Litvish Gedolim Meet Rabbi YY Jacobson Ahead of Yud Tes Kislev

By COLlive reporter

Renowned Chassidic lecturer Rabbi YY Jacobson held two notable meetings in the Holy Land of Israel before the series of fabrengens and talks he will be giving in honor of the Rosh Hashana of Chassidus.

Rabbi Jacobson traveled from his home in Monsey, New York, to be the guest speaker at the Tzama events in honor of Yud Tes Kislev at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem.

In burying the past animosity between Litvish and Chassidish communities, Rabbi Jacobson held extended visits to the homes of prominent Torah gedolim: Rabbi Dov Landau, head of the Slabodka Yeshiva, and Rabbi Dovid Cohen, head of the Chevron Yeshiva.

In his conversation with Rabbi Cohen, Rabbi Jacobson mentioned his lineage, which traces back to the Alter Rebbe. This led to an exchange of Torah insights. A significant portion of their dialogue revolved around education according to the Chassidic teachings.

Rabbi Landau opened his discussion by sharing detailed insights into the significance of the 19th of Kislev, the history of Chabad Rebbes, and the philosophical contrasts between the Alter Rebbe and Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl.

Rabbi Landau also highlighted the self-sacrifice of the Rebbe Rayatz for preserving Judaism in Soviet Russia, referencing the Rebbe’s defiant statement to his interrogators that fear belongs only to those who serve two gods with one soul, while those who serve one Hashem with two souls fear no one.

Rabbi Jacobson shared the Rogatchover Gaon‘s insight about the eight iron spits used to light the Menorah, specifically the western lamp. Since these spits were used for a mitzvah, they became significant enough to contract impurity. Rabbi Landau responded with detailed halachic analysis.

Rabbi Jacobson also discussed the Rebbe’s explanation of why the Rambam places the law prioritizing Shabbos candles over Chanukah candles in the laws of Chanukah rather than Shabbos.

He said the Rebbe emphasized that this demonstrates how the mitzvah of Sholom Bayis (domestic peace), achieved through Shabbos , takes precedence over all other Torah obligations, including Chanukah.

Rabbi Landau questioned this reasoning, suggesting that Shabbos is a Mitzvah from the Torah while Chanukah is m’derbanan (rabbinic). Rabbi Jacobson clarified that Shabbos is from the Torah, but the mitzvah of lighting Shabbos candles is rabbinic, aligning their prioritization.

The conversations were marked by warmth and mutual respect. Rabbi Landau concluded by blessing Rabbi Jacobson with success in spreading Torah to the masses. In return, Rabbi Jacobson wished Rabbi Landau a long life and continued leadership.