LOS ANGELES, CA [CHI] — For weeks Hatmimim Zalman Dubinsky and Nisson Friedman, students in Yeshivas Ohr Elchanan Chabad in Los Angeles, would go into a furniture store and drop off a weekly L’chaim pamphlet by the elderly man, in his mid-to-late eighties, by the desk. “The man you’re looking for is not here” he said every week. “I’ll give it to the owner” he says making sure to show that he wouldn’t read it.
More in the Extended Article!
Mivtziom Encounter in LA: A Bar Mitzvah at the age of 86!
LOS ANGELES, CA [CHI] — For weeks Hatmimim Zalman Dubinsky and Nisson Friedman, students in Yeshivas Ohr Elchanan Chabad in Los Angeles, would go into a furniture store and drop off a weekly L’chaim pamphlet by the elderly man, in his mid-to-late eighties, by the desk. “The man you’re looking for is not here” he said every week. “I’ll give it to the owner” he says making sure to show that he wouldn’t read it.
More in the Extended Article!
The best way to get to a Jew’s heart is through his stomach. After dropping off donuts on Chanukah, dried fruits on Tu’Bshvat, and Shalach Manos on Purim, he finally started to smile at the Bochurim. Eventually he admitted to actually reading the L’chaim’s.
After several months, in middle of meeting with other people on their route, they happen to see him passing by the window, (which in itself is Hashgacha Protis – they had forgotten about him and this was the first time they saw him as much as leave his chair). Working up the courage they finally decided to ask him if he would like to lay Teffilin.
It seemed he didn’t recognize at all what they were, but amazingly he agreed. As his Teffilin were coming off they mentioned that this was his bar mitzvah. He thought for a second, and then started to tear up and Bill (Velvel) then began to tell them “I was learning for my bar mitzvah in Berlin, Germany with three other boys in Shul, when two German soldiers stormed in and desecrated the Sifrei torahs and took away everything, that was the end of my Bar Mitzvah.” He paused “now we made up for it.”
Just comes to show, no matter how cold and disinterested a person may seem to be, underneath he may have feelings turning over and all it takes is the right moment and approach to take a man from adamant refusal and disinterest to a tear-filled Bar Mitzvah – at age 86.
Tante Miriam
We’re so proud of you Zalmy!!! Your perseverance really paid off.
Tante Dvorah
Zalmy, you are a true inspiration; continue to do your Mivtzoim behatzlacha raba, and may the Rebbe and your parents have much Chassidishe nachas from you! Moshiach Now!!
Yossi, Esty, Mendel and Leah Baras
Wow, beautiful article. May you have such revealed success in all your future mivtzoyim!
Chaya and Meir
You really ARE very busy! What a well-written and inspiring article! Keep up the good work, we are very proud of our Uncle Zalmy LA!
Friday Kugel
Zalmy and Nisson, You both are true chassidim helping to bring Moshiach closer by reaching out to Yidden with true sincerity, as the Rebbe taught us.We have a lot of nachas from you both. Keep up the good work!
LA321
Nissan, You are a true example of what a chossid is.
Much Hatzlacha in all you do.
Your Family
Zalmy, You are doing as the Rebbe wants. Keep up the good work.May you go from strength to strength!
Anonymous
Nissan and Zalmy, you guys are a great team! Keep up your great work.
Minn
Yay Nisson! you’re a nachas! keep it up!
pittsburgh
The friedman family is also very exceptionally proud of uncle nisson! Theyre just not as eloquent!
Curiuos
Great job boys!
Why do we tell people that they have their Bar-Mitzvah when they put on tefilin for the first time?
Chani Friedman
Kol Hakovod, Nisson. You are our pride and joy. Keep up the great work.
The apple doesnt fall far from the tree
Nisson, this story is amazing!Look at what you bochurim are able to accomplish.You are a living example of what a chossid is.
Friedmans from Jenner
Wow Uncle Nisson! We are so proud of you!! Keep up the great work!
Danny and Mendy
Zalmy great job keep up the good work
Zeidy and Bobby
Dear Zalmy. We are very proud of you. Keep up the good work! Hatzlocho with all of your miftzoim.
Zeidy and Bobby Dubinsky
Uncle Nisson AND uncle Zalmy
Were so very proud of our TWO very cool uncles! you make us proud!!
Love from Minnesota, yaakov, chaya and Baby Dovy
cuzzin dovy
great job keep up the good work