A Time to Reflect

The following two stories came into our mailbox just in time for this special issue marking the 22nd yartzeit (anniversary of the passing) of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, wife of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. It is surely Divine providence that we received these stories now, as both the Mitzva Tank and the L'Chaim publication are projects that were established in memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka.
by Larry L.
The first time I saw a Mitzva Tank was in 2007 on Park Avenue and 53rd Street in Manhattan. As I hurriedly walked along the sidewalk, a young Chasid asked me if I was Jewish. An extremely detached and secular inclination within me impelled me to respond with an emphatic "no," after which I kept walking on.

It was nearly a year later when I was again "accosted" by one of these upstart Chasidim. However, this time, as I walked along Park Avenue, I was in mid-freefall toward the depths of despair. This time there was no hesitation. "Yes. Yes, I am Jewish."

I was escorted across the street to a custom-made RV, also known as a "Mitzva Tank," where I was greeted warmly by two Lubavitcher Chasidim and a young boy. One of the Chasidim wrapped tefilin around my arm and my head and assisted me with the recitation of the Shema prayer.

It was not long afterward that I was introduced to the person who was to become my rabbi. He turned me on to Judaism and Chasidic teachings. I can honestly say that since the moment when I first stepped foot in the Mitzva Tank, my life has improved steadily, although in a measured pace, as I have learned more about Jewish teachings and observance.

The second blessing in the Amidah prayer which I now recite three times daily, praises G-d as the One "worthy to restore the dead." My interpretation of this reference is the "spiritually dead." I was one of these. I have since been restored to spiritual life, thank G-d! I have begun to observe Shabbat and mitzvot (commandments). My otherwise busy days are interspersed with prayer, Torah study, and the performance of mitzvot. Shabbat is my Island in Time and I consider it a treasure.

My life has purpose and meaning and everyday is spent involved in acts that remind me of G-d's warmth and graciousness.

Miracles do occur and they are the work of our Creator. Clearly, the Mitzva Tank is an important instrument for G-d's sublime intents. I thank you all and wish you continued fortification in your pursuits.

 

by Rabbi Zushe Silberstein

As an emissary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in Montreal, I regularly visit a number of jails in the Montreal area. Each Friday, before Shabbat, I visit the inmates in the Bordeaux Jail. This past Friday, one of the inmates was especially glad to see me. He asked me to make sure to have a few moments so that I could speak with him privately. Near the end of my visit, he pulled me aside and excitedly told me the following:

"Rabbi Silberstein, when you were here last Friday, I had wanted to spend a few minutes privately with you, because there were a number of things that I had wanted to discuss with you.

"You came and spoke with all of us Jewish inmates together, as a group. As usual, you gave each one of us a copy of the L'Chaim publication. Before we knew it, the time was up and we were all escorted back to our cells. I was really disappointed that I hadn't had a chance to speak with you privately.

"When I got back to my cell, I took out the L'Chaim and began to read it. Rabbi, all three of my questions that I had wanted to ask you were answered in that issue of L'Chaim! One question was to ask you what advice you could give me in my relationship with my girlfriend, and the front page article was all about the importance of honor, esteem and respect in relationships! The other two questions were similarly answered in that same issue!"

I must tell you that for some of the prisoners whom I visit, the L'Chaim has literally changed their lives. It is their one bit of Jewish teachings, their one link to Judaism, each week.

One fellow had, unfortunately, been in prison for quite a while. Each week, he would save the L'Chaim I gave him until he had quite an impressive collection! Recently he was released and is now living in our rehab center, Maison Bellfield. One of his most proud possessions that he took with him out of jail is his collection of L'Chaims.
 

Adapted and reprinted with the permission of Sichos In English
Pictures are  by Zalmen Kleinman