Weeks before Israel made headlines by recognizing Somaliland, two members of the Chabad-Lubavitch community quietly carried out an unusual mission in the African territory. Unlike diplomats, businesspeople, or tourists, their goal was simple yet extraordinary: to print the Tanya, a sacred Jewish book that is central to Chabad teachings. This mission was not only religious but also symbolic, reflecting the Chabad movement’s dedication to spreading spiritual knowledge even in remote or politically sensitive regions.
A Rare Journey by Chabad Emissaries to Print a Sacred Book
The emissaries traveled to Somaliland not for sightseeing, business, or negotiations but to fulfill a deeply personal religious mission. Their work forms part of a broader initiative in countries often considered sensitive or even hostile to Israel. In the past, they carried out similar missions in Iraq, Kuwait, and South Sudan. They aim to print the Tanya in every country where it has not yet appeared—a list they have now reduced to about 15 nations worldwide.
Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, wrote the Tanya over 200 years ago. The text offers guidance for understanding human emotions, personal struggles, and the choices people make in life. Chabad emissaries have printed the book even in countries with tense relations with Israel, including Iran and Lebanon. People now display copies from those printings in prominent locations in Israel, highlighting the Tanya’s long-standing cultural and spiritual significance.
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The Chabad emissaries view the Tanya as a universal work meant to reach people everywhere, regardless of political or social barriers. For them, bringing this text to Somaliland was both a spiritual responsibility and a demonstration of faith.
Challenges of Printing in a Sensitive Region
Printing the Tanya in Somaliland proved far from simple. Upon arrival, the emissaries faced immediate suspicion from local printers. Many refused outright, worried about potential legal or social consequences. Only after repeated questioning, additional payments, and assurances did one printer agree to help.
The emissaries said that the blessing of their spiritual leader influenced the printer’s decision, highlighting the mission’s religious significance. Their time outside the print shop also proved challenging. Hargeisa, the capital, rarely hosts foreign visitors, and poor road conditions and safety concerns made travel to other towns difficult. Locals acted cautiously, often avoiding photographs or close interactions with the emissaries. They eventually abandoned plans to visit a historically Jewish-linked site due to time and security constraints.
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The emissaries noticed that locals often saw them as ordinary tourists, despite the unique purpose of their visit. Even though the locals were generally friendly, fear and caution were noticeable on both sides. Many people assisting with the mission worried about the legal and social risks involved in helping print a Jewish text, particularly one as significant as the Tanya. The emissaries pointed out that punishment for religious activity in the region could be severe, highlighting the courage required to carry out their mission.
Timing and Surprising Developments
The timing of the emissaries’ mission coincided with an unexpected political development. Shortly after they returned to the United States, Israel officially recognized Somaliland. While a local guide had suggested the possibility, the emissaries had not taken it seriously at the time. This added a surprising twist to their already remarkable journey.
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Even after completing the printing, both visitors emphasized the tension and care that marked their stay. Their experience underscores the difficulty of carrying out religious and cultural projects in regions where foreign presence is rare and political sensitivities run high. Yet, the successful printing of the Tanya in Somaliland represents a rare and powerful accomplishment, bringing a cherished Jewish text to a new part of the world.
The emissaries’ journey highlights a combination of faith, determination, and courage. Their work adds to a growing list of challenging locations where they have successfully printed the Tanya, reflecting a mission that blends spiritual devotion with the ability to navigate complex and delicate situations.
