By Rabbi Avrohom Brashevitzky – Chabad of Doral, Florida
In the very first Chof Av of The Rebbe’s leadership (Av 5711, summer 1951), he shared some very intriguing anecdotes from his father’s life. The Rebbe described what happened when his illustrious father visited with some of the great Torah Leaders of his time to obtain Rabbinic Ordination from them. The famous Rabbi Chaim Brisker didn’t make it easy for him, as Reb Levik was visibly a Chabad Chosid.
One of the requirements was to sit in with this great Rabbi, as he dealt with actual Sheilos which came to his attention. Rabbi Chaim would then “turn them over” to the prospective new Rabbi about to be ordained by him. The idea was to have the opportunity to observe his proficiency, and ability in handling day-to-day real life matters. The issue at hand was a Sheila about a group of neighbors residing in the same courtyard, who had built a Sukkah together. However, for some reason they had totally forgotten to make an Eiruv Chatzeirot, which would allow them to carry their respective meals from their home to the Sukkah.
Reb Chaim turned to Reb Levik, who quickly responded that the mere fact of their partnership in the communal Sukkah serves as an Eiruv, thus allowing them to carry freely in the courtyard. Rabbi Brisker was very impressed with the young prodigy’s genius innovation. Reb Chaim went on to confirm that indeed this suggestion was correct and fully consistent with the Halacha.
The Rebbe then explained how this story can be applied to our lives and our service of Hashem. The fundamental idea of an Eiruv is that by each individual contributing a small amount of food into a communal pool, they all become joined together as one entity. This is the idea of Ahavat (love) and Achdut (unity) Yisrael.
“Forgetting to make an Eiruv” is symbolic of them being in the opposite mode of Ahavat Yisrael, thus leading to the absence of mind in creating this unity of an Eiruv.
Forgetfulness in itself is an expression of one’s subconscious negative attitude towards something. Thus their forgetting to make an Eiruv is indicative of their lack of unity and Ahavat Yisrael.
This can only happen during mundane times, when an elaborate, consciences effort has to be made for unity. However when a holy day, say a Shabbos or Yom Tov arrives, then there’s an outburst of sincere desire for unity and Ahavat Yisrael. This is when there’s the realization that the Sukkah itself is the agent of unity and togetherness. This Sukkah is also symbolic of the ultimate Sukkah Hashem will make of the Livyatan skin when Moshiach comes, which will bring together and unite all the Tzadikim – Hashem’s people – us!
The lesson for us is to create that Sukkah, to effect unbiased love and selfless dedication to our fellow Jew. This “Sukkah” is the power of our Rabbeim who “shelter” us spiritually, and bring us all together in spite of our differences.
Immediately following this amazing insight, The Rebbe continues with a discussion regarding visiting the burial site of one’s parents.
To recap: at the very first public address as Rebbe regarding Chof Av, the Rebbe laid down the objectives of this very important day. A) To bring Chassidim and Yidden together. And B) to visit his holy father’s burial site as it becomes possible to do so (remember that at the time this Sicha was delivered it was practically impossible to physically visit Reb Levik’s Holy Tziyun, due to the severe oppressive restrictions of the Soviet Union).
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This year for Chof Av, some of us had the privilege of enjoying the “Sukkah In The Sky” experience, as we flew to Almaty Khazakstan to be at the holy burial site of the Rebbe’s father Rabbi Levi Yitzchok OBM.
On a chartered flight, several hundred Chassidim traveled on an ElAl special route from NY’s JFK to Almaty. We departed Tuesday evening headed to Khazakstan. We landed there on Wednesday evening and were back here in JFK by Thursday Chof Av 6:00pm, in time to visit the Rebbe’s Ohel before sunset, on the actual auspicious day of Chof Av.
A unique addition this year was the Siyum of a new Sefer Torah at the Chabad House in Almaty. We got to celebrate together with the beautiful community, representing all of Khazakstan’s Jewry, headed by the Head Shliach Rabbi Shaye Cohen.
This special trip was the most unique journey I ever took in my life. Indeed, it was truly a “Sukkah of Unity”. All styles and colors; white beards, black beards, and no beards. Mashpi’im, Shluchim, Yeshiva students and regular BaleiBattim. People who paid their own way, others who were sponsored by generous donors. Old, young; more learned and newcomers. Everybody was united and joined together as one entity.
There were many spontaneous Farbregens throughout the entire night. While some took a break to doze off, others can be seen engaged in talk and friendly chatter. To me it was the real thing. It wasn’t an “official” Farbregen with designated speakers and an elaborate agenda. Rather, they were “the real deal” of what the word Farbregen means. People spent time enjoying the company of others and getting to know them.
Personally, I had an amazing time getting to talk with cousins I never personally knew. I made acquaintance with relatives who were hiding in plain sight for way too long. Sitting together with a Bochur half my age, engaged in friendly chit chat, I was taken back almost 30 years to that nostalgic era as a Bochur in 770 “in the good old days”. Hearing stories about my very own ancestry from a very well informed relative. All of these made it feel like I was sitting in an actual Sukkah enjoying the company of esteemed guests.
Being in a Sukkah is usually synonymous with sitting around a table laden with L’chaims and delicious food. Indeed, we all felt the very special touch of our amazing hosts R’
Dovid Rogatzky and Rabbi Moshe Pinson. Coming from them and all the esteemed members of Beis Shmuel, each one of us felt the special treatment offered to cherished guests. There was Farbeisen and high end L’chaims, to a degree which would out match any well stocked Kiddush in the most reputable of Shul.
Dovid and his assistants deserve a special Yasher Koiach for their tireless, selfless dedication to this entire project. From the very being to very last detail, their signature could be felt in every aspect and nuance. The level of care and attention to detail is unsurpassed. I’m certain that I speak for everyone in saying that the ultimate thank you should come from Hashem Himself, and from the Bal Hahilula, in the form of much blessings and success to all those involved.
A very special shout out goes to R’ Shmuel Kravitzky of SKY2000 who, with his extensive contacts which have been cultivated over his many years of experience in the travel business, was successful in arranging this very special flight on an ElAl Dreamliner. The comfort and peace of mind of the El Al security were a tremendous bonus to an already amazing experience.
Of course, as is already well known, the true heroes of these Cho Av trips to honor The Rebbe’s father OBM are the two amazing individuals who for so many years already have created a movement to inspire and bring people to Almaty for Chof Av. R’ Avi Shaulson and R’ Shmuel (Sam) Stern. Getting to Almaty is only one part. Transportation, food, lodging and logistics is an even greater challenge. This is where these two great Ba’alei Chesed take the reins. And the experience is most amazing, nothing is held back. Amazing Gashmiyus to complement the wondrous Ruchniyus of the whole experience.
We had a great treat when we suddenly heard Sam’s familiar voice booming over the cabin’s PA system. For a moment I felt like a kid in camp with the legendary head-counselor lovingly giving instruction and direction. Shmulie, thank you for continuously adding your special touch.
A very special mention goes to our very own R’ Yossi Soffer of COLlive who can attest to the integrity of all that’s written here; he sat in the seat behind me, taking in every moment with great satisfaction, even when he fell into a deep sleep out of sheer exhaustion.
There’s so much more to share about this wonderful Sukkah in The Sky. I pray and hope that this “Sukkah” and the amazing brotherhood that was felt throughout the entire trip, brings us all to the ultimate Sukkah which Hashem will make when Moshiach reveals himself, speedily now!
