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Tucked away in a quiet city in the American Midwest, Michel stops and leans over to a guest near him. “It’s on page forty-two in the Arts- and Feige Twerski have somehow managed to become Scroll bentscher,” he says simply, then immediately resumes the holy nigun. major players on the international Jewish stage. What is the secret His eyes are closed again, but he per- ceives something. The guest is struggling of their far-ranging influence? Mishpacha’s Yisroel Besser spent an with the word “meichalelo,” translated as unforgettable Shabbos with the Twerskis and their community, “from desecrating it.” The Rebbe leans over and explains. Congregation Beth Jehudah, where he experienced the signature “Desecrating the Shabbos is called ‘chillul,’ much like the word ‘chol,’ mun- Twerski blend of sublime holiness and total unpretentiousness. As dane. Can there be a graver sin than treat- ing the king like a commoner?” he shares his impressions, we join the Twerskis for a spirited dance And the song continues. Throughout the meal, I am struggling in shul, a bursting Shabbos table, a visit to an old-age home, and a with this question: the Rebbe and his fam- ily, such noble, uplifting people, yet the at- quiet talk in a warm kitchen — and we watch them unlock the mosphere, even while transcendent, is still magical melodies and messages that touch so many souls so normal, so comfortable. How are they Hachnosas Sefer able to do it; what’s the secret of the unique mood at their table, in their shul, across their community? by Yisroel Besser placed it in the old tape recorder and the comed Shabbos as one, a united entity ichems” coming at me from all direc- z z z first few notes filled the air. welcoming the Queen into their midst. tions. I am inundated by invitations for We arrive at the Rebbe’s home for the The Rebbe himself answers my riving up an icy Route 94 between It was like nothing I’d ever heard I prepare to begin reciting “Mizmor the seudah, and to each I reply that I am seudah, and the guests just keep coming, a question as he speaks divrei Torah at Chicago and Milwaukee, through before. Shir L’Yom HaShabbos,” when sudden- eating at the Rebbe’s home; then they seemingly endless array of people being the seudah. the American Midwest, I made a A voice that was at once wise and ly I feel a surge of energy in the crowd smile, as if at a secret to which only greeted by the Rebbe and Rebbetzin. The He is discussing the weightlessness of D the luchos, their total freedom from the promise to myself. I would not resort to comforting, melodies that were hopeful and my eyes follow the current to the they are privy. “You will enjoy it,” they Rebbetzin makes each feel welcome, spe- using tired cliches about the cold weather and moving. It was the kind of music front of the room. The Rebbe is de- assure me. cial, honored. constraints of the finite and physical. “And such is the way of the Torah it- and the warm reception. that has the power to transport the lis- scending from his seat towards the z z z The Rebbe is at once engrossed in the Alas, I cannot help myself; it was so tener to another dimension, another crowd. Reb Michel and Rebbetzin Feige Twers- loftiest of tasks, preparing the wine bot- self and those who learn it, not to occupy very cold outside and so very warm inside. world. In the months and years that fol- They begin to dance. ki have built this community, the Torah tles, humming a holy tune, yet also in- any space at all. The great Torah leaders were also the people of the greatest humil- z z z lowed, Reb Michel’s voice became the It isn’t the most lively dance that I community of Milwaukee, with their volved in the practicalities; he is carrying My introduction to Reb Michel Twerski, voice of inspiration, the holy expres- have ever seen nor is it the most emo- own hands. Both of them scions of chas- up chairs from the basement for the many ity. Torah itself, and those who learn the Hornisteipeler Rebbe of Milwaukee, sions of his heart a guide. tional. What it is, however, is totally au- sidic aristocracy, they came to Milwau- guests. Torah, simply aren’t there, they don’t take up space at all.” had come years earlier. It was a dark af- z z z thentic: a real expression of joy and in- kee in 1961, when Orthodox , let This mixture, the fusion of sublime ternoon near the end of a long winter So as I enter the beautiful sanctuary of spiration, a resounding proclamation by alone chassidic, was in decline. holiness with total unpretentiousness, is And I have my answer: this most zman, and we were sitting in our dirah, Congregation Beth Jehudah for Kabbalas an entire tzibbur that they are ready and When Reb Michel’s father, the evident throughout the meal. The Rebbe is unpretentious of couples takes up no our bochurim’s apartment, in the heart of Shabbos, I am prepared — indeed eager willing to let the light of Shabbos shine Rebbe Reb Yaakov Yisroel, arrived in singing “Kol Mekadesh” to an ancient space at all. . Someone came in waving — to be moved. into their hearts. Milwaukee in the 1920s, it was a bas- tune, hallowed notes with mystical under- z z z aloft a new cassette tape, entitled The It is after the joyous, vibrant Lechah I watch in awe as they dance, this tion of Russian Jews, Yidden to whom tones, his face ablaze, when he suddenly The tisch on Friday night is done the Music of Rabbi Michel Twerski. He Dodi, just after the congregation has wel- crew of Milwaukee chassidim, chas- the names of “Hornisteipel” and “Cher- sidim with long beard and no beard, nobyl” were sacrosanct. He soon had a with shtreimlach and baseball caps, in dedicated nucleus of warm chassidim The Rebbe is singing “Kol bekeshes and sweaters, their exteriors around him, and in his shul, Beth Jehu- Mekadesh” to an ancient so different, their innards aflame. dah, the sacred traditions of Chassidus On the bimah, a lone boy, clearly were carried on. The community tune, hallowed notes with hampered by severe physical and men- revered and loved their Rebbe and the tal limitations, dances alone, his beauti- Rebbetzin Devorah Leah, a daughter of mystical undertones, his ful features alight. the Kedushas Tzion, Reb Ben Zion of At the head of the line, the Rebbe . face ablaze, when he dances, leading … no, stopping. He But like their brothers all across suddenly stops and leans reaches out to a small child and pulls America, that generation could do little him to the head of the line, and then to keep their children away from the over to a guest near him. they continue, hundreds of Yidden, lure and attraction of the American their Rebbe and the small boy, their feet street. Their Shabbos tables were empty “It’s on page forty-two in pounding out a song of greeting. and still, the children out making mon- It’s Shabbos in Milwaukee. ey or studying, pursuing the American the ArtScroll bentscher,” z z z dream. After davening they file by the Rebbe. What Reb Michel inherited was he says simply, For each, he has a kind word, a joke, a empty pews and yahrtzeit plaques. then immediately resumes thought; they turn to him as flowers turn So he rebuilt. The Rebbe at a Purim seudah, surrounded by children towards the sun. I am greeted warmly He is a Rebbe, but also a father, a the holy nigun by all the mispallelim, the “shalom ale- counselor, a best friend.

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Milwaukee way; held at the home of gles; one, to take the plunge, and the the Rebbe’s son, Reb Ben Zion, himself second, to keep fighting, to maintain a captivating and dynamic personality. that initial zeal and fervor.” Perhaps at the Milwaukee tisch there are no parenches, the bleachers so At seven-thirty on Shabbos morn- prevalent at more-traditional tischen, ing, the shul is filled with people, lis- and no pushing, but here, in the warmth tening eagerly to a shiur by Reb Ben and camaraderie of Reb Ben Zion’s liv- Zion. They are studying a collection of ing room, Shabbos is tangible. chassidic writings on the significance The people sing and then the Rebbe and meaning of the various wedding speaks. customs in preparation for the upcom- “What were the two things that ing chasunah of Reb Ben Zion’s oldest drew Yisro close, which convinced him son. The community will be traveling to to cast his lot with the Jewish people? the wedding en masse, and they want to Rashi, quoting Chazal, tells us that it be ready. was the splitting of the sea and the war Reb Ben Zion is far more than his with Amalek that were the catalysts for father’s assistant; he is the pride of a At the chasunah of Rabbi Eliezer Geldzahler, ztz"l, and the Rebbe's daughter Baila, his conversion. community that helped raise him, and tichye. To the right is Rabbi Shlomo Twerski, ztz"l, the Hornisteipler Rebbe of Den- ver; in the center is the Bobover Rebbe, ztz"l; on the left is, yblc"t, the Bostoner “These two things symbolize the they look on with parental joy as he re- Rebbe. The chasunah took place in Milwaukee path of a good Jew; these two experi- alizes their high hopes for him. For the ences represent the two facets of our Milwaukee community, the simchah at work in this world. this chasunah is personal. One of the more celebrated natives of Hornisteipel was the great Steipler Gaon, The Rebbe is olah l'Torah in his beis medrash in Milwaukee “Kriyas Yam Suf gave us the ability The davening itself is warm and vi- Rav . He was referred to as "the Steipler" since he hailed from to jump in, to leave everything behind, brant, and again, I have that wonderful the town, and was named Yaakov Yisrael after the old Rebbe, just like Reb Yaakov Yis- “… you must come for Rosh HaShanah and hear Reb to throw it all away and take the plunge. sense of being part of a group involved roel Twerski. “Then after the initial enthusiasm in a common endeavor. Davening in Despite the fact that he grew up in the Novardok Yeshivah movement, becoming a Michel’s shofar blowing. I have learned in big yeshivos wore off, after that burst of self-sacri- Milwaukee is serious business. strict adherent to the path of Novardok mussar, he never forgot his birthright. fice, the uphill battle began. The fight After davening, the Rebbe will ad- The Steipler lost his father at a young age, and his widowed mother was of- and lived in major Jewish communities, but never have against Amalek represents the fight dress the people. There is a sense of an- fered two matches. One was a wealthy man who was not learned, and the other against all those forces that wish to I heard such a shofar blowing. Everyone else blows with ticipation as he rises, as people lean was a poor scholar. ‘cool us off,’ to lower the flames of our close to hear words that will carry them She went to ask the Hornisteipeler Rebbe's advice. force and power, issuing a resounding call for repentance. passion and determination. through another week. He told her to marry the scholar, and promised her that her children would light up “As hard as it is to take the plunge, The Rebbe speaks of gratitude, of the Torah world. Reb Michel’s tkiyos are soft, gentle, so moving. it’s equally hard, if not more so, to keep not taking the gifts of life for granted. In later years, when people complimented the Steipler's magnum opus, Kehillos the battle going, to persist and endure.” He recalls his first visit to Switzerland Yaakov, a remarkably successful sefer, he would attribute its success to the Rebbe's His call to teshuvah is sweet” Words that are the essence of this and his awe at the magnificence and brachah. community. grandeur of the Swiss Alps. The Rebbe In a conversation, I ask the Rebbe recounts how he and the Rebbetzin ex- Reb Michel tells me that his older brother, Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski, developed about his relationship with the community. pressed their wonder to a Swiss native, a close relationship with the gadol more than a half century ago, in a time that the “When it comes to kiruv, it is a mis- who was surprised that the view elicit- Steipler was virtually unknown outside of . take to look at numbers, at how many ed such a reaction from them. Rabbi Twerski was a talmid in the Skokie Yeshivah at the time, and the Rosh Yeshivah, people or families one brings closer. It “He sees them every day,” explains Rav , was a mayven on the Steipler and encouraged the relationship. is not enough to arouse their slumber- the Rebbe, “and he has long ago ceased to Rabbi Twerski began to send the Steipler letters containing questions on what he ing souls and then to move on; the be aware of their beauty and splendor.” was learning, to which the tzaddik would reply, signing his name "Yaakov Yisrael ben maintenance involved should take The Rebbe urges us to appreciate Brachah." years, and even decades. the abundant gifts of HaKadosh Baruch Rabbi Twerski ultimately published a sefer of his correspondence with the Steipler “This is not the largest Torah com- Hu, to keep our eyes open to the mag- on a wide range of topics. munity in the country, but it is one of nificence that surrounds us. He reminds Reb Michel tells of his own visit to the humble home in Bnei Brak. the nicest, because they are all grow- us to be grateful for the ultimate gift — Reb Michel did not identify himself as the Hornisteipeler Rebbe, but the Steipler ing, perpetually growing. I am awed by the Torah — not to take its all encom- scanned the names on the paper and made the connection himself. the commitment and dedication of our passing beauty for granted. "Give me a brachah," he asked Reb Michel. people here, their willingness to throw Then, the Rebbe shares another one Reb Michel evaded the request and changed the topic. it all away, to forfeit careers and rela- of the guiding principles of this beauti- "Tell me," the Steipler said, "are there still Hornisteipeler chassidim?" tionships, and then, after all that, to ful kehillah: Reb Michel shrugged, "Not many." maintain this rigorous new lifestyle. “The biggest enemy of the oved "Is there a tisch on Friday nights?" “My father, ztz”l, had this incredi- Hashem is cynicism, jadedness, tired- "Yes, there is a tisch," replied Reb Michel. ble ayin tovah, an ability to find the ness. Let’s keep our eyes open, let’s stay "Good, good," replied the Steipler, his satisfaction evident. good points in all people. I have it fresh and innovative.” "When Mashiach comes, Hornisteipel veht zein a malchus," the Steipler remarked. much easier; I am surrounded by peo- The Rebbe is very much the congre- Then, in a quieter voice, almost to himself, he said "Veil ess iz gevehn a malchus [because ple who are constantly growing. Of gational rabbi as well, and he shifts over it was a malchus]!" course I love them.” to an administrative announcement. Then he looked back at Reb Michel. And thus spoke the Rebbe, “Two The beis medrash in Milwaukee “Tonight we as a community will be "Please, before you go, give me a brachah." sides to the coin, two different strug- going to visit the seniors at the old-age

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The crown jewel of the community, The Rebbe and Reb Ben Zion, only answers. and indeed, the catalyst for the educa- joined by a large crowd from the shul, Everything just makes sense. tional framework, is the kollel. The start to sing, and the old people draw The Rebbe tells me a little bit of the Milwaukee Kollel Center for Adult close. Many of them remember the history of the kehillah. Jewish Studies opened when Reb Rebbe’s great father, these Milwaukee The Rebbe’s father, Reb Yaakov Yis- Michel realized that, like so many other old-timers who revere the Twerski roel, son of Reb Leibele of Hornisteipel, communities across America, Milwau- name; he belongs to them. arrived in New York in the 1920s, and kee was a victim of its own success. Reb Michel speaks. quickly realized that he wasn’t suited to Though twenty-five years of leader- “Today, we read about the giving of the the big city. He travelled to Chicago, ship had yielded beautiful Torah fami- Torah, the commandments. Do you know where there was a large group of Ukraini- lies, the children of these families were that before Moshe Rabbeinu would teach an immigrants, Yidden from the towns opting to settle in Eretz Yisrael, in the Jews a new , he would first go near Kiev. Lakewood, and in New York. to discuss it with the elders, the zkeinim? After a short stay in Chicago, he trav- Reb Michel called together his peo- Each mitzvah was first exposed to the wis- elled to Milwaukee, where he was asked ple and shared his vision with them. dom and experience of the elderly leaders, to serve as the Rav in the Anshei Sfard Milwaukee would have a kollel of its the ones to whom we owe everything. shul. After a decade of service, he realized own, and a new elementary school “We thank you for all that you, the old- his dream, opening his own shul, Beth Je- would have to be formed to provide the er people, have given us. You have built hudah, in 1939. children of these families with a suit- this community and other communities; Rabbi Twerski emerged as a key fig- Rebbe dancing with R' Benzion at the Goldner Hachnasas Sefer Torah able educational environment. we look at you with such respect and grat- ure in Milwaukee Jewish life, earning the Milwaukee is by no means a wealthy itude. Thank you.” respect and admiration of all types of home. We ask all of you to participate, I am beginning to see what it is that community, but its members are people The Rebbe sits back down and an el- Jews, and indeed, the wider non-Jewish to bring your children along, to provide makes this place special. There are many reasons to live in Mil- of spirit and resolve. Once Reb Michel derly woman raises her hand. “Rabbi, can population as well. His warmth and kind- some joy to these lonely people. We waukee. The beautiful stone homes that spoke, they were galvanized into action. I say something? I have never been happi- ness endeared him to everyone; when the have a responsibility” — here, the At the large kiddush that follows, I line the quiet streets near Beth Jehudah The Rosh Kollel, Reb Mendel er in my life. Thank you so much for your patriarchal Jew with the soft smile walked Rebbe corrects himself — “no, an op- am speaking with a distinguished and are far cheaper than much smaller ones in Senderovic, is a respected and words, for the music.” down the streets of Milwaukee, everyone portunity, to bring light into the life of skilled local mechanech. “There’s only other Jewish communities. The Wiscon- mechaber seforim. He had achieved z z z would wait respectfully for his greeting. another Jew; let’s take advantage of it.” one way to describe the children in this sin State Legislature provides vouchers world renown as the author of the stan- I sit down to speak with the Rebbe on Rebbetzin Devorah Leah was a per- His closing words shed light on an- community: lichtige kinder, with for parochial schools in the city, which dard text for divorce documents that are Motzaei Shabbos. I had prepared ques- sonality in her own right, an heiress to the other wonderful trend in this communi- lichtige faces,” he says. means that, for low-income families, given in Lakewood, a thorny and com- tions to ask and topics to discuss, but noble traditions of , a woman of gen- ty. “This week, many of the rebbeim A young man approaches me. “If you there are no tuition payments to speak of. plex halachic issue. Since the communi- somehow, once Shabbos is over, there are erosity. A wise and perceptive lady, she and kollel fellows are away for midwin- really want to understand this community, There is a wonderful educational frame- ty made that historic decision to “jump ter break, so we all have to make a spe- to feel what makes it unique, then you work in place, with schools for both boys in,” committing themselves to forming “My father had correctly diagnosed the state of affairs in cial effort to participate. If each of us must come for Rosh HaShanah and hear and girls, that have earned a superb repu- the kollel and school, membership has assumes that our neighbor will go, that Reb Michel’s shofar blowing. I have tation. The Chofetz Chaim community, tripled, with families coming to live in this country, and realized that in America of the 1940s, a we are free to do our own things, then it learned in big yeshivos and lived in major mere minutes from Reb Michel’s com- Milwaukee from across North America. is the old people who will suffer. Each Jewish communities, but never have I munity in Sherman Park, boasts a world- Today, the community boasts some rabbi without a degree would be disregarded and ignored. A of you should look at this as if you’re heard such a shofar blowing. Everyone class yeshivah high school and beis 160 families, approximately double Rav needs to have devarav nishmain, his word must be taken the only ones who can go.” else blows with force and power, issuing a medrash, the Wisconsin Institute for what it was ten years ago. In recent Two themes to his words are “Don’t resounding call for repentance. Reb Torah Study, or W.I.T.S. There is also years, several young couples have opt- seriously, and in those years, a college degree was the only grow cynical” and “Feel a sense of re- Michel’s tkiyos are soft, gentle, so mov- Torah Academy for Girls, the high ed to stay local as well. way to achieve that goal” — Rav Michel Twerski sponsibility to your community.” ing. His call to teshuvah is sweet.” school, very much a typical Bais Yaakov. There are many reasons for the community’s newfound popularity, but after speaking to the people, however, I see clearly that it isn’t the education, the economy, or the sense of belonging and community. It’s the Twerskis. z z z My interview with the Rebbe is scheduled for late Motzaei Shabbos, and I ask if I can accompany him to the old-age home. Reb Ben Zion graciously reorganizes car seats and several chil- dren to accommodate my request. Watching Reb Michel relate to the old folks, the tired, hopeless Yidden for whom this event is a break in the sad monotony of their lives, is an experience. The Rebbe with his sons For each, he has the right words, the R to L: Rabbi Benzion, R' Mordechai proper tone, the perfect message. As he L to R: Reb Aaron, Reb Mordachai (Mutty), Reb Michel, and Reb Abraham Eliezer of Yerushalaim and R' Yakov The Rebbe dancing at a Chasuna with his son in law on the right R' Mordche Katz (Shea). This is the dedication of a Torah in the name of their parents. Moshe of Yerushalayim moves through the crowd, he leaves a and a nephew Rabbi Hager on the left path of chizuk and healing in his wake.

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spoke several languages and was a much- Falthichaner Rav, was apprehensive about a series of groups, called Orthodox Per- sought-after advisor to the women of the giving his blessings to a move that would spectives, that would meet in people’s community. take his daughter deep into the American homes. These small weekly gatherings They gathered a kehillah around them, heartland, far from the centers of Torah were geared to no more than a few couples a kehillah of Yidden who were completely and Chassidus. He inquired of the Satmar at a time. Reb Michel would convey the dedicated to them and all that they repre- Rebbe, Reb Yoel Teitelbaum, about a Torah perspective on feminism and par- sented. proper course of action. The Rebbe as- enting, on marriage, and on prayer. In 1961, Reb Michel and Rebbetzin sured him that he would have nachas from It was a new way, a new trend, and the Feige arrived in Milwaukee to assist his his “Milwaukee eineklach,” and indeed, families that had left the shtiebel and all father in running the kehillah. he did. that it represented were shocked at the At the time, there was nothing here for The Rebbetzin adds something else. “I clarity and beauty of the path that they had a young couple: no friends, no shopping. didn’t need friends, because I had some- shunned. They watched in fascination as In addition, the resources and support that thing much more precious: my in-laws. It the layers slipped off, showing them the exist for the young couples of today’s out- was enough for me to be in their presence, beauty that was their heritage. They of-town communities were nonexistent. to spend time with them. I derived suste- looked inward and were shocked to find I ask the Rebbetzin a question. nance from that relationship.” that, beneath their discomfort and embar- “Was it difficult for you, a native of Her bond with her father-in-law, the rassment at being Jewish, there was a soul Brooklyn, to travel across the country to Rebbe, was special. He looked at her as a shining bright. Milwaukee?” daughter and treated her as such. They gravitated to the young rabbi The Rebbetzin smiles. “With my The young Twerskis began to build, who made them feel so alive, so Jewish. This picture was taken in 1947 on the arrival of the Bobover Rebbe to America. He spent his first Pesach in Milwaukee with husband, I would have traveled to the to lay the groundwork for a new commu- A Shabbos meal with the Twerskis be- his sister and brother-in-law. R to L: Rabbi Michel is holding the hand of the Bobover Rebbe, Reb Shlomo; Rebbe Yaakov Yis- roel, ztz"l; and Reb Aaron Twerski ends of the earth.” nity, one family at a time. came something to aspire to, an en- The truth is that her father, the Reb Michel and the Rebbetzin formed counter with depth, meaning, and warmth. There were stirrings of Jewish ing testimony to the power of Shabbos. to forfeit his last shred of dignity. “Kiruv rechokim is not about life in Milwaukee once again. “The week after he made the commit- “It is a humbling experience to live From among those groups, one third ment to become completely shomer Shab- among such inspiring people.” numbers, about how many people of the people made the transition to a bos, a Midwest Airlines airplane was in- one can have over for a Shabbos kosher home and over half of them reg- volved in a fatal crash, the only such Later, over Melaveh Malkah, I ask istered their young children in the Jew- incident in the company’s history. Mid- another question. meal; it’s about the results, the ish day school. west is a Milwaukee-based business, and The Twerski family name has come They would have small Melaveh this was the biggest local story in years. to be associated with the ability to long haul after that initial burst of Malkahs, just the Twerskis and these small “The episode occurred late on a Friday straddle two worlds, to be educated and inspiration. This is a community groups. At these intimate gatherings be- afternoon. sophisticated, even while living within tween friends, the young Rebbe would “The editors called him up and told the four cubits of traditional chassidic that had grown together over take guitar in hand and teach a new song. him it was his story, that he was in charge Judaism. The family boasts doctors, so many years, that is still They learned how to praise Him with of coordinating the various reporters and lawyers, and professors who are com- “Romimu” and “Ein Aroch,” to thank him their angles. He apologized, but said that fortable in Ivy-league schools even as The Rebbe writing the final letters in asefer Torah dedicated by growing together” with “Modeh Ani,” to pray with “T’kah he wasn’t available until Saturday night. they are most at home in the shtiebel. Mr. Phil Goldner to his beis medrash. Looking on is the Rosh Kollel, Rav Mendel Sendrovic, shlita b’Shofar” and “Min HaMeitzar.” They “It was a decision that cost him ad- I ask if this is a shittah, a governing — Rav Michel Twerski learned that Judaism is vibrant and warm, vancement and honor. He could have philosophy, and if it is, why their children, passionate, and real. They learned that it gone so far on that story.” the next generation, don’t attend college. was theirs. As the Rebbe talks, I hear an echo of Reb Michel shares a fascinating story And thus was the community reborn. his words at the tisch, “the two sides of the with me. coin, the strength to make the plunge and “My oldest brother, Reb Shloime, Reb Michel speaks with great pride after, the strength to keep fighting.” ztz”l, was a special neshamah, holy and about the accomplishments and sincerity Reb Michel underscores an idea pure. As a child, he would learn sifrei of his people. He speaks of the particular which is central to his philosophy. “Kiruv Kabbalah for hours, and my mother challenges that each of them faces, of his rechokim is not about numbers, about how was so concerned that she sent him to respect for their loyalty and resolve. many people one can have over for a my zeideh, Reb Leibele, in Antwerp. He tells one particular story. One day, Shabbos meal; it’s about the results, the The Zeideh got to know the lad and as- he received a call from a metro reporter long haul after that initial burst of inspira- sured my mother that it was all right. for the Milwaukee Sentinel who request- tion. This is a community that had grown “My father sent him to learn in Torah ed an interview for a piece that he was together over so many years, that is still Vodaath, and he became the closest talmid writing on the Orthodox community. growing together.” of Reb Shraga Feivel, developing as both a Rabbi Twerski realized that the man The Rebbe lights up, much like a father talmid chacham and a chassid. At the was a Jew. “You cannot write about us un- talking about his son’s accomplishments. height of his growth, when he was totally less you come experience a Shabbos here “We don’t get that many meshulachim immersed in Torah and kedushah, the let- by yourself.” here in Milwaukee, but the ones who do ter arrived from Milwaukee. In it were The reporter, anxious to do a good come always mention to me that the recep- clear instructions from my father: he was job, agreed. tion they get is something special. The to return home and start attending college. The Rebbe preparing a bar mitzvah bochur The Rebbe dancing at the He came for Shabbos with his wife. people here perceive that it is hard enough “My brother was stunned. It was in- to put on tefillin for the first time Goldner sefer Torah dedication That was decades ago. for a person to stick out his hand and ask conceivable to him to leave the comfort- He himself became the article, walk- for help; to refuse the request is telling him able, secure confines of the beis medrash continuedon page 62 34 7 Adar I 5768 2.13.08 35 196_Twerski.qxd 10/02/2008 19:49 Page 12

MILWAUKEEcontinued from page 35 for the outside world, and he told my father gree was the only way to achieve that goal. ting out for the airport. I step out into the so. My father was uncharacteristically “When we grew older, my father didn’t frigid air, the heat of the coffee warming adamant and for a few weeks, the argu- tell us to go to college, and those of us who my hand. I take a final look at the building, ment raged, neither willing to budge. did acted out of our own free will. In fact, and a thought crosses my mind. “Finally, my brother decided to go en- in the 1960s, when the social fabric of Approximately three hundred years list the help of a Rebbe, and he travelled to America unraveled, my father laughed and ago, a great soul came down and planted the newly arrived Lubavitcher Rebbe, Reb said that a new generation was arising that the seeds of Chassidus in the hearts of the Yosef Yitzchak. He told the Rebbe of his would mock those with degrees. people. They followed him because he father’s wish and of his own fears and mis- “Education was no shittah; rather, it spoke the truth, because his words and givings. The Rebbe looked at him sternly. was a hora’as sha’ah, a temporary ruling, melodies stirred them. “Ihr hut a Tatte [you have a father]; gei relevant for the era in which it was issued.” They listened to him because they freig bai eim [go ask him what to do].” It is late on Motzaei Shabbos. The knew he loved them, so they loved him “My brother attended college. Melaveh Malkah candles are burned down back. “In time, my father’s intention became to their very bottoms, and the kitchen is Much has happened to the path of clear, and even my brother conceded that bathed in a comfortable light. I rise, trying Chassidus since then, many twists and he was right. My father had correctly diag- to find the words to convey thanks for the turns, some that were confusing and nosed the state of affairs in this country, Shabbos, for the time, for the inspiration. complex. and realized that in America of the 1940s, a I find that I cannot. In Milwaukee one can still make out rabbi without a degree would be disregard- that dusty path back to Mezibuzh, where ed and ignored. A Rav needs to have de- It’s Sunday morning, after Shacharis, everything was simple and clear, hopeful varav nishmain, his word must be taken and I am preparing to leave. I am enjoying and inspiring. seriously, and in those years, a college de- one last coffee in Beth Jehudah before set- It’s still happening, it’s still happening. In 1927, Reb Yaakov Yisroel Twerski of Hornisteipel arrived in Milwaukee, the beer-brewing capital on the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan. Together with Rebbetzin Leah, the daughter of Reb Ben Zion Halberstam of Bobov, he led a flock of larg e- ly Russian-born Jews who lived there. After several years, he opened his own shul, Beth Jehudah, where the customs of his holy ancestors of Chernobyl and Hor- nisteipel were respected. The Twerski's were key figures in the development of the community, and even today, Milwaukee old- timers remember "the Rebbe" with reverence and affection. In 1973, at the time of his passing, Reb Yaakov Yisroel was a legend among the chassidishe Yidden, secular Jews, and non-Jews of the city, and his passing was mourned by all segments of the population. The Rebbetzin passed away in 1996. Her brother, the famed Reb Shlomo of Bobov, would visit her in Milwaukee in her final years, and together, they would reminisce about the Bobov of their youth. In the inhospitable climate of Milwaukee, the Twerskis raised five chassidishe sons, boys who proudly wore the dress of their ancestors in this new country. The boys attended public school during their formative years, and as soon as they were old enough, they were sent away to learn in the yeshivos of Chicago, Baltimore, Brooklyn, and Lakewood. Each one of those boys has made his mark on American Jewish life. The oldest son was a mystic and profound thinker, Reb Ben Zion Chaim Shlomo Meshulam Zusia, the Rebbe of Hornisteipel- Denver. The Rebbe drew an eclectic and diverse group of spiritual seekers around him, and through his blend of penetrating inte l- lect and unbridled passion, he changed lives. His na'anuim with the lulav and esrog would take him six hours on each day of Succos, and he spent most of the Yom Tov in private spiritual ecstasy. On Simchas Torah, his dancing was extraordinary, and in fact, it was on that day that his holy soul rose heavenward. The second son was Reb Mottele, an accountant in Flatbush. He embodied all the chein and warmth of his great heritage, and is fondly remembered as a man of great inner rejoicing and serenity. His perception and sensitivity made him a sought-after advisor to many. In an era before it was common, he would spend most of his day in the beis medrash, only arriving at his office in the noon hours. He was accepted as the rosh hamishpachah after the passing of their father. The next son is, yblc"t, the noted professor and author, Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski. His many books have changed the way that the Torah community views psychological issues and their treatments, and his inspiring works on Torah, tefillah, and Jewis h history are staples in Jewish homes. He lived in Pittsburgh for many years, where he directed the drug rehabilitation clinic th at he had established, and presently resides in Monsey. The last two sons are the twins. Professor Aaron Twerski became the first Jewish Orthodox dean in American education when he was appointed dean of Hofstra Law University in 2005. He has since retired and now leads a commission appointed to study the conditions of rescue workers at the site of the World Trade Center. Reb Michel has assumed leadership of the Beth Jehudah community, where he has been serving as assistant rabbi since 1961. He and his wife, Rebbetzin Feige Twerski, have become much-sought-after speakers and counselors to individuals and groups from across the country. They are popular lecturers and advisors on a wide range of subjects. Reb Michel is one of the fathers of the Association of Jewish Outreach Professionals, and is viewed as a pioneer in the America n kiruv movement. He has become a familiar speaker in the most diverse venues, from college campuses to chassidishe shtieblach. Rebbetzin Feige's advice columns and speeches have become a precious resource to women across the world. Their shul is in Milwaukee's Sherman Park neighborhood, one of the four Orthodox enclaves in the city and the one which is the focus of this article. There, they preside over a burgeoning community of 160 families. They are assisted by their son, Reb Ben Zion and his rebbetzin.

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