By GABE JOHNSON and TAMIR ELTERMAN, NYTimes.com
“We go out there like soldiers, with a mission to conquer the world with light, with goodness, with kindness,” said Yishai Eliefja, 23, a Hasidic Jew who works for the Chabad Lubavitch’s “mitzvah tanks,” or “synagogues on wheels.”
The mitzvah tanks, which will resume operation on Wednesday now that Passover has ended, were inspired by the teachings of the Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson and aim to engage secular Jews in acts of tradition and prayer in order to advance the coming of the Messiah.
“We look at the mitzvah tanks as the front line Marines in the rebbe’s arsenal,” said Rabbi Mordy Hirsch, who is also involved with the administering of the mitzvah tanks.
“People are depressed today. Everyone has their worries, their headaches. The mitzvah tanks idea is a warm, comfortable home environment in the hustle and bustle of Fifth Avenue.”
Although the tanks are a familiar sight in certain neighborhoods in New York City, a parade of 61 tanks — symbolizing each year since the rebbe ascended to leadership in Crown Heights, Brooklyn — snaked through the city on April 14.
“We invite them in the tank, to have something to eat, something to drink, and we have a blessing,” said Yishai Eliefja, the bearded 23-year-old driver of one of the mitzvah tanks.
“Instead of going to the synagogue, we bring the synagogue to you.”
VIDEO: Are You Jewish?
Folly !!!!!!!!!
I see u there in the tank!!!
Keep up the amazing mivtzoim!!!!!
fun dien tiere shvester…………
go hirsches! we spot you!
love your cousins in fl
Mordy, beautiful video really highlights the Rebbe’s work you do tirelessly!
Much Hatzlacha!!
Yishai — great how you dealt with the man unhappy about the loud music! we should all respect each other and speak nicely like this!
We should give credit where credit is due, recently there have been a few positive articles about CH in the NY Times.
Devorah Benjamin:
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/06/in-crown-heights-a-wedding-planner-for-the-needy/
and Mimulo:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/03/nyregion/03joint.html?scp=1&sq=mimulo&st=cse
As the Rebbe told journalists ” Publish good news”
we saw you but you didnt speak.awwwww
What a Kiddush Hashem & Kiddush Lubavitch!!
a true shliach of the Rebbe! works tirelessly for the Rebbe’s inyanim!
Yasher Koiach Mordy! Keep up the good work that you do! We’re happy to see the Mitzvah Tank Org. growing in such an amazing way! Hatzlacha!
You always rock
to number 5
what were the comments about
i like good news
CHABAD BRINGS MOSHIACH
hooray
Love it! Thank you NY Times and Chabad. This story truly highlights the diverse culture of NYC. It’s a breath of fresh air to see people openly and proudly proclaim their identity and culture. This is a shinning example of citizens exercising their First Amendment right to free religious expression in our pluralistic society. E. Federman. p.s. See the NY Times is not our enemy as this is a shinning example of very fair reporting of Frum Yidden 🙂
Take THAT Federman! How do ya like them apples.
very nice to see
… but its a shame about the comments
What a video. Amazing. I liked the black Jewish man who put on tefilin.
really wonderful. kidush Hashem. kidush lubavitch. yasher koach.
but i don’t think these “tanks” were ever used for war