Eight years ago, Chabad Sri Lanka arrived to create a wellspring of Hasidic light. Within a few years, Chabad Houses were established on Hockaday and Arugam Bay beaches.

Last year, they opened an additional Chabad House in Weligama. From the protective shade of the palm trees overlooking the intoxicating blue sea, many post-army Israelis light Shabbat candles, attend the Passover Seder, and rejoice on Purim. They study, perform mitzvot, and connect with the Rabbis and each other.

Although they are physically 3,500 miles from Israel, they feel right at home.