Chabad Japan

For the past months, I have continued my Jewish studies and Torah observance at a Chabad House in Tokyo. I have spent the weekly Shabbat, the holidays and some excursions with a very special family.

The family consists of Rabbi Binyomin, Rebbetzin Efrat, and their five children: Moshiach (approx 8), Zalman (approx 6), Chaya Mushka (approx 4), Pinchas (2) and Levi Yitzchak (8 months).

The Rabbi is fiery and immensely stringent in his Torah observance. He nearly always has a big bright smile on his face and seems to speak all the words that come to his mind. The Rebbetzin is wise and centered and does a fine job sustaining the innocence of the children (who are sheltered from TV and computer games and thus spend their days reading and playing with their imaginations). The firstborn, Moshiach is inquisitive and mature well beyond his years. Zalman, who looks and acts like his father, is wild and full of energy. Chaya Mushka, the lone daughter, is bashful to guests, but sings and dances with her brothers. Pinchas is strong willed and very happy when rested. (Once, when asked why he would want to go to Mt. Fuji, Pinchas responded, “to dance.”) Levi Yitzchak, the baby, is feisty and rarely cries for attention. The children have learned Hebrew and Yiddish from their parents, and learn English from the guests.

The family’s mission is to bring the light of religion to the Jews living in Japan and teach the ways of G-d to the Japanese (sometimes the Shabbat table will have as many Japanese as Jews). Their most admirable attributes are their kindness and sincerity. From what I have seen, they live true lives. They think as they speak and act as they believe. The family is very strong in their faith, and I have yet to see them flinch or compromise.

Keeping kosher in Japan is a challenge. They cook most of their own food, milk rural cows, slaughter chickens or cows for their meat and have their wine and other food products flown in bulk from abroad.
The story of Binyomin and Efrat in Japan began seven years ago, when they arrived in Tokyo with $400 in their pockets. To survive to this day, they have been supported and sustained by a string of miracles. One instance occurred a few years ago, when their landlord asked them to leave their home (due to noise complaints). As the deadline to leave approached, Binyomin was nearly out of options and walking with his Japanese friend Muto. Muto asked Binyomin, “Where is your G-d?” Binyomin patted him on the back and said, “Don’t worry, G-d always helps.” Within 30 seconds, a man pulled over his car, greeted them with “shalom,” and offered them a ride. The driver was a kind Japanese gentleman named Sakamoto with interest in Jewish composers and culture. Through the next moment’s conversation, Sakamoto (pictured here with Muto in NYC) heard of Binyomin’s plight, offered a free place to stay in Tokyo and ended up paying all the bills (except for the telephone) for one year.

When asked how long they plan to stay in Japan, the Rebbetzin responded, “Until (the messiah) comes.” Thank G-d that they are here, for they have been a refuge for me in difficult times and have helped many people.