By COLlive staff
Nachum Markowitz is a community icon in Crown Heights. The Israeli-born “Ish Hachesed”, is likely most famous for his elaborate food distributions and Kidushim which he will organize this Tishrei for the 36th time.
In the past, people reported experiencing miracles in their lives, attributing them to involvement in the Kidushim.
“I was a Yeshiva student in 770,” Markowitz recalls how he got started with arranging the large spread each year outside Lubavitch World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway.
“I went on Tahalucha, walking many hours along with others and returned to 770 famished. While Crown Heights has always had legendary Hachnosas Orchim, there wasn’t anything to eat at 770 upon the return from Tahalucha.”
Bochurim and local residents would need to walk as far as “Lefferts Avenue to grab a bite or a drink” before hurrying back to 770 for Hakofos, he told COLlive.com.
Markowitz resolved that he would one day establish a Kiddush at 770 for the bochurim and guests. Two years later, after marrying his wife Mashie, Markowitz did good on his resolution to provide food to the masses.
“I went to stores and vendors and put in orders for fold and drink, I said to myself ‘I’ll ask the Rebbe. If he approves then I’ll take the merchandise. If he did not, then I wouldn’t proceed’.”
Markowitz approached Mazkir Rabbi Leibel Groner with his request and was told that it was a busy day and that he couldn’t guarantee a timely answer. “I told Rabbi Groner that I’d go home and rest for a few hours and come back to see if there was a response from the Rebbe on Hoshanah Rabbah day.”
When Markowitz arrived at 770 in the morning, Rabbi Groner informed him that the Rebbe had called him into his office after the recitation of Tehilim. The Rebbe asked if Markowitz had permission from the Police Department for what he wanted to organize. Rabbi Groner answered in the affirmative.
When the Rebbe arrived at 770 in the morning, he further enquired from Rabbi Groner on Markowitz’s plans. “The Rebbe expressed that there was Kiddush at the Farbrengen, so why the need for a Kiddush outside of the Shul?”
Rabbi Groner explained that Markowitz wished to organize a quasi-meal, not simply a Kiddush. “The Rebbe displayed a rare satisfaction and remarked: ‘It is a very good thing. A very appropriate thing’,” Markowitz recalls.
In response to his report to the Rebbe after the holiday, the Rebbe replied: “May it be His will that it be a everlasting enterprise, always expanding.”
The following year, after 770’s Gabbai R’ Nochum Pinson announced that there would be a Kiddush outside the Rebbe motioned and said, “a Kiddush? A grand Kiddush!”
Indeed, all who have been to 770 for the holidays throughout the years can attest, the Kidushim and distributions have been ongoing and expanding in size each year. The site of endless crates of food lining Eastern Parkway and filling a fleet of trucks is a staple of Tishrei in Lubavitch.
One of Markowitz’ donors told COLlive.com that, “it isn’t just Kidushim. People are fed all Tishrei long. The guests, the locals, the kids, everyone! It’s a real Zechus to be part of this.”
Many have experienced great blessing when they supported this undertaking. The project is completely funded by the general public and you may participate at www.kidush.org
I don’t know him that well, but I’ve seen him around Crown Heights. & gd bless him his wife & family. It’s an amazing mitzvah. We can only learn from them the Ahavas Yisroel. Treu & amazing. Keep it up!!
Rabbi Moskowitz God bless you and keep up the good work
God bless you and your family motzei yom kipur you don’t break your fast your busy feeding others