Chabad Rabbi’s Spontaneous Self-Sacrifice in Kyiv on Shabbos

This past Shabbos, Chabad Rabbi Pinchas Vishedski told members of his community in Kyiv that they should flee with their families from the Russian airstrikes. After davening and in middle of kiddush, 8 families got the green light but one family had something stopping them... Full Story

February 28, 2022 – 27 Adar I 5782

Rabbi Pinchas Vishedksi with youth in his community in Kyiv

By COLlive reporter

The Kedem community in Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv knows a thing or two about living under attack. Their community is comprised of former residents of Donetsk who fled the eastern city when it was overtaken by pro-Russian militias in August 2014.

Moving with them to Kyiv was the Chabad Shliach Rabbi Pinchas Vishedski and his family. Together, they worked to rebuild their community in exile.

But with President Vladimir Putin declaring war on Ukraine, the community found themselves again on the go. Rabbi Vishedski has been warning people to leave the area for weeks.

“We’re still saying, get out if you can, and try to avoid areas where there’s firing,” he told the Times of Israel. “Some families have fled to Rostov [in Russia], and we’ve asked the community there to take them in. But it’s not enough.”

This past Shabbos, Rabbi Vishedski hosted davening at his shul which was followed by a kiddush meal. While they tried to focus, they have been anxious about the Russian airstrikes on the capital city.

After kiddush, news was received that there is a way for 8 families to flee. Rabbi Vishedski instructed them to travel on Shabbos because of the imminent danger to their lives.

A father of one of the families said he won’t be able to join the convoy.

“Rabbi, I don’t have gas. My tank is empty and there’s nowhere to refuel,” he said.

Rabbi Vishedski didn’t miss a beat. He went over to his shtender (lectern) and took out a pair of keys.

“My car has a full tank,” the rabbi said, hanging over the keys to the man. “Have your wife and kids transfer to my car and go on your way.”

The man, deeply moved, asked, “and what will be with you, rabbi?”

“I’ll be OK,” the rabbi commented. “Nisht shabbos geret.”

To support the rabbi and his community, donate at https://www.chabadbasel.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/4195815/jewish/Donate-Tzedaka.htm (please note: Ukraine)