Dear Alumni Sheyichyu!
Sholom U’Brocho!
Thank you as always for the feedback, it is much appreciated.
Since I already wrote this week (and seem to have already confused some of you enough . .) I’ll just write something short today:
As everyone is familiar, one of the highlights of Rosh Hashonoh is the tekias shofar. This was especially the case for Chassidim who spent Rosh Hashonoh with the Rebbe, for whom the experience of being present and witnessing the shofar being blown by the Rebbe himself was awesome and inspiring, and an event many awaited the entire year. While the Rebbe was outstanding in his humility and simplicity, at most times effectively concealing all signs the “Rebbe” in him, on Rosh Hashono was one of the occasions when everyone clearly felt how they were witnessing the leader of the generation drawing down the hamshochos for the new year.
On Rosh Hashono of the year of 5734, all of those present had a unique experience. While most of the tekios went as usual, when it came to the final tekiah, it appeared ‘not to go’. The Rebbe was repeatedly ‘trying’ to blow this final tekiah through various efforts – turning over the shofar and blowing from the opposite side, wiping it off, shaking it out etc. But all of this appeared to be to no avail. The shofar did not produce any sound.
This went on for approx. 25 minutes (!!), and all the while the Chassidim were watching in surprise, and wondering and speculating about what kind of spiritual obstacles the Rebbe is breaking through (and many bochurim were succumbing to the intense pushing and heat etc., and needing to be carried out). Finally the Rebbe blew a loud, long, and clear blast for the tekiah gedolah, and, giving a collective sigh of relief, the davening continued.
When, just a few days later, the Yom Kippur war broke out in Eretz Yisroel, eventually leading to a miraculous victory for the Jews, many Chassidim felt that, in hindsight, they had gained some insight into that unusual Rosh Hashonoh. However, this week I read a story, written by Rabbi Levi Bukiet of Chicago, which sheds new light on this amazing historical episode:
