80 Years Since His Passing, 80 L’gvurah!
Join us in commemorating the 80th anniversary of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson’s passing and participate in the Rebbe’s Kibud Av. This Chof Av campaign offers a special opportunity to continue Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s legacy and revitalize Jewish life in Kazakhstan, the land of his exile.
The Rebbe promised extraordinary blessings to those who contribute: “Up to five hundred times as much.” By supporting this cause, you not only fulfill the Rebbe’s heartfelt request but also potentially merit abundant blessings for yourself and your loved ones.
The Rebbe’s Promise: A Blessing of Five-hundred-fold Abundance
Each year on the 20th of Menachem Av, the anniversary of his father’s passing, the Rebbe would initiate a fundraising campaign to honor Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s memory. He asked chassidim to donate to “honor one who sacrificed his life for the spread of Judaism.”
The Rebbe offered a remarkable blessing to contributors:
“Let each person give generously from their pure heart, increasing their initial intention not by a little, but by much… Surely, the Holy One, Blessed be He, will respond in kind… up to five hundred times as much!”
This annual tradition underscored the profound reverence the Rebbe held for his father’s legacy. It exemplified how deeply he cherished every aspect related to honoring his father’s name and memory.
This year, Chof Av falls on Shabbos. In years when the 20th of Av coincided with Shabbat, the Rebbe encouraged donating before Shabbos if possible and extended the campaign to the following day, ensuring that this important commemoration was never overlooked.
A Legacy of Courage: Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson
Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, father of the Rebbe, was a renowned scholar, kabbalist, and Chief Rabbi of Yekaterinoslav, Ukraine. His unwavering commitment to Judaism in the face of Soviet oppression exemplifies extraordinary courage and dedication.
Defying the Communist regime’s attempts to suppress religious practice, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak fearlessly spread Jewish teachings. His actions led to his arrest on charges of treason, followed by torture, interrogation, and a five-year sentence of exile in Kazakhstan.
In the remote town of Chili, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak faced extreme hardships: illness, hunger, and harsh weather conditions. His wife, Rebbetzin Chana, voluntarily joined him, providing crucial support. Despite the challenges, he continued his scholarly work, writing Torah insights in the margins of a Zohar book using homemade ink.
Even in exile, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s spirit remained unbroken. He was later transferred to Alma-Ata, where he led and inspired Jewish exiles and refugees from across the Soviet Union, offering Torah classes and spiritual guidance.
Tragically, the harsh conditions took their toll. On the 20th of Menachem Av, 5704 (1944), Rabbi Levi Yitzchak passed away, his strength finally exhausted. The Jewish community mourned deeply as they laid this tzaddik (righteous man) to rest in the city cemetery, his final resting place a poignant symbol of exile within exile.
The Rebbe was deeply committed to preserving his father’s legacy. He actively encouraged publishing Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s writings and the building of an Ohel in Alma-Ata. Today, this holy site has become a spiritual landmark, attracting Jewish visitors from around the world. Many report experiencing wonders and answered prayers through Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s merit, further cementing the site’s significance in Jewish life.
A New Chapter in Alma-Ata
Thirty years ago, on Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s birthday, Chabad emissaries arrived in Alma-Ata, fifty years after his passing. They found a community eager to reconnect with their Jewish heritage. The city where Rabbi Levi Yitzchak had spent his final years in exile has since blossomed with Jewish institutions. Today, Alma-Ata boasts a kollel, women’s club, kosher services, burial society, and Sunday school. Jews now celebrate holidays openly and proudly. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s legacy has come full circle, with vibrant Jewish life once again thriving in Kazakhstan.
Continuing Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s Legacy
The “Beis Menachem” Jewish Center, built near Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s gravesite, has become a hub for Jewish life in Kazakhstan. It serves as a base for Chabad shluchim spreading Judaism throughout the country and attracts visitors from around the world.
Over the past 30 years, seven additional Chabad Houses have been established across Kazakhstan. Today, Jews in the region can freely practice their faith, celebrate lifecycle events, and observe holidays with pride. Eighty years after Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s passing, his sacrifices have borne fruit.
The Rebbe viewed supporting his father’s legacy as a way to honor him and expressed gratitude to all who assisted in this mission. We invite you to partner with us in continuing Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s work. Your donation will help expand our activities and efforts. All donors’ names will be mentioned in prayer at the holy resting place in Alma-Ata.
By contributing, you not only honor Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s memory but also bring blessings to your own home. Join us in this meaningful endeavor to strengthen Jewish life in Kazakhstan.
