In honor of the yarzheit of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson (on the 20th of Menachem Av), the father of the Rebbe, we present the following story:
At first glance, nothing about him revealed his Jewish identity. His head was uncovered, his face clean-shaven, and he was dressed like an opera singer of that era. Mr. Liber was a well-known opera singer in 1930s Russia. Yet in his heart, he never forgot his origins and lineage—his grandfather was Rabbi Avraham “the Angel,” the son of the Maggid of Mezeritch. In day-to-day life, he dared not reveal his Jewishness. Doing so could jeopardize his career, his reputation, and even bring unwanted attention from the secret police. But during the High Holy Days, he returned to his people and to the synagogue.
Two Cantors Arrive
State employees were granted one month of vacation each year. Jewish performers often scheduled this time to coincide with the High Holidays so they could serve as cantors. To avoid suspicion, they would travel far from home to do so. And so, one day in the month of Elul, Mr. Liber arrived in Yekaterinoslav (today Dnipro, Ukraine) and offered his services as cantor for the High Holidays. This synagogue was where the city’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson (father of the Rebbe), prayed.
At the same time, another Jew arrived in the city, also offering himself for the honored role of cantor. He had a more traditionally Jewish appearance and was more learned, descended from the prominent Shapira Rabbinic family of Slavuta.
Both declared that praying in a Jewish setting was of great importance to them. Having heard of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s strength of character and distinguished reputation, they came to Yekaterinoslav. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, with his discerning eyes, immediately sensed that Mr. Liber saw cantorial work primarily as a source of income. Yet he chose to overlook this. He knew that even such Jews, when given the opportunity to pour out their souls in prayer, would often release the emotions that had been locked within their hearts.
An Early Minyan Solution
He informed them that he accepted them both to serve as cantors for the High Holidays and Sukkot. He explained the importance of their role—to awaken the hearts of the congregants and to strengthen their Jewish identity.
The High Holidays arrived, yet, many congregants were forced by the authorities to work on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. They expressed their distress to Rabbi Levi Yitzchak and he devised a plan: a minyan would begin very early and finish by 8 a.m., allowing the participants to head to work immediately afterward.
Mr. Liber and his fellow cantor, deeply influenced by Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s powerful personality, performed their roles with awe. Their prayers emerged from the depths of their souls, full of heartfelt emotion, and deeply moved all who heard.
The Precious Jewish Heart
However, with Yom Kippur Rabbi Levi Yitzchak had worried about another issue. In those days, it was common for synagogues to rush through the services on the holy day. Ne'ilah, the final prayer, was often concluded too early, causing many to mistakenly eat or work before the day had officially ended.
Rabbi Levi Yitzchak quietly coordinated with the cantors, who deliberately extended the prayers—even as many in the crowd grew irritated. By the time they reached Ne’ilah, there was barely any time left until the fast ended.
