The Rebbe Foresaw the Future: A Yeshiva in South Africa

By Rabbi Noam Wagner, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva of South Africa

More than forty years ago, a prominent Chabad Rosh Yeshiva had a Yechidus with the Rebbe. In discussing the situation of Yeshivos & Bochurim, the Rebbe remarked: “One of the reasons that I send Shluchim to so many countries around the world, is so that the Shluchim can open up Yeshivas in those places. In this way, Bochurim will have many different options of where to learn, so that there is a place for each type of Bochur to grow in his particular way.”

Based on the size of Chabad, and the general state of the Frum world at that time, the Rebbe’s words could hardly be understood. In our time however, so many years later, we can only marvel at the Rebbe’s prophetic vision. Yet, for the Rebbe it was not merely a vision. The Rebbe implemented this idea by establishing Yeshivos all across the globe.

One such Yeshiva – as stated in the preface to Hayom Yom – is the “Yeshiva Gedola Lubavitch” that the Rebbe established in Johannesburg, South Africa, thirty-eight years ago. At that time (5744 / 1984), as well as over the course of the years when the Yeshiva struggled to attract students who would travel to the “far ends of the world”, even the wildest imagination could not fathom the important role that this Yeshiva would eventually play.

Who could imagine a Yeshiva in Johannesburg, South Africa bursting at its seams, to the extent that it is now in dire need for additional space? Who could imagine that the very same Yeshiva that all the “experts” have long ago predicted its demise, would attract more than 50 Bochurim for three consecutive summers, with the number growing from year to year, and each of the Bochurim insisting that he has learned more over the summer than he learned during an entire year of Yeshiva? Who would imagine that the outskirts of Glenhazel would house a Yeshiva all year round, in which more than 25 Chassidishe Bochurim are immersed in Torah and Avodas Hashem from morning to night?

Indeed, what is the secret to it all? What is the driving force behind the unbelievable growth of Torah and Chassidus at the bottom of Africa? There is only one answer to this: The “far-sighted” vision of the Rebbe. The Rebbe foresaw a time at the very end of Golus, in which the darkness would become so intense that it would crush the spirits of some of his most precious soldiers. Those very same soldiers in which he had invested so many previously unseen treasures. The ones who are destined to lead the entire creation to the final redemption. The intense darkness would cause those courageous souls to feel cast out into the wilderness, lost and confused, like an anchorless ship with no place to go and no one to offer a healing balm for their souls.

The Rebbe, the faithful shepherd, who cares for each and every single one of his flock, prepared in advance a safe haven for these most delicate souls. Just as in the time when we left Mitzrayim, Hashem chose the perfect climate, the preparation to leave the final Golus is helped by a place where the climate is just right – not too hot and not too cold. For these “weather-worn” souls, many of whom the endless battles have brought to a state of disillusionment with the world, with themselves and with their Yiddishkeit; their loving Father chose the sun-drenched shores of Southern Africa. It is here that they can heal and reach their full potential and fulfill their most fateful destiny.

Where else do the Bochurim have such expansive grounds, with an outdoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art Mikve, and unlimited opportunities for boosting both body and spirit? Where else is there the opportunity for frequent trips to the vast outdoors, visiting the wild animals in the jungle, hiking up mountains with beautiful scenery, and Farbrenging out in the wild? Whìch Yeshiva can spend a weekend in Kislev on a private beach in the middle of nowhere? Imagine Bochurim experiencing this dream, coupled with a Hanholo who loves them and cares for them, who strives to understand them and work with each Bochur in accordance with his specific capabilities and needs. Is it a wonder that these Bochurim suddenly begin to take a real interest in their Yiddishkeit? That they return to their true selves, and become more serious about their connection to Hashem: Shabbos, Brochos, Tefillin and so much more. Most importantly, they learn to focus on the single mission of our time: greeting Moshiach immediately.

In three short months, boys who have lost faith in their own ability to learn have mastered all twenty-four chapters of Mishnayos Shabbos. They studied and now know well the various laws of Shabbos, including the 39 Melachos with their intricate details and the sources as they are expounded upon over many pages of Germoro and Simanim of Shulchan Oruch. They have completed and been tested on twelve Prokim of Tanya, as well as many Ma’amorim and Sichos from each of the Rebei’im regarding the concepts of Davening.

Then began the month-and-a-half of preparation for Yud Shevat, during which the Bochurim went above and beyond, reaching and surpassing goals that up until that time they never dreamed were attainable. Bochurim, of whom a number of them had never before completed a single entire Ma’amor, were tested on 1,200 (!) Oisiyos of the Rebbe’s Torah. Bosi Legani, Veato Tetzave, Inyono Shel Toras Hachassidus, Veshavti Besholom – just to name a few! Bochurim who were adamant that they could never Chazer a Ma’amar publicly, Chazered many Ma’amorim at Farbrengens. Then there were the Hachlotos: Chitas, Mikve every day, Modeh Ani, Tehillim Shabbos Mevorchim – just to name a few. The local Jews got their share as well, as the Bochurim who went on Mivtzo’im every day during their lunch break, put on Tefillin with more than 200 Jews! No wonder the Hanholo was “forced” to pay for 12 (!) tickets to the Rebbe.

The climax was the actual trip. Most of the Bochurim, especially those living in Crown Heights have never had a chance to experience the concept of traveling to the Rebbe. This year they did it – and earned it by all counts! They were not just going home to NY, they traveled to a Rebbe with whom they now feel a personal connection, to thank him for his constant love and care and for having the “foresight” to create for them such a wonderful place – a safe haven in a world gone mad.

Is it then a wonder that after Yud Shvat the Bochurim are excitedly returning to Yeshiva and the learning schedule, and that five new Bochurim have joined the Yeshiva and many more are scrambling to get in?

Thank you Hashem for giving us the Rebbe! Thank you for giving us a faithful shepherd to guide us and care for us in these trying times. Thank you for allowing us to be part of the fateful mission of bringing Moshiach!

We know, Rebbe, that this darkness is at its end. We know that the time has finally arrived when we will see you once again, as you lead us and the entire world out of this dark Golus, into the everlasting light of the complete and final redemption!