As thousands of Lubavitch community members prepare to travel to New York for the upcoming month of Tishrei, Chabad’s Emergency and Security Center (CWA) has rolled out a new campaign aimed at encouraging these guests to arrange health and travel insurance prior to their journey.
Named “May We Have a Safe New Year,” the initiative emphasizes that practical safety measures should go hand in hand with spiritual preparations for the occasion. To better resonate with Chassidim, the campaign incorporates familiar cultural imagery—such as a gartel—and underscores that early planning can play a critical role in addressing emergencies.
In a formal statement, the CWA noted its long-standing commitment to safeguarding “shluchim” (emissaries) around the world. It stressed, “Insurance is not a luxury—it is a basic necessity. Alongside booking flights, securing lodging, and finalizing learning schedules, travelers must ensure they have valid medical coverage for the entire duration of their stay abroad.”
The reminder comes against the backdrop of several medical emergencies in recent years. These incidents required urgent crowdfunding efforts, which imposed unexpected financial burdens on both hosting families in Crown Heights and the broader Lubavitch community.
Campaign organizers highlighted that adequate insurance coverage serves two key purposes: it helps families avoid financial strain and guarantees access to professional medical treatment if unforeseen incidents occur during the trip.
The campaign also frames the insurance initiative within a religious context, stating, “This is part of the Torah commandment Venishmartem me’od lenafshoseichem—to take care of your health.”
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