Discarded Machzor Finds Purpose

At 6.1, Oscar Bergman casts an impressive figure. Tall and broad shouldered, he has a maturity about him that is way beyond his 19 years of age.

It is the day of Yom Kipur 5706/1945 and Oscar is rummaging through his few measly belongings, searching for his precious set of Machzorim that he is sure must be there somewhere.

The small set of 5 books, a Machzor for each Yom Tov, that he stowed it away for safety last year, when he was drafted into the British Army.

He remembers some Hebrew; the horrors of the war haven’t totally erased his memory. So slowly he reads “Machzor L’chag Hapesach”, “Machzor L’chag Hashavuos” “Machazor L’Yom Kipur”.

There. He’s found it. It’s time to set off to Shul.

Walking through the streets of Finchley, an area just on the outskirts of the Golders Green neighbourhood in London, scenes of the past flash through his mind, Yom Kipur as a very young child in Poland.

Only a few years ago, he was standing near his father on Yom Kipur in Manneheim, Germany, a town he called home since he was 5 years old.

Oy! His Father!

He had just received the dreaded letter from the red cross “We are sorry to inform you that the names of your family members were found in the German records. They perished in Auschwitz”.

He is all alone in the world.

Starting over after 6 terrible years of sleepless nights. The terrible pain of homesickness. Moving from foster home to foster home. From London to the outskirts of England during the blitz. And a stint at the army for the last few months of the war.

And he walks. Determined. Today he will come home. Today he will connect to his father in heaven.

He arrives at the large building, climbs the stairs and opens the grand wooden doors. Finally a Shul. It has been so long since he has last been in one. He is home.

This is a place for a Yid. This is the place for him.

But it’s not.

Because as the young man sitting at the door explains to him. To enter one must have a ticket. “No ticket. No entry”.

Oscar is horrified. He a boy who lost everything only for being a Jew, for being a representative of the Riboinoi Shel Oilom, cannot even go into Hashem’s house.

That’s it! He wants nothing to do with this anymore! The haunting sound of Hamelech ringing in his ears through the door, only make the searing pain unbearable.

And without thinking, he casts the Machzor on the floor and runs.
He is not running anywhere specific. Just to get as far away as possible.
Oscar would never be in Shul again.

His wife is not Jewish. He doesn’t have any children, and when he passes away in 5770/2010 his wife cremates his body. The tragedy seems complete.

It’s not over:

Hanoitel Peruta Meiyov Misborech – He who takes a penny from Iyov is blessed.
And there is no deadline for this Berocha.

Oscar has someone watching over him.

Seven years later, one of the remaining Machzorim is given to Rabbi Mendel Itzinger of Igud Mesivtos V’Yeshivos, to raffle off between Bochurim who are really pushing themselves to succeed.

And as the 500 Bochurim participating in the various projects hear about the raffle, their excitement and passion grow….

That leads to a renewed focus and energy….

And many more hours and depth are put in.

All Leilui Nishmas Oscar.

The Machzor continues to bless its recipient even after the tragedy of both his life and death.

New Home:

As the sun set on Yud Shevat, and Bochurim gathered in Crown Heights for a test intended to solidify their learning, show them their success, and encourage them to keep growing, the Machzor finds a new home.

And from the sound of it a very deserving home.

Mazal Tov to Sruli Kotlarsky of Mesivta Ohr Temimim – Toronto, for inheriting this remarkable Machzor, and continuing to guard it as it continues its journey.

Mazal Tov to all the participants for their tireless dedication to their success.

Mazal Tov to the Yeshivos for shaping such fine Bochurim.

And Mazal tov to the parents on their Nachas.

The test was partially sponsored in memory of R’ Menachem Mendel Ben Yehuda HaLevi and R’ Levi Yitzchak ben Boruch Bendet