This Monday, the 20th of Av, is the yartzeit of the Rebbe’s father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson. Hounded and harassed by the Communists, imprisoned and exiled to Asia, Reb Levi Yitzchak’s self-sacrifice and iron-will never broke. But his physical body eventually did, and after years of torture and illness he passed away in 1944 in Alma Ata, the capital of Kazakhstan.
Reb Levi Yitzchak’s concern for his fellow Jew was legendary. In Russia there was a Chasid by the name of Reb Ozer Vinikorsky, who five times (!) had received a draft notice from the Red Army, with an invitation to appear before the medical board. After five close calls he still hadn’t been drafted, but the constant threat was taking a psychological toll.
The Chasid went to Reb Levi Yitzchak for his blessing and advice. Touched by the man’s suffering, Reb Levi Yitzchak not only blessed him, but outlined a detailed plan that would rid him of this worry forever. Reb Levi Yitzchak told him the particular day he was to appear before the board, the exact time to show up, which streets he was to take, which chapters of Psalms to recite - he even told him how many coins he should give to charity that morning! The most important thing, however, was to concentrate on G-d’s holy Name Havaya before opening the door to the Ministry. If he followed these instructions, nothing bad would happen.
As Reb Ozer later related, “I followed Reb Levi Yitzchak’s directives to the letter. Inside the Ministry were many tables; at each table sat a different type of medical specialist, and the potential recruits had to be examined by all of them. Afterwards, I took my files and handed them to the official who would give me my final answer. ‘Poor fellow,’ he said as he looked at my pityingly. ‘It isn’t often that every single doctor finds a different defect!’ “ Reb Ozer received a complete deferment.
May the memory of Reb Levi Yitzchak Schneerson inspire us all and stand the entire Jewish people in good stead
