By Rabbi Shalom Avtzon
The Alter Rebbe
Some months after the passing of the Alter Rebbe (Rabbi Shneur Zalman, founder of Chabad Chasidism), the Jewish community in Haditch received a letter from the Imperial Government. The Jewish community was informed that the cemetery that they were using was located on land that belonged to the Imperial Government. Since they had converted it into a cemetery without permission, all the graves there had to be removed to another location.
The Jewish community was shocked and distressed. It was disrespectful to move one from his eternal rest. They replied that they were sorry for any misunderstanding; however, they used the plot as a cemetery with permission of the local authorities. As evidence, they sent a copy of the permits from the local jurisdiction where it stated clearly that the provincial government bequeathed that parcel of land to the Jewish community of Haditch for this specific purpose.
The Imperial Government replied, “Yes, we see that the provincial government gave you permission, but they mistakenly permitted you to use land that is not theirs. Their parcel is a short distance away and you can reinter your loved ones there. However, they must be removed from the place where they are now buried.”
The Imperial Government Refused the Offer of the Provincial Government
The provincial government acknowledged that it was their mistake and apologized. They then offered to swap a larger parcel of land to the Imperial Government in order not to violate the dignity and sanctity of the cemetery. However, it was to no avail. The government was firm in its decision: All graves must be removed! However, out of their understanding that it wasn’t done intentionally they will extend the time frame in which this has to be done.
The Mitteler Rebbe, Rabbi Dovber - son and successor of the Alter Rebbe, was informed of the situation, and he was asked what does he prefer to do? Does he want to send someone to move his father or should the community do it?
The Mitteler Rebbe heard that one of his father’s former Chasidim who was no longer religious was an important official in the Imperial office that has the final say on this matter. So, he decided to send a Chasid to beg that person to leave the Jewish cemetery as is, and accept the provincial government’s offer of swapping parcels of land.
Sent on a Special Mission to Petersburg
The chasid, Reb Moshe Vilenker, had been a friend of this official when he had studied with the Alter Rebbe. So, he was chosen to discuss and plead with him about this important matter.
Reb Moshe immediately travelled to Petersburg and went to visit the official. Seeing Reb Moshe, he immediately recognized him and granted him an audience. However, as soon as Reb Moshe entered his office he said, “I realize you came to request something of me. But that is not the ways of chasidim. First you will come to my house this evening, where we will have a farbrengen (Chasidic gathering). After that, you can present your request.”
Saying that, he wrote down his home address and told Reb Moshe that he is looking forward to meeting him at the designated time.
Reb Moshe arrived at the designated time, hoping that he will be successful in his special mission. They sat down at the table, sang the Alter Rebbe’s melodies, and reminisced about their time with the Rebbe. The officer then said, “You notice that I have a beautiful mansion; I am wealthy and have whatever I desire. But you should know the truth is I don’t really enjoy it, not even for a moment.
“Yes it sounds strange, but let me tell you why. Even when I was a student by the Rebbe, I had my doubts about G-d, and that is what ultimately caused me to leave and eventually become what I became. However, one time, without explaining his reasons, the Rebbe instructed me to go visit the tzaddik, Reb Aharon Karliner.
Didn’t Get a Private Audience with Reb Aharon Karliner
“Reb Aharon’s custom was that he didn’t have private audiences with people, as the Rebbe did. But whoever came to him would sit in the study hall, say Psalms or study and wait until Reb Aharon gave him an answer. After I was sitting for some time, Reb Aharon entered the study hall from his room that was adjoining it, and said, ‘Young man, Young man, maybe after all there is a G-d.’
“When he said this, no one in the room took it as if he answered his question and everyone remained in their place. A few minutes later, he came into the room for a second time and repeated the exact same words. When Reb Aharon repeated himself a third time, I realized he was talking to me and informing me, that notwithstanding my questions and doubts, there can still be a Creator.
“So, every time I sit down to enjoy something that is forbidden by the Torah, those words come back and haunt me. But I don’t have the strength and will power to give up everything I have.”
“What is the Reason for Your Coming to Visit Me?”
Some hours later, he said, “Now that we farbrenged, please tell me what is the reason for your coming to visit me?”
When Reb Moshe informed him of the dilemma and showed him the legal papers, he immediately replied, “Only for the Rebbe’s sake will I agree to accept the offer of the provincial government.”
(The Alter Rebbe passed away in Piene. Chasidim suggest that the reason the Alter Rebbe expressed a desire to be interred in Haditch was that he wanted to help all the Jews buried in Haditch that their eternal rest not be disturbed. And that was accomplished only because he too was there. So, he did a favor for other Jews even after his passing.)
Reprinted from the Parshas Shemos 5784 edition of L’Chaim, The yahrtzeit of the Alter Rebbe was last week on the 24 Teveth. Rabbi Avtzon is a veteran educator and the author of numerous books on the Chabad Rebbes and their Chasidim.
