Weekly Story: Matza for Russia
by Rabbi Sholom DovBer Avtzon
Boruch Hashem the response to the biography of the Rebbe Rashab is extremely positive. As noted, I have begun researching and writing about the life of the Frierdiker Rebbe. This week I am posting a chapter in his life that is not well-known. (It is primarily based on his letters in vol. 16, of his Igros Kodesh). Obviously, I hope to find out more details of this endeavor and all of his communal work.
As always, your feedback is always appreciated.
The following year, there was a scarcity of wheat in Russia, which meant that there wouldn’t be any flour to bake matzos. So on the 17th of Teves 5689 (1929), the Rebbe instructed his son in law, Rav Shmarayahu Gurary and the chossid (and Latvian parliamentary member) Reb Mordechai Dubin, to apply for a permit from the Russian embassy to send 28 train wagons of matza to the Jews of Russia.
When over a month passed and the embassy’s reply was that they are still waiting for the authorities to make a decision, the two of them went to Germany and applied at that embassy. Shortly afterwards, the Russian ambassador to Germany informed them that the government would allow the transport of 50 wagons, as long as all expenses of delivery are covered.
Being that the Rebbe was in Riga and the matzos were going to be sent from Riga, they showed this telegram to the Russian ambassador in Riga, but initially he replied, he was not given the official permission. But after persisting for a few days, they received permission to send the first five wagons, plus the fee of five aguros (coins) per kilogram of matza.
After these were sent, the embassy demanded the exorbitant price of two rubles for every additional kilogram. However, after negotiations, they agreed to the fee of a half ruble per kilogram and another 23 wagons of matza were sent to 17 major cities throughout Russia.
In addition to the matza they sent packages of kosher for pesach wheat to 5689 families/individual addresses in 404 towns and villages.
The Rebbe initially was hoping that the Joint would continue supporting his efforts on behalf Russian Jewry,[1] however, in mid –Shevat it became apparent that they are not planning on doing so.
The Rebbe then discussed it with Reb Chaim Ozer of Vilna, who went to discuss it with the Chofetz Chaim. The Rebbe then sent letters to numerous rabbonim and organizations in Europe, Eretz Yisroel America and the Far East, requesting their financial help and participation in this endeavor, asking that each place create a committee that is dedicated to this project. He also sent his son in law and Rabbi Dubin to France and England to arouse the Jews there to participate, and when the Rashag returned, Rabbi Hidersheimer went with him to Belguim, to fundraise for this project.
On the eve of 13th of Nissan the Rebbe was informed that all the matzos and packages arrived at their destination.
As a reply to the question sent to me, as to why the first commandment after Har Sinai is about slaves, which doesn’t exist now, I will mention a few points discussed in the Rebbe’s sichos (likkutei Sichos vol. 8) and in Chassidus in general.
The very fact that the simple application of this commandment is not achievable nowadays, is proof that there is a deeper meaning /dimension to this mitzvah, and that is meaningful and eternal.
The basic law of a Jewish slave is that he is your slave only for six years, and then he goes free. Furthermore, even though he is your slave, you cannot instruct him to do meaningless work, just to occupy his time.
This is alluding that our service of performing mitzvos, has a purpose and accomplishes something, but it would come to an end before the seventh millennium. At that time our service to Hashem won’t be to elevate the world, as the world would be elevated with the coming of Moshiach, but on a higher level.
Furthermore the Torah informs us, that there are three levels of servants; a slave, a Jewish slave and a maid-servant. Concerning a slave, our sages inform us that a slave prefers no responsibility; however, he serves his master out of fear. The Jewish slave represents one who has a feeling to serve Hashem, and does so obediently, he will plough the field and harvest the wheat. But a person doesn’t eat raw wheat, it has to be prepared, and that is done through the service of a maid-servant.
This informs us, that in an initial stage, a person might not understand why it is necessary to fulfill the commandments, but nevertheless does so out of obedience. A higher level in serving Hashem, is when you have a feeling for it, you understand it is important and good for you. But the highest level is achieved only when you transform the materialistic world and utilize it for G-dly purposes.
May we succeed in our mission of elevating and transforming the world into a dwelling place for Hashem, and we will merit to usher in the 7th millennium speedily in our days with the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu.
This weeks’ post is l’zechus the complete and immediate recovery of my sister Chaya Rivkah bas Cheyena and all those who are in need of a brocha.
Rabbi Avtzon is a veteran mechanech and the author of numerous books on the Rebbeim and their chassidim. He can be contacted at avtzonbooks@gmail.com
[1] They had participated in large amounts during the years of 5680-5687 (1920-1027).
