Rabbi Itkin manifested vitality, love, and warmth, embracing every Jew with unconditional love. To Rabbi Itkin, the beauty of a Jew was their soul, and each mitzvah they accomplished was precious.
What did the Rebbe respond to Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak (“Fitche”) Itkin when he asked how to obtain the mindset of a shliach?
In the summer of 1973 (5733), the Rebbe sent a group of bochurim to Miami to establish a Yeshiva and impact the greater Miami community. Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak (“Fitche”) Itkin a”h, whose shloshim is this week Wednesday, was chosen to be part of this pioneering group.
Once, during his course of Shlichus in Miami, he had the rare opportunity to enter the Rebbe’s room for a yechidus, a special exception granted to the bochurim shluchim. In his note to the Rebbe, he expressed his wish to be able to constantly be cognizant of the unique responsibility and privilege of being a shliach.
The Rebbe replied, “When you walk down the street, you don’t know how many people are looking at you. With one good deed you can influence several Jewish people for the good, and the merit of the public depends on you. G-d will help.” This became the driving force behind Rabbi Itkin’s encounters with others.
Rabbi Itkin manifested vitality, love, and warmth, embracing every Jew with unconditional love. To Rabbi Itkin, the beauty of a Jew was their soul, and each mitzvah they accomplished was precious. In memory of Rabbi Itkin, his family is establishing Rabbi Itkin’s Mitzvah Tank.
Rabbi Itkin’s Mitzvah Tank will bring his characteristic warmth and enthusiasm to every student on Binghamton University campus. Rabbi Itkin’s daughter and son-in-law, Goldie and Yisroel Ochana, shluchim at Binghamton, will staff the Mitzvah Tank daily, bringing his unconditional love, kindness, and joy to thousands of Jewish students.
The Mitzvah Tank is more than a vehicle; it’s a conduit for unity and celebration, embodying the essence of Rabbi Itkin’s remarkable spirit.
Be a part of this living legacy today: charidy.com/rabbiitkin
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