eisenberg, known for his commitment, came despite risks, even knowing quarantine awaited upon returning for Rosh Hashanah. 'What wouldn't we do for a Jewish child,' he smiled. I first met Shimon in Bangkok amid a volcanic eruption grounding flights. His dedication, packing daily, inspired me. Taking part in such events shows our nation's faith and dedication. We stood united, hearts joined, as we renewed our covenant with Hashem. Mazel tov to Sivan and Dudi. May you raise Yaakov Ziv to Torah, chuppah, and good deeds with ease and joy!" How do you celebrate Shabbat? "Before COVID-19, Shabbat here was huge, with 150-200 attendees. Registrations helped manage preparations, starting well before Friday, with baked goods made ahead, and 35 kg of challah baked fresh on Friday alongside fresh meals. Besides catering for Shabbat, our kitchen serves kosher meals to visitors across Goa. Weekends stay busy, keeping everything in check. On Shabbat, we host both short-term and long-term visitors, staying in local guesthouses. Meals are vibrant with joyful singing and a unique spiritual atmosphere. My children, from nine down to the youngest, actively participate, sharing Torah insights, singing, and helping with the tables. They're sociable and enjoy the large, communal meals." What challenges do you face? "Loneliness is a primary struggle, familiar to emissaries globally, as families often move on before deeper connections form. Even in Israel, this feeling can persist as our daily reality here is far removed from typical life. Handling diverse responsibilities including overseeing the kitchen staff, liaising with property owners, guiding educators, caring for our children, and assisting travelers with various challenges, all while managing a restaurant and organizing mass Shabbat meals, Torah classes, prayer services, and more, keeps us constantly active. Balancing our marriage, as it's the foundation of our mission, amidst these duties is vital. People often ask, 'How do you live like this?' Initially, this question cast doubt. But over time, I realized normality is relative. Our lifestyle fits us, and I trust in its personal suitability, even if misunderstood by others. Conventional life now seems unrelatable. Our mission in India is complex with countless challenges, yet we remember we're here as emissaries for Hashem's honor, empowered by the Rebbe's support, beyond usual human capabilities." How's the weather? "It's summer here, consistently hot in India, with extreme heat at times followed by heavy monsoon rains. We're now post-monsoon, enjoying warm days and pleasant evenings." What about the political climate? "India is peaceful without uprisings. The Prime Minister respects PM Netanyahu, and Israel-India relations are generally positive." Do you experience antisemitism? "Thankfully, not at all. India is welcoming towards different religions, though cultural differences like prohibiting cow slaughter due to sacred views impact us. Our meat is mostly chicken instead of beef." Speaking of Jewish funerals, Neta shares a post by Ben Oved, a traveler they hosted: "Yesterday I captured this surreal scene in a general cemetery in Goa. It began the night before with a call from Rabbi Royi Merili: 'Ben, how are you? There's an elderly Jew who passed away in North Goa. His wife wishes for him to be buried here. Can you join the minyan at 4 PM, two hours away?' Reluctantly, I agreed, thinking, 'Why now? I planned a trip, with limited time and every minute precious to me.' Despite a morning headache and stomach issues from bad tuna, dodging felt impossible when he messaged 'Ben, we're exactly ten, each vital for a minyan.' Accepting the need erased any reluctance; a Jew critically needed me. Embarrassed for earlier hesitating, I embraced the opportunity with joy. Riding my scooter, I sang along to nostalgic tunes. When asked by a European friend where I was going, his surprise at 'a funeral' was clear. Why attend a stranger's ceremony? 'To answer Amen,' I explained, highlighting the necessity for ten Jewish men. 'Four hours for 30 seconds?' he puzzled. 'Yes,' I smiled widely... Some things an outsider can't grasp. The two-hour ride flew by, reaching the cemetery perfectly as the rabbi arrived. With few Israelis remaining in India, gathering even ten was tough amidst pandemic departures. Yet eight more travelers joined, unfamiliar with the deceased yet making long journeys to complete the quorum. Their dedication, driven less by religious conviction than pure solidarity, was inspiring. This reflected the true meaning of 'all your people are righteous.' The widow shared her husband's story: Michael Horowitz, a successful lawyer, son of Holocaust survivors, pursued Nazi war criminals in Israel, rehabilitated offenders, and advocated for animal rights. '30 years of marriage without a quarrel, believe it or not,' she tearfully shared. His life defied my initial assumptions. Her silent gratitude spoke volumes. I reflected a silent thanks for the reminder of our Jewish identity. Even distant Jews in Goa haven't forgotten." How do you celebrate the holidays? "This Chanukah was different due to COVID-19, lacking the usual crowds. Adapting to closed skies, we planned menorah lightings at various Goan beaches to reach dispersed Israelis. Each gathering was heartwarming, with menorah lightings and festive joy spreading throughout. Our home hosted a private lighting too, though my husband, dispatched on an urgent mission, jeopardized our plans. Midweek, his potential delay forced tough choices, yet ultimately community help, including creative endeavors and homemade doughnuts, ensured a successful celebration on time." What products are hard to find there, and what would you like shipped from Israel? "Good question. Cooking here is a challenge. We've adapted to baking our bread and dairy production with local oversight, and spice grinding. Our homemade food is healthier and tastier. Shipping is mainly needed for wine, matzos, and indulgences like cheese and chocolates." Have you visited Israel, and when? "Unfortunately, our last full family visit was over two years ago. We dearly miss Israel, but COVID disrupted plans. Our youngest, born right before the pandemic, is known to family mostly in pictures. We hope to visit soon with Hashem's help."