Chabad at the Winter Olympics


The festivities of this past Shabbos in the hosting village of the Winter Games - Whistler, British Columbia - were memorable. Tens of Jews convened at the exclusive Pan Pacific Hotel located at the base of Whistler Mountain. People flocked to the hotel from communities in Hong Kong, Colorado, California, Kitchner, Ontario and more. Mike Flint, movie producer and participant of the past twelve Olympics, said, “Chabad has never had such a prime spot in the Olympics.”

Bochurim farbrenged with Michael Budman, CEO of Roots Athletics - the Canadian version of Gap - who was visiting from Toronto. The events and programs at Chabad of Whistler were sponsored by Rabbi Yitzchok Wineberg, director of Lubavitch of British Columbia. “Chabad does great work,” said Mr Budman. “I support many of Chabad’s projects, and it is great to see them at the games.” Following the farbrengen, he distributed a handful of gift certificates to the rabbis. Also in attendance was Shai Cohen from Toronto, representing Coca Cola. Rachel Goldberg from Reuters news agency participated in the Chabad events, as well.

The Chabad rabbis met with various Jewish locals. “It was beautiful to see a Shabbat dinner here,” said Moshe Blank, a restaurant chain owner in Whistler. “We should fly you guys here weekly, to make Shabbat services!” There are approximately sixty Jewish families living in Whistler, many of whom opened their doors to the visiting rabbis. A primary tourist attraction in Whistler is Whistler Blackcomb, rated as the best ski resort in North America. Blackcomb has the most skiable acres in North America and the longest free standing gondola in the world. Thousands of Jewish tourists travel through the village every year.