A “Staff Meeting“ with the Rebbe

Part 2 of the Rebbe Rayatz’s efforts to save America with Shabbos

In the first part of this historical overview, we presented the dire situation of Shabbos on the Jewish-American street and the efforts of the Rebbe Rayatz, despite considerable hardships, to promote Shabbos observance in America by establishing a national committee for Shabbos with representatives from various religious sectors. In this part, we look at the Mesibos Shabbos organization, and other initiatives.

An interesting example of the active struggle the Rebbe Rayatz led to preserve the sanctity of Shabbos was the case of the library at the YIVO (Yiddish Scientific Institute), which maintained regular operations on Saturdays.

This important archive was originally based in Vilna, however, during the Second World War, the library’s main section was transferred to New York. At this new location, Shabbos was no longer observed. Meetings were held there and the study halls were open to the public, as patrons wrote and smoked cigarettes on the premises.

The Rebbe Rayatz wrote a sharp letter to the institute’s directors, vehemently protesting against holding meetings there on Shabbos. He sent a copy of his letter to Rabbi Nissan Telushkin, asking him to speak on the matter with “Mr. S. Niger”, who visited him from time to time.

“Mr. S. Niger” was Mr. Shmuel Tcherni, a well-known literary critic born in Russia to a Lubavitcher family. However, in his writings, he used the pen name “S. Niger.” He maintained close contact with “YIVO.”

In addition, the Rebbe Rayatz also turned to Mr. Dovid Leib Mekler, editor of “Der Morgen Journal”, with a request that he and his deputies apply pressure upon “YIVO.”

When the Rebbe learned that Rabbi Yosef Ber Soloveichik was planning to speak at a “YIVO” event, he sent him a letter asking that he protest to the library directors against the Shabbos desecration they are causing. “In the power of his Torah genius, and primarily in the merit of his honored forebears, may it protect us, he will be privileged to plug up the hole the institute’s directors have made to sink the Jewish ship. May G-d’s blessings come upon him.” (Igros Kodesh Admur HaRayatz, Vol. 8, Letter #2325).

The Rebbe was unrelenting, and he tried in every possible way to close the library on the holy day of rest. No one knows for certain what exactly happened as a result of these protests.

WITH “MESIBOS SHABBOS” THEY WILL CONQUER THE WHOLE WORLD

In addition to his active struggle against Shabbos desecration, the Rebbe also created a virtual revolution in a variety of positive activities to intensify the glory and honor of the holy Shabbos. The main activity was through the “Mesibos Shabbos” Organization, established then by “Merkaz L’Inyonei Chinuch” under the presidency of the Rebbe MH”M.

The Chabad t’mimim and seminary students organized “Mesibos Shabbos” in a number of locations throughout New York City with the objective of instilling Jewish values in general and Shabbos values in particular in the children’s hearts, thereby bringing these values to their parents as well.

In a letter from that period, the Rebbe Rayatz speaks about the Mesibos Shabbos organization and its role: “The ‘Merkaz L’Inyonei Chinuch’ institution arranged a ‘Mesibos Shabbos’ campaign, in which the students sh’yichyu publicized to the young people about gathering together on the Shabbos day, telling them holy stories, arousing them to observe practical mitzvos, and visit Torah institutions.”

Rabbi Yaakov Yehuda (J.J.) Hecht, of blessed memory, served as chairman of the “Mesibos Shabbos” organization, and he once recalled how it all got started: “A chassid named Pinchas Weiler would gather children together on Shabbos and speak with them about Yiddishkeit. This is how it began. I was the chairman of ‘Mesibos Shabbos’ and worked according to the guidelines of the Rebbe, who was chairman of ‘Merkaz L’Inyonei Chinuch’.”

The Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, ran the “Mesibos Shabbos”, and he saw the great importance attached to this organization, as recalled by Rabbi Yehuda Tzvi Fogelman, then a yeshiva student and later one of the leading shluchim in the United States. “I remember that during that year [5702], the Rebbe once said at a farbrengen, ‘The Rebbe [Rayatz] started with ‘Mesibos Shabbos, and with this they will conquer the whole world.’”

As part of the “Mesibos Shabbos” program organized throughout New York City, special Shabbos meals were made. They were designed to instill within the children the importance of observing mitzvos in general, and Shabbos in particular, along with visits to Torah learning institutions. In the winter of 5702, these seudos were organized on a weekly basis for boys in eight locations, and in three additional places for girls.

One day during the month of Adar, all of the counselors were called in for a special “meeting” with the Rebbe Rayatz, during which he gave them instructions on how to run the activities, together with some words of encouragement. Here is a brief excerpt:

“Your educational work on Shabbos in mesibos with children must be in a manner of ‘all the days [of the week] are blessed from it.’ In other words, proper conduct on Shabbos will influence the children throughout the entire week, so their conduct should be as is required. Your work in providing guidance to the children will give you increased fortitude in Yiddishkeit and in your own strengths. May you be privileged to increase the merits of others, may you personally succeed in your studies and yiras shamayim, and may your parents and your families, sh’yichyu be contented materially and spiritually.” (Seifer HaSichos 5702, pg. 84)

The Rebbe Rayatz also requested detailed reports on what was being done with the children, boys and girls alike, when he gave a special bracha to the counselors: “I hereby turn to ‘Merkaz L’Inyonei Chinuch’ with a request to give all the counselors sh’yichyu my thanks and blessing for their dedication in their educational work at the Mesibos Shabbos. May you grow stronger and increase the diligence in your work, because it will lead to much happiness in your material and spiritual lives.” (Igros Kodesh Admur HaRayatz, Vol. 7, Letter #1891)

From the financial report written during that time about the activities, we see the full scope of their success. From Simchas Torah until the sixth of Iyar 5702, one hundred and eighty-three Shabbos gatherings for children were made at various locations over a period of twenty-three weeks. “Merkaz L’Inyonei Chinuch” covered the expenses.

It’s interesting to note that the “Mesibos Shabbos” reports were amazingly well-ordered. Every counselor received a special questionnaire, and after every Shabbos, the counselors marked on the questionnaire when the gatherings took place, the number of participants, the names of the counselors, the expenses, and the learning material. These questionnaires have been kept to this day in the “Merkaz L’Inyonei Chinuch” archives.

“Every counselor had to submit a written report to Rabbi Chadakov, and each of us received three dollars and fifteen cents from the Rebbe,” said Rabbi Yehuda Tzvi Fogelman, who added that Chabad activities in 5702 focused primarily on the “Mesibos Shabbos” organization.

During the summer of 5702, the “Mesibos Shabbos” organization opened thirty-one branches all over New York and in other cities. Outside of New York City, branches were established in Chicago, Newark, Worcester, New Haven, and Pittsburgh – a record scope of activities for that time.

In the summary reports submitted at the end of that summer, there appear detailed descriptions on the subject matter discussed at the mesibos. The counselors worked with the boys and girls in groups divided by gender and age, everything done in a warm and friendly style. The counselors taught the children to make brachos before and after eating, sang niggunim with them, told them stories from our Sages, special sichos on honoring one’s parents, keeping Shabbos, Ahavas Yisrael, improving one’s middos, and the importance of learning Torah. It’s no wonder that the children who then weren’t learning in a Torah institution institution became most interested in studying in such a program. Even those who were already learning in a Talmud Torah received encouragement to continue their studies in a yeshiva program at the appropriate time.

At the conclusion of that blessed year of activities, 5702, Rabbi Chadakov sent a special thank you letter to the counselors. “Thank you for your efforts last year for the Mesibos Shabbos organization and guiding its members to Torah and yiras shamayim, and a great request to increase in courage for next year to grow and strengthen the existing mesibos and establish new mesibos in every possible location.”

Even in Montreal, “Mesibos Shabbos” were established due to a request by the Rebbe to Rabbi Zev Greenglass on opening branches throughout the city. The Rebbe also made it clear that as a result of the “Mesibos Shabbos”, girls would come to study in the “Beth Rivkah” Institutions.

THE “YOUNG ISRAEL” ORGANIZATION JOINS THE SHABBOS REVOLUTION

With the passage of time, this positive revolution also reached other sectors in the Torah observant community. The objective was that they too would hold “Mesibos Shabbos” to teach Torah subjects to young Jewish children. Dr. Meir Zalman Mushkat from Marietta, Ohio contacted the Rebbe on this matter, and he replied to his questions in detail, even asking him to organize Mesibos Shabbos in his city. “We wish to bring to his attention the matter of Mesibos Shabbos (a detailed report on mesibos activities was sent to him) and perhaps he will agree to organize Mesibos Shabbos where he is.” (Igros Kodesh, Vol. 1, Letter #55).

The “Young Israel” Organization responded to the challenge, and with the Rebbe Rayatz’s encouragement, it opened “Mesibos Shabbos” branches in various cities, which gave the Rebbe Rayatz great pleasure. “I was pleased to hear that they founded Mesibos Shabbos for young people. Words of praise are inadequate and fortunate are those who participate, as they and all those who take an interest in this project shall be especially blessed. The men in the boys group and the women in the girls group shall be blessed with sons and daughters observing Torah and mitzvos.” (Igros Kodesh Admur HaRayatz, Vol. 8, Letter #2312).

When you look at the Chabad advertisements that came out during that period, you can’t help but be impressed by the large number of participants at Shabbos gatherings. For example, about one hundred children participated in “Mesibos Shabbos” held in Los Angeles, while several hundred joined activities in the Catskills Mountains during the summer vacation. 

PURIM PARADE

The Rebbe didn’t settle for the weekly gatherings held at various locations, and he also organized special biannual programs for Jewish children. In connection with these events, the kids would march in special parades.

The “Kol Yisrael” weekly, published in Yerushalayim, reported on the first meeting in Sivan 5702: “On Sunday, the fifteenth of Sivan, a gathering of students from all branches was held in one of the centers in Brooklyn. From there, they all went out into the city for an impressive mass demonstration, holding dozens of signs bearing slogans on Shabbos and Jewish education, e.g., ‘Preserve the Shabbos day to sanctify it’, ‘Those who savor it will merit eternal life’, ‘Guard the Shabbos and the Shabbos will guard you’, ‘Give your children a kosher Jewish education’, etc.

“The last stop on the children’s march was the courtyard of the Lubavitcher Rebbe shlita [at 770], where they stayed until the evening hours. Rabbi Chadakov, the Jewish education lecturer for the Latvian government currently in America and head of ‘Merkaz L’Inyonei Chinuch’, spoke before the children and urged them to be faithful to the People of G-d and His Torah.”

The next meeting took place on Purim 5703. About one thousand children gathered at 770, each group with its respective counselors. The children held signs in Hebrew, Yiddish, and English, alongside the Stars and Stripes. On the signs appeared slogans encouraging Shabbos observance. The children went out on a parade along the sidewalk in the middle of Eastern Parkway. Passersby stopped to watch this unique procession calling upon Jews to honor the holy Shabbos.

At the end of the parade, the children got together for a special party in the Franklin Manor [where the Rebbe held a number of his farbrengens in the years that followed]. The organizers served the youngsters hamantaschen, fruits, and other refreshments suitable for children. The boys gathered in the hall on the upper floor, while the girls assembled in the lower floor. Rabbi Yaakov Hecht and Rabbi Shmuel Popack spoke for the boys, Mrs. Rochel Jacobson and Mrs. Sara Kazarnovsky ran the party for the girls.

Representatives of Merkaz L’Inyonei Chinuch – the Rebbe MH”M, Rabbi Chadakov, and Rabbi Nissan Mindel – addressed both gatherings. The speakers had a strong effect upon the children, as they did upon the many guests who also attended the event.

One nine year-old boy in attendance, who told others how far removed he was from traditional Judaism, was so moved that he started participating in the Mesibos Shabbos.

Rabbi Yehuda Tzvi Fogelman recalls a later Purim parade: “The parade took place on Nostrand Avenue, attended then by hundreds of children. The Rebbe came up to speak before the children, and I was standing close to him. I remember that his words left a powerful impression upon me; I felt that this was not just a simple drasha, rather a statement for history. The Rebbe spoke clearly and forcefully with the utmost sincerity about Achashverosh and the role of Jewish children. All those present felt that this was something quite special.”

Over the years that followed, annual children’s gatherings were held together with special holiday events. On a number of occasions, the Rebbe Rayatz would watch the children from the window of his room. For example, on Lag Ba’Omer 5703, about two hundred children gathered in the courtyard of 770, and the Rebbe MH”M spoke to them. In the middle of the speech, one of the windows in the Rebbe Rayatz’s apartment suddenly opened, and the Rebbe Rayatz could be seen listening to his son-in-law addressing the children.

Later, one of the members of the household asked the Rebbe Rayatz why he waited near the window for the whole speech, considering the state of his health. The Rebbe Rayatz replied: “It is known that the holy Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev asked the Alter Rebbe why he established the custom not to say ‘V’Shamru’ on Friday night, the time when they say it creates a ‘bazaar’ in Heaven? The Alter Rebbe replied: ‘There’s no need for all these bazaars…’” The Rebbe Rayatz then concluded: “At this bazaar that just took place in the courtyard – the Alter Rebbe was there…”

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There is no doubt that the Mesibos Shabbos had a powerful impact. These weekly meetings significantly strengthened the whole subject of Shabbos observance among hundreds of Jewish families all over the United States.

The organization’s director, Rabbi Hecht, testifies to the great influence of the Mesibos Shabbos: “Many yeshivos were established due to the Mesibos Shabbos activities and the ‘hours of faith’ held in various neighborhoods throughout New York and in other cities.”

The Rebbe Rayatz’s declaration that “America is no different” was accompanied by a huge campaign, starting with the education of young Jewish children at a very tender age, creating a profound influence within their hearts and a worldwide revolution over the coming years.

The Mesibos Shabbos became a widespread custom over time throughout the globe – and today, they are held each Shabbos with tens of thousands of Jewish children participating. ■

SOURCES: The Rebbe Rayatz’s sichos and Igros Kodesh, Toldos Chabad B’Artzos HaBris, Yemei Bereishis, Yemei Melech, HaKria V’HaKedusha, Kovetz Lubavitch, Kol Yisrael (chareidi weekly), HaTzofeh, HaPardes, Zislin Archives, et al.