How The Rebbe Revitalized an Ottoman Era Charity

In honor of Chof Daled Teves, the Alter Rebbe’s yahrtzeit, JEM’s Living Torah explores how the Alter Rebbe risked his life to send critical funds to Eretz Yisroel during the Ottoman era, and how years later the Rebbe revitalized among American Jewry the importance of supporting Yidden in the Holy Land.

The Rebbe’s visits to the Ohel were frequent—sometimes occurring several times a week in later years. Before each visit, the Rebbe would send a personal check, written in his own name, to Colel Chabad, the Tzedakah organization founded by the Alter Rebbe himself.

In honor of Chof Daled Teves, a new film exploring the history of Colel Chabad and the Rebbe’s affinity and attention to its growth has been produced by JEM. It is now playing as this week’s Living Torah and is available to watch below.

This new film gives background on the Rebbe’s deep connection to Colel Chabad, through excerpts of the Rebbe’s own words, video interviews and archival footage and documents.

Colel Chabad, the oldest charitable organization in the Holy Land, has been led by each of the Rabbeim during their respective leaderships, including the Rebbe himself. The Alter Rebbe didn’t just establish the organization; he literally risked his life to ensure its existence, sending critical funds to the Jewish community in Eretz Yisrael during the Ottoman era.

In more recent times, the Rebbe revitalized the organization, bringing it to the forefront of American Jewry’s attention, who continue to contribute to it to this day. 

VIDEO:

YouTube player

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