In the Wake of an Earthquake, Chabad Bangkok Gears Up for Passover

When the earthquake hit Myanmar this week, its effects were felt all the way in Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital. Thousands of Israelis, with family members traveling in Thailand, were on edge.

Rabbi Nehemia Wilhelm, the chief Chabad emissary in Thailand, witnessed it firsthand. “I was sitting in someone’s office having a conversation,” he recalls. “Suddenly, I felt dizzy. When I looked up to comment on it, the person with me asked, ‘Do you feel that?’ It only took a split second to realize it was an earthquake. As the office manager, he called everyone to evacuate, and naturally, we went outside too.”

Rabbi Wilhelm noted the quake’s intense 7.7 magnitude. Everyone felt it in Bangkok, causing concern throughout Israel. “But we also saw miracles,” he points out. “Thankfully, there was minimal damage or injury in our area, contrary to the thousands of casualties in Myanmar. It’s truly a miracle.”

300,000 Visitors

It's no secret that Thailand is a top tourist destination for Israelis. Yet Rabbi Wilhelm surprises us with his numbers, stating, “Around 300,000 Israelis visit Thailand annually, and this year, we're on track to exceed that number.” He adds, “Visitors come from all walks of life—young post-army adventurers, reservists, families, and couples. It's amazing to witness the unity formed here at the Chabad House; people sit side by side regardless of their backgrounds.”

Rabbi Wilhelm points out that there are currently six Chabad Houses in Thailand, hosting around 5,000 Jewish travelers for Shabbat meals every Friday. “We don’t charge for Shabbat meals. People come in droves,” he says. “We welcome everyone and listen regardless of differing opinions. Recently, two observant Jews visiting for business joined us for Shabbat. They asked afterward, ‘During dinner, we noticed some guests speaking on their phones. Why didn’t anyone say anything to them?’”

His response: “I’ve hosted thousands of Jews over the decades, many of whom now live in Israel and observe the Torah and mitzvot. I can’t pinpoint what inspired each one, but I know none were drawn closer because I reprimanded them. Quite the opposite—they gravitated because I didn’t.”

Months of Preparation

Curious about hosting such massive Shabbat meals? Rabbi Wilhelm explains, “The largest occur at Chabad Houses in central locations, with over 1,000 attendees. To accommodate everyone, some buildings conduct double seatings across multiple floors during Shabbat—not only right at sundown but again later at night.”

“Here in Bangkok, our hall seats 500, yet we need more space, so we use our restaurant for another 200. These events call for a large team, so we hire many young volunteers at all Chabad Houses. Before Passover, we increase staff even further; this year, we expect 12,000 Israelis for our Passover Seders across Thailand, some of the largest in the world.”

How do you plan such large-scale events?

“Months of logistical planning are necessary. Slaughterers come to prepare the extensive meat supplies needed for Passover, and many young volunteers help. Overall, around 20 Seders are prepared here.”

“Our main challenge is logistical—ensuring everything is provided. Unlike Israel, where you can shop last minute, in Thailand, we must plan ahead. For instance, we realized participants missed ‘sweet drinks’ post-Seder, so we began importing Pesach-approved Coke and Sprite from Israel by sea. However, due to COVID-19 and wartime shipping delays, these shipments arrive too late.”

Did you give up on sweet drinks then?

“Not at all. We certified a local Thai factory to produce Kosher-for-Pesach juices, specifically for our Seders. We continually assess and adjust based on needs.”

“Our work is complex, but I appreciate the responsibility and privilege. The Lubavitcher Rebbe often spoke of a ‘fifth son’—one who wouldn’t usually attend a Seder and may not understand its significance. We host many such guests, aiming for a welcoming atmosphere; it’s their comfort that encourages return, and perhaps later traditional observance. The Seder opens hearts, offering an unmatched experience.”

The event itself, Rabbi Wilhelm shares, is unique. “It’s challenging to conduct a Seder with a thousand participants without amplification, but we found solutions. We take turns reading the Haggadah, each table sharing a small section, making it easier to hear and feel involved. The experience becomes profound, and people connect deeply with the Haggadah and its message.”

The Path to the Heart

Your secret to reaching so many travelers and touching their hearts?

“Here’s an example,” says Rabbi Wilhelm. “Ten years ago, a young traveler remembered visiting shul with his grandfather when he was a child. Seeing our restaurant, he told his friends, ‘I'll pray quickly and meet you for dinner.” They were surprised to find it was a Shabbat meal instead. When it ended, I asked his name—‘Or,’ he replied. I suggested, ‘Join us for the Shabbat gathering afterward.’ He said, ‘I've had my fill today.’”

“A week later, they joined Shabbat again. I approached him, greeted him by name, and from then on, he accepted every invitation. Over time, his journey led him to become a Chabad emissary in Katamon, Jerusalem—sparked by our encounter.”

“The four sons teach us the importance of giving each individual a voice. Even the ‘wicked,’ who some might silence, deserve to express their concerns. Face-to-face, we understand people better, enabling help and connection.”

This year, any travelers heading home or canceling plans due to the earthquake?

“Despite feeling the quake in Thailand, no damage occurred. Although distant observations look alarming, none of the travelers consider returning home, as they prepare with us for the upcoming Seder. It’s also a call to anyone in the vicinity: join us for this special night celebrating Israel’s exodus to freedom; may we soon experience complete redemption.”