During a successful sale of Chassidus Seforim in Kiryas Yoel, a vandal opposed to the event damaged the seforim truck. In response, organizers have pledged to expand their efforts.
Organizers of the periodic Chassidus seforim sales in frum communities across the Tri-State area are vowing to expand their efforts following an act of vandalism by an individual opposed to the initiative.
The sale in Kiryas Yoel, held in honor of Chof Daled Teves, the yahrzeit of the Alter Rebbe, was part of a larger effort, with simultaneous sales taking place in various locations across New York and New Jersey, all coordinated by Or HaChasidus.
On Thursday night, ahead of the sale, dozens of bochurim gathered at the home of R’ Ari Sperlin to plan and prepare for the initiative, ensuring that discounted Chassidus seforim would reach as many communities as possible.
Despite forecasts predicting frigid temperatures for Chof Daled Teves, organizers remained resolute. “We were determined to bring the warmth of Chassidus, even in the freezing cold,” says Rabbi Avrohom Mann, director of Or HaChasidus.
Undeterred by the cold, the next day, the bochurim set out to multiple locations, offering seforim of the Alter Rebbe and other Chassidus seforim at subsidized prices. Hundreds of bochurim and men stopped by the sale locations, and within a short span, nearly all the seforim were sold out.
One of the most successful sales took place in Kiryas Yoel, Monroe, home to one of the largest Satmar communities in America.
However, not everyone welcomed these efforts. Certain individuals opposed to the spread of Chassidus staged protests near the sale, attempting to discourage others from approaching the seforim truck.
When they realized that neither the freezing temperatures nor their demonstrations were deterring the sale, one individual escalated matters—breaking into the truck and vandalizing its lighting system.
Repairing the vandalism will cost thousands of dollars and cause significant inconvenience, but the organizers aren’t pausing for a moment.
“The Alter Rebbe, the Baal HaHilula, taught us that those who try to darken the path will soon see that the light continues to shine. At Or HaChasidus, not only are we not backing down, but we have made a firm decision—over the coming year, we will double our sales efforts. Darkness is dispelled with light, and great darkness is overcome with even greater light,” says Rabbi Mann.
“This is our response. The light of Chassidus will always prevail.”
Those who wish to take action in response to the vandalism can do so through the link below.
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