A captivating memoir by Pinkhes Dov Goldenshteyn (1848-1930), a chossid of the Tzemach Tzedek, tells us in raw detail about his life in Ukraine without nostalgia or white-washing. For the first time, the book has been translated into English.
Mingling Wasn’t Allowed Even for the Holiest of Causes
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: Men and women “mingling” on social media by commenting on each other’s posts or “private messaging” doesn’t always feel like a problem. Because it’s not in a physical setting it may seem okay when, of course, it’s not.
She Cursed the Rov, But Wanted Children Like Him
When a woman began shouting derogatory statements against Reb Boruch Mordechai Babroisker, his Rebbetzin could not bear it. But then the Rov demonstrated to her that the woman didn’t really mean it.
Who’s Making Chinuch Decisions in Our Schools?
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: In the summer of 5718 (1958), there was a huge controversy amongst activists and journalists about a certain demonstration about Eretz Yisroel. At a farbrengen, the Rebbe noted that with all the screaming and blaming, people were missing the most vital point.
He Got the Czar’s Mattresses for the Rebbe
When the Frierdiker Rebbe asked R’ Boruch Sholom Kahn to buy mattresses for the Rebbe Rashab and Rebbetzin Shterna Sara, he went to the fanciest store and was not satisfied until they gave him the mattresses designated for Czar Nikolai II.
“Are All the Manufacturers in Russia So Learned?”
R’ Nechemya of Dubrovna, who was married to the Alter Rebbe‘s granddaughter, was a chavrusa to the Tzemach Tzedek and an exceptional gaon. Yet, he shied away from publicity and earned his livelihood from his taleisim factory.
Screens Don’t Need to be Put in Shaimos
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: When we daven, say Tehillim, or learn Torah from an actual sefer, it’s an opportunity to hold a holy object and turn its holy pages. If at all possible, why exchange such an amazing opportunity for the convenience of a digital device?
She Thought the Rebbe Didn’t Want Her to Have a Nice House
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: A woman once wrote to the Rebbe that she felt hurt because she understood that the Rebbe wished her not to be wealthy. The Rebbe’s response surprised her.
He Couldn’t Get a Minyan to Keep Up with Him
During the year after the Tzemach Tzedek‘s histalkus, people would not want to join the minyan of Reb Chaim Schneur Zalman. Once he started davening, he would forget where he was and became absorbed in the davening for hours…
“He Wears a Simple Kapota and Torn Shtreimel”
A rov in Poznan, R. Akiva Eiger was an incredible gaon, yet unpretentious. While traveling to the health spas in Karlsbad, the Mitteler Rebbe visited him and was impressed by his great humility.
Now’s the Time to Take Your Goy to Court
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: We each have a goy inside of us who wants us to see the world from his perspective and act based on that. The month of Adar is an opportune time to take our goy to court.
Kibbud Av V’Eim is Not for ‘Perfect Parents’
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: The Torah doesn’t command us to honor the perfect parents. It commands us to honor our parents. The Rebbe showed that sometimes we need to be creative in finding ways of fulfilling this mitzvah even when it’s difficult.
Lubavitch Opposition to New York Eruv is 120 Years Old
The topic of eruv in New York City and the Lubavitch view has been much discussed in recent times. But a newly uncovered newspaper clipping shows that the issue was addressed by a student of the Tzemach Tzedek nearly 120 years ago.
We Don’t Celebrate Death, But We Want the Eradication of Evil
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: Yidden don’t celebrate death, but we do celebrate the eradication of evil. Turning to today’s evils, negotiations of any kind with terrorists is music to their ears. And music is not the sound they deserve to hear.
The Rebbe Rashab Studied His Hand Washing
Born in Latvia and raised in Chevron, R’ Shlomo Yehuda Leib Eliezerov was sent by the Rebbe Rashab to Samarkand, where he served as a rov and taught Torah to the young.
The Rebbe’s Words Surprised These Barbados Rabbis
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: We’ve recently seen how thousands of Yidden who once claimed to want nothing to do with Hashem have now embraced Him. It’s sad that this came through such tragic circumstances, but let it be an inspiration to never give up on bringing Hashem’s presence to every single yid.
The Matriarch of Lubavitch: Wise, Sensitive, and Loyal
A prominent figure in Lubavitch, Rebbetzin Rivkah, whose 110th yahrtzeit is on Yud Shvat, was known for her wisdom and storytelling, as well as her sensitivity and kindness. Her admiration for her husband, the Rebbe Maharash, was so exceptional that she never sat while he stood and didn’t disturb him when her dress got caught in the door…
What’s Going On With Lubavitch?
Article by Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier: Chabad-Lubavitch is baruch Hashem functional, impressive, and influential. Those who want can see and share its beauty with others. But those who want to see shortcomings will see and peddle only that information.
The Violin Player Who Was Healed by the Alter Rebbe
An exceptional violin player, R’ Shlomo Chashniker‘s nigunim could melt his listeners’ hearts. Playing at the Zhlobiner Chassuna, R’ Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev showed him his heart and R’ Shlomo never had another machshava zara during davening.
He Never Lifted His Eyes To See New York’s Skyscrapers
An early tomim, R’ Avrohom Elyeh Akslerod came to the US in 1924 where he served a rov in Baltimore. He continued to act just as in Lubavitch and the Frierdiker Rebbe had a unique compliment for him.