Eighty six talmidim of Yeshiva L’Tzeirim in Moscow spread out across more than twenty cities in Russia for a major Shabbos Shlichus initiative, traveling by plane, train and car to bring Yiddishkeit and chassidishe chayus to distant Jewish communities.

Eighty six talmidim of Yeshiva L’Tzeirim in Moscow spread out across more than twenty cities in Russia for a major Shabbos Shlichus initiative, bringing a powerful boost of Yiddishkeit and chassidishe chayus to Jewish communities throughout the country.

The initiative, arranged under the guidance of Chief Rabbi of Russia Rabbi Berel Lazar, sent the bochurim across thousands of kilometers to communities far from Moscow, including areas where the communist regime once tried to uproot every trace of Yiddishkeit and where, today, Jewish life continues to grow with new strength.

The large-scale effort included 15 groups traveling by plane, others making long journeys by train, and another group traveling by car. One group made its way to Nalchik, a city with a large Muslim population, accompanied by a security escort so the Shlichus could take place there as well.

Throughout the days of the trip and over Shabbos, the Tmimim worked together with the local Shluchim and rabbonim, organizing tefillos, shiurim, seudos Shabbos and farbrengens, while also going out to meet local Yidden. Hundreds of Jews put on tefillin, moving bar mitzvah celebrations were held for locals reconnecting with their roots, and 96 new mezuzos were affixed in Jewish homes.

The initiative was supported by Keren 770, headed by Reb Yehuda Davidov, and was coordinated by the yeshiva administration, led by Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Moshe Lerman, director of Campus Lichtenfeld Rabbi Yosef Moshe Weisberg, administrator Rabbi Chaim Moshe Weber, and the talmidim hashluchim, who worked to ensure that each city received a full Shabbos program filled with learning, davening and chassidishe farbrengens.

Ahead of the trip, Rabbi Lazar sent two special letters, one to the Tmimim and one to the leaders of the host communities. In his letter to the bochurim, he emphasized their responsibility as Shluchim of the Rebbe, noting how the conduct of a Chossid, his appearance, refinement and simcha, can leave a lasting impression on another Yid. In his letter to the communities, he encouraged them to make full use of the visit, to learn with the bochurim and draw strength from the message of Pesach Sheini, that it is never too late to come closer and add in Torah and mitzvos.

By the time the Tmimim left after Shabbos, the impression was felt strongly in the participating communities, with local Yidden joining the meals, farbrengens and programs, and many expressing deep appreciation for the energy and inspiration brought by the young bochurim.

Photos: Mevaser Tov Moscow