Rabbi Ceitlin Had a Grand Plan

By COLlive reporter

On the week of his tragic passing on 2 Cheshvan 5776, there was an issue that has been on the mind of Rabbi Aaron Eliezer Ceitlin, the beloved Tzfas Shliach and Mashpia.

Despite his weak physique and constant pain, Rabbi Ceitlin met with one of he fellow Shluchim that were handpicked by the Rebbe to live in Israel and shared a plan that he wanted to implement.

“The idea was to organize a few Melave Malkas in Tzfas, New York and perhaps other locations on Motzoei Shabbos Parsha Vayigash to mark the miracle that happened to him on the same week in 5740,” says his son Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Ceitlin.

The late Rabbi Ceitlin was in Crown Heights that year to organize a festive Melave Malka meal to benefit the Chabad institutions in the holy yet impoverished city of Tzfas.

“The Rebbe directed him every step along the way,” says his son. “We counted 12 different answers and references from the Rebbe that were given to this event at the time – a rare involvement from the Rebbe.”

At one point, the Rebbe gave his participation for the event – 50 single dollar bills and a bottle of Mashke using the cryptic wording “nun bills, a jug of liquor (נו”ן שטרות קנקן יי”ש) and may it all be with much success.”

Rabbi Ceitlin later understood the Rebbe’s blessing when he was held up at gunpoint and was left miraculously unharmed. He came to understand the repeated use of the letter Nun to symbolize Nes – a miracle.

On the Monday before his passing he told his son about an instruction from the Rebbe from that Melave Malka that a future event should be organized by him in Tzfas, while similar events in the Diaspora should be organized by “family and friends.”

Now, his family is asking Lubavitchers around the world to honor Rabbi Ceitlin’s final request and organize Hakhel Melave Malka gatherings on Motzoei Shabbos Parshas Vayigash, 7 Teves 5776.

“There will be large events but we are also encouraging people to organize smaller ones in their homes,” says Rabbi Levi Ceitlin. “You can invite family members, friends, neighboors and collegues from work to strengthen together in Torah and Mitzvos.”

To join in the global effort, please email: [email protected].