A beautifully produced video recounts the heroic stand of the Frierdiker Rebbe during the darkest days of Soviet oppression—and how his call for mesirus nefesh continues to shape Jewish education in Eretz Yisroel today.
Even under constant surveillance and the threat of death, the Frierdiker Rebbe remained unwavering in his mission. Risking everything, he inspired his followers to defy the regime and establish underground Jewish schools, telling them to “jump into the fire.”
In the early hours of the 15th of Sivan, 5687 (1927), Soviet agents—together with armed police—stormed the Rebbe’s home. He was taken to the notorious Spalerka prison, a place whose very name evoked terror. Yet in those harrowing conditions, his emunah never faltered.
His release on Yud Beis Tammuz marked more than personal salvation. It was a triumph of faith, a victory for Torah, and a declaration that Yiddishkeit would not be silenced.
Today, that same spirit lives on through the Reshet Oholei Yosef Yitzchok—a remarkable network of Chabad schools across Israel, named for the Frierdiker Rebbe and established by the Rebbe. Often referred to as “the Rebbe’s Ministry of Education,” the Reshet brings authentic Yiddishe chinuch to thousands of children from all walks of life.
Watch the full video now—and witness the mesirus nefesh that set the course for generations to come.
The Rebbe’s Request for Yud Beis Tammuz
Every year, at the farbrengen marking the chag hageulah of Yud Beis – Yud Gimmel Tammuz, the Rebbe made a Magbis and would turn to the chassidim with a request:
“Donate to the Oholei Yosef Yitzchok educational network!”
The Rebbe would then give incredible brachos to those who did so.
Answer the Rebbe’s request and donate in honor of the Baal HaGeulah to Reshet Oholei Yosef Yitzchok!
This year, the Reshet Oholei Yosef Yitzchok has been particularly challenged. An Iranian missile landed just meters from the network’s central offices, while another strike destroyed the Shalhvot Chabad School in Gedera.
In a year when schools across the country are forced to open and close due to ongoing attacks on Israel, the Reshet must mobilize extraordinary resources and emergency plans to ensure that even during wartime, children continue to receive a strong Jewish education and the emotional support they so deeply need.
To stand with the Rebbe’s mission in these trying times, visit therebbesmagbis.com
What a story!! I had no idea about the Minhag of Yud Beis Tamuz to take part of the rebbe’s magbis. Thank you for giving us the zchus and the brochos!