Tonight, the 22nd of MarCheshvan, marks an extraordinary moment in the history of Chabad of Myrtle Beach. Two events, 700 miles apart, unfolded on this day—a story of loss and hope intertwined by a thread of Divine will.
On this very day, in Brooklyn, I participated in the burial preparations of my dear friend and classmate, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Tiefenbrun, who passed away suddenly. The news of his death was shattering, particularly for his young family. As I helped prepare him for burial, the weight of this tragedy was overwhelming. But at the same time, in Myrtle Beach, another moment of significance was unfolding.
Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Groner was meeting with members of the local community to explore the possibility of establishing a Chabad outpost in the area. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with parents voicing a deep need for Jewish education and the desire for a place where their children could learn and grow in a nurturing Jewish environment. Fifteen thousand dollars were raised that night, a testament to the community’s commitment to making this dream a reality.
The connection between these two events may not be immediately obvious, but it is deeply meaningful. Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Tiefenbrun—my dear friend, who tragically passed away that very day—had been a tireless advocate for a Chabad presence in Myrtle Beach. He had approached Rabbi Groner on multiple occasions, urging him to bring Chabad to this underserved community. His persistence was not just a wish; it was a calling.
It is deeply moving to consider that, on the very day Yossi passed away, Rabbi Groner was laying the groundwork for the future of Chabad in Myrtle Beach. In a very real sense, Yossi’s dream was being realized even as we mourned his untimely departure. Rabbi Groner shared with me how Yossi had called him repeatedly, imploring him to make this move—to bring Chabad to Myrtle Beach so that the Jewish community could thrive and grow. And it was on that fateful day, the 22nd of Cheshvan, that Rabbi Groner took the first steps toward making Yossi’s vision a reality.
I can’t help but see the hand of Divine Providence in these events. On the day we laid Yossi to rest, the foundations of Chabad in Myrtle Beach were being laid as well. The intersection of these two events—one of tragic loss and the other of hopeful beginning
—feels like a clear sign that the work of building and protecting our communities is divinely guided.
This story is a testament to the power of persistence, faith, and the belief that even in the face of darkness, light will always emerge. Yossi’s commitment to Jewish education and his determination to bring Chabad to Myrtle Beach were not in vain. Today, as we remember his life and legacy, we also look forward with hope to the future he helped to build.
Today, as we face a wave of grief and uncertainty, I write to you with a heart full of both sorrow and hope. We awoke to heartbreaking news of the brutal murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogen, הי״ד—taken from us solely because he lived as a Jew and represented our nation with pride. His death is not just a personal tragedy for his family; it is an assault on our collective spirit. Our hearts go out to his loved ones, and our prayers are with them as they navigate this unimaginable loss. May they find strength until we prevail in the ultimate battle against darkness, and witness the full redemption that will heal all wounds.
In moments like these, we are reminded of the deep need for protection—both physical and spiritual. As we stand united in our mourning, we also look to the future, to the safety of our children and our community. Today the campaign for Chabad Jewish Academy of Myrtle Beach is live, and given the tragic events unfolding around us, this campaign is more crucial than ever. The funds raised will directly enhance our school’s security and ensure that our children continue to grow and learn in a safe, protected environment.
https://www.charidy.com/CJA/rabbidoron.
As we move forward, let us honor Yossi’s memory by continuing his work, by supporting initiatives like our school’s fundraiser, and by ensuring that our community remains a place where light can shine, even in the darkest times.
May Hashem bless and protect us all.
With love and strength,
Rabbi Doron Aizenman
