‘Rabbi Itkin’s Mitzvah Tank’ Will Bring Light to Binghamton University

In the summer of 1973 (5733), the Rebbe sent a group of bochurim to Miami to establish a Yeshiva and impact the greater Miami community. Yosef Yitzchak (“Fitche”) Itkin OBM, whose shloshim is this Wednesday, was chosen to be part of this pioneering group.

Once, during his course of Shlichus in Miami, he had the rare opportunity to enter the Rebbe’s room for a yechidus, a special exception granted to the bochurim shluchim. In his note to the Rebbe, he expressed his wish to be able to constantly be cognizant of the unique responsibility and privilege of being a shliach.

The Rebbe replied,”When you walk down the street, you don’t know how many people are looking at you. With one good deed, you can influence several Jewish people for the good, and the merit of the public depends on you. G-d will help.”

This became the driving force behind Rabbi Itkin’s encounters with others.

Rabbi Itkin manifested vitality, love, and warmth, embracing every Jew with unconditional love. To Rabbi Itkin, the beauty of a Jew was their soul, and each mitzvah they accomplished was precious. In memory of Rabbi Itkin, his family is establishing ‘Rabbi Itkin’s Mitzvah Tank.’

Rabbi Itkin’s Mitzvah Tank will bring his characteristic warmth, enthusiasm, and joy to every student on the Binghamton University campus, where Rabbi Itkin’s daughter and son-in-law, Goldie and Yisroel Ochana, are part of the team of Shluchim. They will staff and maintain the Mitzvah Tank daily. At other times, the Mitzvah Tank will travel around the US to the various Chabad Houses of Rabbi Itkin’s children.

Binghamton University, with over 17,000 students, boasts a substantial Jewish population, constituting more than 20% of it’s student body. Rabbi Itkin’s legacy will thrive, bringing his unconditional love, kindness, and devotion to Judaism to every corner of the campus.

Last semester, a trial Mitzvah Tank made its debut on campus, highlighting the transformative impact an ongoing presence would bring, local Shluchim said. The mobile mitzvah tank facilitated hundreds of new, meaningful interactions with Judaism in a convenient and accessible setting.

The new Mitzvah Tank will include Candle lighting kits to light up Friday night, Tefillin to wrap up, cookies or soup to encourage students to make a blessing, Mezuzahs for dorm rooms, and playing videos of the Rebbe to inspire students.

The Mitzvah Tank is more than a vehicle; it’s a conduit for unity and celebration, embodying the essence of Rabbi Itkin’s remarkable spirit.

Be a part of this living legacy today: charidy.com/rabbiitkin