Former Utah governor and U.S. Ambassador to China Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., prayed last week at the Ohel, the resting place of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, in Cambria Heights, N.Y.

Accompanied by Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, Chairman of the Chabad-Lubavitch educational and social services divisions, and by Rabbi Benny Zippel, executive director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Utah, Mr. Huntsman and his wife, Mary Kaye Huntsman, appeared engrossed in prayer. 

Also joining the Ambassador were philanthropists Harvey and Gloria Kaylie and Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Washington director of American Friends of Lubavitch.

Mr. Huntsman and his wife read the [Maaneh Loshon] prayers that are generally recited at the Ohel, and prayed, he said later, for the wellbeing of his family, his home state, and the U.S.

At a breakfast following the visit to the Ohel, Rabbi Krinsky spoke with Mr. Huntsman. 

“He expressed enormous respect for what Chabad represents, knowing it firsthand from Chabad in his home state,” Rabbi Krinsky told Lubavitch.com. “He seemed to be familiar with the wide ranging activities of Chabad around the world, and for the legacy of the Rebbe.”

Huntsman announced his bid for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination on June 21, 2011.

Photo Credit: Levy Hertzel