A Small Still Voice - (Real Life Experiences That Touch The Soul)
Week Ending: Friday, February 5, 2010 - Shabbos Yisro, 21 Shevat, 5770
Melbourne Shabbos begins: 8.12 pm (D.S.T.) -Shabbos ends: 9.12 pm (D.S.T.)
Click Here To Open
This Article In A Newsletter As A PDF File

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
| WHAT'S NEW | GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS | MerkosLoop |