Tartagal, a city in the province of Salta, Argentina, is approximately 2000 km from the capital, Buenos Aires. Fortunately, we found ourselves in the Jujuy Province, a mere 230 km from Tartagal, and our plan was to travel there and visit the only Jewish family in a very non-Jewish city.
It was a 12 hour round trip by bus, but the smiling faces that greeted us made every minute worthwhile. Four years ago, Chabad rabbis had visited this family for the first time, and since then, they wait all year for their summertime guests.
We spent nine hours together. We talked about the Torah, taught the sons the Hebrew alphabet, and spoke about Mitzvahs.
We explained to the older son that as one of the only Jewish residents in the city, he has the responsibility and privilege of bringing G‑dliness to the entire Tartagal. He asked what we thought he should do, and we suggested he join the Jnet program. He was thrilled with the idea and we were able to connect him with a Spanish-speaking study partner.
Last we heard, they plan on learning Torah together for an hour every week.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory, often reminded us of the Torah's promise, that when you plant and sow, things will grow.
We are humbled to be his emissaries.
