ZEVIN ADDRESSES A SPECIAL EVENT MARKING 15 YEARS SINCE THE FOUNDING OF KFAR , YUD-BEIS TAMMUZ 5724.

In the preparation of this article, we were greatly assisted by the extensive profile of Rabbi Zevin inShemen Sasson Mechaverecha vol. 2. Special thanks as well to Rabbi Tuvia Blau, rabbi of the Chabad community in Neve Yaakov, Yerushalayim, Rabbi Yitzchak Yehuda Yeruslavsky, rabbi of Nachlas Har Chabad, and Rabbi Yisrael Tzvi Glitzenstein, for sharing their stories with us.

SIVAN 5779 *z 38 A CHASSIDISHER DERHER 5724-1964 Gaon and Chossid and Gaon חגהשבועות ה׳תשע״ח ע״ה לרגלה׳יארצייט׳הראשון חי׳מושקא הרה״תר׳שלוםדובער ומשפחתםשיחיו זלמן צבי נתרםע״ינכדו ת'נ'צ'ב'ה' שוחאט לע״נ RABBI SHLOMO YOSEF ZEVIN וזוגתומרת משהבןר׳

נלב“עאסרו

A CHASSIDISHER DERHER SIVAN 5779 SIVAN 39

LEVI FREIDIN VIA JEM 286175 Jack Of All Trades scholars of the previous generation. Rabbi Zevin was also a Chabad “He sits at the desk,” a reporter for From his earliest rabbinic posts in Chossid. Panim El Panim describes, “and edits Russia, to his prominent positions His grandfather had traveled to one of the most complicated entries in Eretz Yisroel, he gained renown the Tzemach Tzedek, and his father in the encyclopedia. It is difficult for his breadth of knowledge in all traveled to the of . work, and he is fully engrossed in his aspects of the Torah. Whether nigleh, Rabbi Zevin himself first studied in writing. Kabbalah, Chassidus, and especially the Mir , and then joined a “Suddenly, the phone behind him halacha, Rabbi Zevin was proficient chaburah studying under Reb Shmarya rings. He isn’t irked at all; he picks up in it all. Although he was a member Noach of Babroisk, the last in the the phone and carries a conversation. of the Mizrachi movement, his Torah dynasty of Kapuster Rebbes, who .(תרפ“ג) *This discussion—about helping a scholarship won him respect across all passed away in 5683 shochet find a job—is very distant from walks of Jewry. After his father’s passing in 5663* ,when he was only 18 years old ,(תרס“ג) the topic he was writing about… He was also famous for his humility “Then comes a knock at the door. and good heartedness. He was one Rabbi Zevin was called to assume his An elderly rabbi wants to know where of the most prominent rabbanim in father’s rabbinic responsibilities in his he can find sources that speak about Eretz Yisroel, with connections to hometown of Kazimirov. the Sanhedrin. After offering him a the highest levels of government, The young rav quickly gained drink, Rabbi Zevin lists a number of yet he never demanded respect or renown, in a great measure due to his books and quickly collects them from recognition, and was always willing prolific writing in the Torah journals the bookshelves in his study. The rabbi to help another Jew in need, without of the age (years later, he would also begins to peruse them, and Rabbi fame or fanfare. contribute to the journal). Zevin returns to his entry. However, Rabbi Zevin is most He became a favorite of many geonim, “Fifty lines are written, and there remembered for his clarity of thought. among them Reb Eliyahu Baruch is another knock and two Chabadniks He not only retained all the Torah he Kamai, Reb Shimon Shkop and Reb enter. He seems very happy to see learned; he was able to present it in Chaim Ozer Grodzinski. He also them. He brings some cake and the most brilliant manner, so clearly received semicha from the Rogatchover l’chaim from the kitchen, and a mini and succinctly, that any person was Gaon and the author of the Aruch begins…”1 able to understand. When Rabbi Zevin Hashulchan. delivered a concept in speech or in Rabbi Zevin later served as rav in Who Was Rabbi Zevin? writing, no matter how profound or the towns of Klimon and Novozybkov Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Zevin was complicating in its original form, its as well. When Harav Dovid Tzvi arguably one of the most unique Torah lucidity was breathtaking. (Radatz) Chein left the larger town of Chernigov for Eretz Yisroel in 5685* Rabbi Zevin was offered his ,(תרפ“ה) prestigious position, but he refused the offer due to his involvement in building the local mikveh. He knew that if he left town, the construction work might not continue. Rashi - Shir Hashirim Like many Kopuster Chassidim, Rabbi Zevin gravitated to the Frierdiker after his own Rebbe’s passing, and thus began a fascinating relationship between Rabbi Zevin and the Frierdiker Rebbe, and later—the Rebbe. Rabbi Zevin’s first encounter with He .(תרפ“ד) *Lubavitch was in 5684 RABBI ZEVIN WORKING IN HIS OFFICE. was 37-years-old, and already a noted

SIVAN 5779 *z 40 A CHASSIDISHER DERHER 5683-1923, 5663-1903, 5685-1925, 5684-1924 rabbi in the Soviet Union. At the time, the Frierdiker Rebbe asked him to A Story Teller? join a secret vaad together with three In the early 5700s, Rabbi Zevin published his first books (he had other rabbanim, Rabbi Yechezkel published countless Torah dissertations and articles during his years in Abramsky, Reb Yaakov Klemes and Russia, but these were his first seforim): Moadim B’halacha, which deals Reb Menachem Gluskin. They assisted with the basic halachic concepts of each Yom Tov, and Sipurei Chassidim, the Frierdiker Rebbe in supervising an anthology of Chassidic stories. and managing the vast underground “Rabbi Zevin once related to me,” Rabbi Nochum Rabinovitch network of chadarim, yeshivos and recalled, “that his illustrious colleague Rabbi Yechezkel Abramsky (the mikvaos. rosh yeshiva of Slobodka) was upset when he wrote his book of Chassidic When the Frierdiker Rebbe stories. His problem was in two points. First of all, it gives legitimacy to arranged an asifas harabbanim for the stories which may not have been believed beforehand; and second, it was Russian rabbinate, he appointed Rabbi unbefitting for such a brilliant talmid chacham to publish a book of simple Zevin to be its chairman. stories…”3 Correspondence was written In contrast to those arguments, the Frierdiker Rebbe greatly through code. Rabbi Zevin’s name was encouraged Rabbi Zevin in his storytelling, precisely because of the effect Rashi—the acronym of his name, Reb he could have on his readers. He even suggested that Rabbi Zevin, along Shlomo Yosef—and sometimes Shir with Rabbi Shimon Glitzenstein, establish a publishing house for Jewish Hashirim (...asher lishlomo). Rabbinic stories. Often, the Frierdiker Rebbe would ask Rabbi Zevin to repeat his work in the Soviet Union was perilous, most recent sermons, and once commented that they fell in the category and Rabbi Zevin had a few very close of drush shebesod. calls with the government. Many years later, after Rabbi Zevin’s passing, someone told the immediately understood the message across the spectrum. Everything the Rebbe in yechidus that he had been and enjoyed the clever ruse. Rebbe needed to accomplish, whether close with Rabbi Zevin and began After the Frierdiker Rebbe through Shazar, other elements of the to extoll his virtues. The Rebbe left Russia, he continued his government or in matters of rabbanus, commented, “I knew him in Russia correspondence with Rabbi Zevin, and he sent through Rabbi Zevin. Kfar where he was working under duress, began to work to obtain a visa for him Chabad, Beis, the under conditions where engaging in to leave Russia as well. Efforts were Reshet—Rabbi Zevin had a hand in it and all. For example, he was very involved ,(תרצ“ד )*such work meant, literally, putting finally successful in 5694 one’s life in peril. He was not cowed by he immigrated to Eretz Yisroel. in the fight over Mihu Yehudi, and I anything, and worked with complete His first post was rabbi of the remember how he always participated self-sacrifice to fulfill the mission of Chabad shul in . A short in the kinusim. spreading Yiddishkeit with which my time later, upon the advice of the “In his personal life, he had a 2 father-in-law entrusted him.” Frierdiker Rebbe, he accepted a role strong bittul to the Rebbe. When the When the Frierdiker Rebbe as a maggid shiur in a Beis Midrash Rebbe told him not to run for the was arrested, Rabbi Zevin received L’Rabbanus in Yerushalayim. He was position of chief rabbi, he didn’t run. a telegram that read, “Uncle fell also involved in various matters of (The Rebbe once wrote to him that ill.” A short time later, a second askanus. The Frierdiker Rebbe’s letters if he was offered a position on the telegram arrived; “Uncle recovered.” have references to his work for Russian Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah of Agudas He understood that the Frierdiker Jewry, as well as the Jewish refugees Yisrael, he should accept.) When Rebbe had been released and wanted following World War II. the Rebbe told him not to travel to to send a congratulatory telegram, America, he listened, and indeed but being afraid of the censor, he The Rebbe’s Yada never came to the Rebbe. Whatever decided to incorporate his message Arichta In Eretz Yisroel the Rebbe asked, he did.” in the telegram’s signature. He signed “Rabbi Zevin was literally the Hundreds of letters in Igros Kodesh “Baruch” as his first name, and then Rebbe’s ‘extended hand’ in Eretz are testimony to the sheer amount of “Matir Asurim” as his last. Seeing the Yisroel,” relates Rabbi Yisrael work Rabbi Zevin did on the Rebbe’s city of origin, the Frierdiker Rebbe Tzvi Glitzenstein. “He was a very behalf. His involvement wasn’t limited prominent rav who was respected

SIVAN 5779 5694-1934, 5700S-1940S, A CHASSIDISHER DERHER 41 LEVI FREIDIN VIA JEM 284551 RABBI ZEVIN (SECOND FROM BOTTOM LEFT) JOINS THE SINGING DURING THE YUD-TES KISLEV FARBRENGEN IN KFAR CHABAD, 5723*.

to Chabad related matters. Throughout on Tanya6 and combats the wide Indeed, a very large segment of the years, the Rebbe was involved in dissemination of paper mezuzos from Rabbi Zevin’s work on the Rebbe’s countless issues that related to the Eretz Yisroel, as well as questionable behalf was through this relationship. Israeli government and the Israeli esrogim that were being shipped Whenever the Rebbe wanted public in general, and Rabbi Zevin throughout the world.7 something done on a political level in served as the conduit to achieve those In the 5710s*, the Rebbe enlisted Eretz Yisroel, be it regarding Shleimus goals. Rabbi Zevin’s help in coordinating Ha’aretz, Mihu Yehudi, bureaucratic Some are famous endeavors, such efforts to uphold the integrity help for one of the Rebbe’s institutions as the Rebbe’s campaign against of Yiddishkeit in Eretz Yisroel, or anything else, the Rebbe would Israeli shipping lines that traveled on and to ensure that only Torah- often write to Rabbi Zevin asking Shabbos, but others are not well- true Yiddishkeit be recognized as him to approach “Yedideinu, our known at all. In the Rebbe’s letters legitimate.8 acquaintance”—Shazar—who would we find criticism of the government “Rabbi Zevin also played an then carry out the Rebbe’s request. (including the right-wing parties) important role in the relationship of In photographs, Rabbi Zevin and who allowed the secularization of President Shazar with the Rebbe,” Mr. Shazar are often seen together at Yaldei Teheran and Yaldei Morocco.4 says Rabbi Tuvia Blau. “Although various functions, such as the central The Rebbe also opposed the shipping Mr. Shazar had his own origins Yud-Tes Kislev farbrengen in Kfar of frozen meat (before melicha) to within Chabad, Rabbi Zevin was very Chabad. Eretz Yisroel.5 In other letters, the instrumental in this regard. They were “When I traveled to kvutzah Rebbe advises against a Concordance very good friends.” in 5726*,” relates Rabbi Nochum

SIVAN 5779 *z 42 A CHASSIDISHER DERHER 5723-1962, 5710S-1950S, 5726-1966, 5718-1958, 5700S-1940S, 5725-1965, Zevin, Rabbi Zevin’s grandson, “my he knew that the Rebbe disagreed with Shulchan Aruch. Most of the work grandfather encouraged Mr. Shazar— his views on Zionism, and even wrote in the ministries involves forbidden on the Rebbe’s behalf—to work to him sharp letters on the matter. Every activities.” lengthen the kvutzah from six months word from the Rebbe was holy to him, The Rebbe also criticized the to a full year. After our return, we went and every directive he carried out to religious parties for the infighting to thank Mr. Shazar for his assistance, its utmost.” that prevented them from joining and he related the following story: “I remember how one Yud-Tes forces, and also harshly criticized “Earlier that year, when Mr. Kislev,” says Rabbi Glitzenstein, them regarding the campaign against Shazar’s plans to visit the Rebbe “during the farbrengen in the Tzemach giyus banos, girls being drafted into became known, he was criticized by Tzedek Shul, Rabbi Zevin spoke the military. The Rebbe expressed his pundits who claimed it would be seen about the letter he received from surprise that they fought for the rights as an insult to the State if the President the Rebbe in which the Rebbe wrote of religious girls not to be drafted, but would go to the Rebbe instead of the sharply against the belief that the disregarded the fact that the presence Rebbe going to him. He contacted the establishment of the State of was of women in the army altogether is Rebbe about his dilemma, and the the as’chalta d’geula. a halachic problem for all the men .I confess present) את חטאי אני מזכיר היום‘“ ’.Rebbe said he would ‘ask the Shver The Rebbe went to the , and then my guilt today)’ he said, ‘Until today, I Rabbi Hodakov phoned Shazar to say believed that the State was the as’chalta The Entire Torah that the Rebbe was instructed, ‘Fun d’geula. However, now that I received Shebaal Peh Lubavitch fort men nit—we don’t travel the Rebbe’s letter and I studied it, I am Due to his unique talent, after away from Lubavitch.’ mevatel my opinion to the Rebbe. I arriving in Eretz Yisroel in the early “When Mr. Shazar received now understand that it is not so.’” 5700s* Rabbi Zevin was recruited to the Rebbe’s reply, he phoned my In that letter, the Rebbe expressed one of the most audacious projects grandfather to tell him what the Rebbe his strong views against the Zionist of the generation: “Encyclopedia had said. My grandfather advised him, ideology. Talmudit,” the endeavour to collect, ‘I suggest that you go. It will be better “Every time a false Moshiach categorize and elucidate the entire for you.’ appeared,” the Rebbe wrote to Rabbi halachic part of Torah Shebaal Peh. “‘There is a similar incident in the Zevin, “and incited the Jewish people For 40 years, Rabbi Zevin served as past,’ my grandfather explained. ‘The to follow him, the matter ended with its chief editor, charting its course Gemara says that King Chizkiyahu casualties, Heaven forbid. The same is and setting a standard which the and the Navi Yeshayahu argued who true of the belief that the redemption Encyclopedia still follows today. should come to whom. Hashem has already begun. (Although it The Rebbe saw immense ultimately brought illness upon was a miracle, and a great salvation importance in this project, seeing it as Chizkiyahu, and then told Yeshayahu, for millions of Jews, it is not the the ultimate oznaim latorah in nigleh, ‘Go be mevaker choleh.’ beginning of the fourth redemption, and therefore encouraged Rabbi Zevin “‘It’s better to go to the Rebbe and to the contrary, it brings us deeper to refuse offers of other jobs that under healthy circumstances,’ my into the intense darkness of this galus, would take his attention away from it. grandfather concluded.”9 where light is called darkness, and When Rabbi Zevin was asked to run darkness light.) The tragic result is for a seat in the Knesset, the Rebbe 11 The Beginning Of The another casualty in Eretz Yisroel, and wrote that this project is a mitzvah Redemption another… May Hashem avenge their that cannot be accomplished by others, “Rabbi Zevin was a member blood.”10 and therefore he should refuse. of the Mizrachi,” says Rabbi Blau. Many of the Rebbe’s opinions on “In my opinion,” the Rebbe 12 “Ideologically, he aligned with the matters related to Zionism and the writes to Rabbi Zevin in 5725*, religious Zionists, who saw a religious State of Israel are actually known to “your mitzvah d’hava zahir ba tfei, significance in the establishment of us through Rabbi Zevin. For example, your primary mission, is only the the State of Israel, and he would even the Rebbe wrote to him in 5718* that .” recite Hallel without a bracha on Yom it was forbidden for religious Jews Indeed, this became Rabbi Ha’atzmaut. to enter the coalition. “I am clear Zevin’s life work, and the 13 volumes “Nonetheless, he was very in my opinion that participating published during his lifetime are his dedicated to the Rebbe, even though in the coalition… is forbidden by magnum opus. The Rebbe constantly

SIVAN 5779 A CHASSIDISHER DERHER 43 The Rebbe also constantly wrote background material. Just tell me the to Rabbi Zevin with comments, Rebbe’s chiddushim on the subject.’” corrections and editions. In one Rabbi Zevin’s own brilliance gave letter the Rebbe writes: “When I him a profound appreciation for the researched in relation to one of the Rebbe’s Torah, and a voluminous here on the topic of correspondence—dozens of letters— birchas hamitzvos, I obviously made exists from their Torah discussions use of the Encyclopedia, but I don’t which are breathtaking in their understand why they didn’t cite… the breadth and depth. Some of the Rambam’s opinion…”15 And: “I needed Rebbe’s letters to Rabbi Zevin have to research the concept of dibur footnotes replete with words of chashiv k’maaseh… I was surprised Torah, even on the letter’s seemingly that you don’t mention the opinion unremarkable comments (many of the of Chidushei Harashba on [Gemara] letters focus on the views of the Alter Shavuos, and you only quote the Ri Rebbe in Shulchan Aruch). Migash. See Likutei Torah L’Gimmel “The Rebbe greatly appreciated his Parshios…”16 Torah,” says Rabbi Yitzchak Yehuda Yeruslavsky. “The Rebbe always “I Already Know addressed him in letters as ‘tzene maleh pushed the publishers to speed up the The Sugya…” sefarim—a bookshelf filled with Torah,’ work, and with every volume that was “When my father, Reb Yosef a title the Rebbe didn’t use lightly. published, the Rebbe sent profound Wineberg visited Rabbi Zevin at the “In 5736*, the Rebbe established words of thanks. Rebbe’s suggestion,” relates Rabbi Beis Din Rabbonei Chabad in Eretz “I received the seventh volume of Avraham Wineberg, “He chazzered Yisrael, which gathered all of the Encyclopedia Talmudit, and as the a sicha from the Rebbe in nigleh. senior rabbanim of Eretz Yisroel into earlier volumes, ein gomrim alav es He began chazzering as he was one body. To head the institution, the hahallel, it cannot be praised enough… accustomed to; first quoting all the Rebbe called on Rabbi Zevin.” In almost every entry, it is possible background material, and explaining “When I was in yechidus as a to find details that even someone the entire sugya, and then proceeding bochur,” relates Rabbi Nochum Zevin, involved in the subject may have to the Rebbe’s chiddush. Rabbi Zevin “the Rebbe asked me about what I was missed…” the Rebbe praises in one smiled and and nudged him on. learning, so I said over a thought in letter.13 And in another: “I received ‘I’m already acquainted with the the sugya of k’misas volume 16, and as in the famous term, baalim nismaleh habayis kulo orah, the house was filled with light…”14

THE GROWING SET OF ENCYCLOPEDIA TALMUDIS OF WHICH RABBI ZEVIN SERVED AS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.

SIVAN 5779 *z 44 A CHASSIDISHER DERHER 5736-1976 kach misas hashor (that an animal is judged and sentenced to death in a similar manner to a human17). The Rebbe listened, and then blessed me that ‘k’misas baalim kach misas hashor—your Nefesh Habehamis should become like the Nefesh Elokis.’ “I wrote to my grandfather about the conversation, and he responded with several comments of his own. I sent his letter to the Rebbe as it was, and since my grandfather had written other Torah comments on the back side of the page (on a chiddush I had written on the topic of lifnei iver), I noted to the Rebbe that only one side

was relevant to the yechidus. CHABAD CHASSIDEI OF AGUDAS LIBRARY “The Rebbe responded to the letter A GROUP OF RABBONIM VISIT THE LUBAVITCH YESHIVA IN , ISRAEL, 5710*. RABBI ZEVIN IS SEATED ON THE LEFT. [printed in Lekutei Sichos vol. 6,18 in the hosafos of Parshas Mishpatim], and it seems that ‘he couldn’t hold back’ Rabbi Zevin’s Psak Din from adding comments regarding my Rabbi Yisrael Tzvi Glitzenstein relates: grandfather’s comments on ‘lifnei iver’ In 5735*, the Rebbe asked Chassidim to visit the Arizal’s kever on his as well. The Rebbe also discussed it in yahrtzeit, 5 Av, among other horaos. As a Tzach representative, I phoned a sicha a short time later.”19 Rabbi Hodakov the next day to report on trip, and during the phone call the Rebbe gave a new hora’a. The Rebbe’s Telegram The Rebbe asked that on Tisha B’av, siyumim be made on Maseches One of the Rebbe’s earliest Torah Moed Katan. He also added a directive in relation to the Arizal: The discussions with Rabbi Zevin focused Arizal has a teaching on the siyum of Maseches Brachos,20 which is on the Rebbe’s haggadah. identical to the siyum of Moed Katan. The Rebbe said that I should visit In his book Sefarim Vesofrim, Rabbi Rabbi Zevin, and ask if it is permitted to study that teaching on Tisha Zevin heaps praise on the haggadah. B’av. Until Rabbi Zevin gave a psak, I was told, I shouldn’t publicize the When the Rebbe received the book, hora’a. he wrote to Rabbi Zevin that he was “Together with my uncle, Rabbi Chanoch Glitzenstein, I went to Rabbi pleasantly surprised to read it, and “it Zevin, who was quite frail by that time, and gave over the Rebbe’s request. is a bit surprising [that Rabbi Zevin “Rabbi Zevin gave it some thought, and then asked me to wheel didn’t notify him about the review him into his study. After he fully thought through the matter, he said as on the haggadah], for Chazal say, follows: ‘In Torah, if one doesn’t study the entire topic as it is brought ‘One who gives a gift must notify the throughout Torah Shebaal Peh, he doesn’t fulfill the mitzvah of Torah 21 receiver.’” study. That being the case, not only is it permitted to study the teaching of Much earlier, when the haggadah the Arizal, moreover—it is an obligation! Otherwise, the siyum on Moed was initially published in 5707*, Rabbi Katan is incomplete! Zevin wrote to the Rebbe asking “I called Rabbi Hodakov, and he told me that the Rebbe was very several questions on the Rebbe’s satisfied with Rabbi Zevin’s answer. comments regarding the recitation “A short while later before I traveled to New York, Rabbi Zevin asked of Hallel during korban Pesach (the me to repeat the psak to make sure I understood, and he told me to Rebbe writes that it was the Levi’im deliver it to the Rebbe in writing. who recited Hallel) and about the two “As soon as I arrived back in New York, I sent in a letter through Rabbi cooked items on the seder plate (the Binyomin Klein telling the entire story, and within moments, the Rebbe Rebbe maintained that these were replied, “Niskabel vetach tach—[I] received [it] and many thanks.” present even during the zman habayis),

SIVAN 5779 5707-1947, 5710-1950, 5735-1975 A CHASSIDISHER DERHER 45 and the Rebbe responded with several “Rabbi Zevin would learn each his most recent letter from the Rebbe letters22 in his ksav yad kodesh. The letter he received from the Rebbe and be medayek in every letter and letters are written in a very personal in depth,” writes Rabbi Sholom Ber word.” style, with an excitement that is Wolpo, in his book Shemen Sason “One Pesach,” related Rabbi uncommon in the Rebbe’s letters. Mechaverecha. “He would often begin Nochum Zevin, “the Rebbe’s telegram his yoma d’pagra sermons by teaching had concluded with the words ‘Shabbos v’chag haPesach kasher vesamayach.’ My grandfather explained at length how the word samayach also applies The Korban Pesach Problem to Shabbos, even though there is no Another famous discussion related to the aftermath of the Six Day specific mitzvah of joy on Shabbos. War. On Acharon Shel Pesach 5728*, the Rebbe spoke a sicha regarding “On another occasion, he explained the halachic status of Har Habayis. Since it was in Jewish hands and yad to me why the Rebbe blesses new Yisroel takifa, the Rebbe maintained, there is a possibility that Jews in couples with a double ‘Mazal tov, Yerushalayim are obligated to bring a korban Pesach. The easiest solution mazal tov.’ He said that it was founded was to leave Yerushalayim during Erev Pesach, thus being in a “derech on Torah: Yosef explained to Paraoh rechoka” and exempt from the obligation. that the reason his dream was doubled “I received the sichos of Acharon Shel Pesach,” Rabbi Zevin soon was because it would take place very wrote to the Rebbe, “and I immensely enjoyed the chiddushim. However, soon. Thus, when the Rebbe wants to I won’t hold back from expressing my surprise regarding the Rebbe’s imply that the bracha will be fulfilled conclusion. I have several questions. With my insufficient intellect, I speedily, he doubles the wish…”23 haven’t understood…” In several long letters, the Rebbe responded to his questions, and He Doesn’t Need the entire fascinating discussion was published in the appendix of My Opinion Chiddushim Ubiurim B’shas.24 Rabbi Zevin’s relationship with One question is regarding derech rechoka: “A simple question is,” writes the Rebbe began in Russia, when the Rabbi Zevin, “where do we find the law of derech rechoka in regard to Rebbe was still a bochur visiting the Pesach Sheni?” Frierdiker Rebbe in Leningrad. ,(תרפ“ה) *or 5685 (תרפ“ד) *A simple answer,” the Rebbe responds. “The Mishnah (Pesachim In 5684“ 95:1) states, ‘What is the difference between Pesach Rishon and Pesach Rabbi Zevin spent Tisha B’av in the Sheni’—also cited in Rambam (End of Hilchos Korban Pesach); yet I Frierdiker Rebbe’s presence. From haven’t found a single source that says the derech rechoka is one of the after kinos in the morning until differences.” Mincha many hours later, he was The saga came to an end in 5735*, when the Rebbe announced25 that closeted together with the Frierdiker “nishtaneh hamatzav, the situation had changed”; the Jewish people no Rebbe in his yechidus room, discussing longer had practical control over Har Habayis, and therefore the issue was the work of the underground irrelevant. chadarim. After sundown, he broke his The Rebbe sent a copy of the announcement to Rabbi Zevin, and fast at the Frierdiker Rebbe’s table, and added in ksav yad, the Rebbe participated in the meal as .well “בעוה“ר )כולל שמתחיל מביום הז‘ )ממש - מכריזים( אחי הוא...ויעלהו גו‘( נשתנה The next day, before he departed המצב...” “In our great sins (including that fact that from the seventh day (literally— by train, the Frierdiker Rebbe told they announced) he is my brother...and he raised him up etc.) the situation Rabbi Zevin that the “son of the has changed...” Yekatrinoslav Rav” is suggested as With this short line the Rebbe refers to a story in Nevi’im, where King a match for his daughter, and that Achav conquered the King of Aram on the seventh day of war, and yet since the Rebbe was scheduled to be immediately announced, “He is my brother,” and publicly honored him. traveling on the same train, he asks The Rebbe drew a parallel to the conduct of the Israelis, who, immediately that he observe him. following the Six Day War, already seek to honor the enemy and return Upon arriving home, Rabbi Zevin the conquered land (including Har Habayis). wrote to the Frierdiker Rebbe that he wasn’t surprised to discover that

SIVAN 5779 *z 46 A CHASSIDISHER DERHER 5684-1924, 5685-1925, 5728-1968, 5735-1975 the Rebbe was well-versed in every subject in Torah that arose, because he had already heard about his brilliant scholarship. Rabbi Zevin wrote that he was most impressed by the yiras Shamayim he encountered; for example, he noticed that the Rebbe evaded partaking in the food that was sent with them from the Frierdiker Rebbe’s home. There was obviously no question about the kashrus of the meal, but Rabbi Zevin realized that the Rebbe questioned the hiddur of the only vessel available on the train for netilas yadayim. Although it was only a matter of chumra, the Rebbe very subtly avoided having to wash his hands. “When Rabbi Zevin told me this story,” Rabbi Nochum Rabinovitch related, “he added: ‘Do you think that the Frierdiker Rebbe really needed my TEVES 5723, LEVI FREIDIN VIA JEM 229321 TEVES 5723, opinion on the Rebbe? RABBI ZEVIN SPEAKS WITH REB PINYE ALTHAUS, THE LEGENDARY CHABAD ASKAN IN ERETZ YISRAEL.

SIVAN 5779 A CHASSIDISHER DERHER 47 LEVI FREIDIN VIA JEM 229880 RABBI ZEVIN SPEAKS WITH ISRAELI PRESIDENT DURING THE YUD-TES KISLEV FARBRENGEN IN KFAR CHABAD, 5731*.

“‘No. He just wanted me to realize a personal inscription from Rabbi the leading Chabad rabbanim in the who the Rebbe is.’”26 Zevin, to “the Rebbe’s future son-in- city and a member of the board of The connection between Rabbi law, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson.” (appointed by direct Zevin and the Rebbe evidently This relationship came to fore after instructions of the Frierdiker Rebbe), continued even within Russia. Rabbi the Frierdiker Rebbe’s histalkus. he assumed a central role in the efforts Zevin published the only scholarly When the Frierdiker Rebbe was to crown the Rebbe as the new nossi. Torah journal in the Soviet Union’s nistalek on Yud Shevat 5710*, Rabbi “Because Rabbi Zevin had history, called Yagdil Torah, and the Zevin was living in Yerushalayim, previously corresponded with the Rebbe’s library contains the second where he had assumed the editorship Rebbe,” explains Rabbi Tuvia Blau, It bears of Encyclopedia Talmudit. As one of “he knew who the Rebbe was, and he .(תרפ“ח) *issue printed in 5688

SIVAN 5779 *z 48 A CHASSIDISHER DERHER 5731-1970, 5688-1928, 5710-1950 immediately encouraged Chassidim he would really know my true state, he Following an illness, Rabbi Zevin to ask the Rebbe to accept the nesius. surely wouldn’t do so…” passed away on 21 Adar 5738*, at the In general, all the elder Chassidim “Rabbi Zevin’s son predeceased age of 92. “After his passing,” relates in Yerushalayim were previously him by a short time,” relates Rabbi Rabbi Glitzenstien, “his wife came for acquainted with the Rebbe and Glitzenstein. “Rabbi Zevin was already Tishrei to the Rebbe (in 5741*). It was had all corresponded with him old and weak, and the family did an eye opening experience for her, and in matters of Torah learning, and not inform him. Some time later, in yechidus, she began to cry; ‘I’m so therefore immediately dedicated he happened to see a notice in the disappointed that my husband, Rabbi themselves to him. Rabbi Zevin, Reb newspaper about a memorial event Zevin, never merited to be here,’ she Avraham Chaim Na’eh as well as for ‘Rabbi Zevin’s son.’ Realizing told the Rebbe. Reb Shmaryahu Sasonkin —they all what took place, he began weeping “The Rebbe replied, ‘Why do you immediately became mekusharim.” incessantly. He was inconsolable, and say that Rabbi Zevin didn’t merit to The very first edition of Hamodia27 his wife began to fear for his health. be here? He is with us here in this describes a large kinus which took My uncle, Reb Avraham Chanoch room…’” place on Chai Elul 5710*, several Glitzenstein was very close with Rabbi 1. Reprinted in Kfar Chabad Magazine issue months after the histalkus of the Zevin, so she called him and asked 1216 pg. 18. Frierdiker Rebbe: him to come over immediately. 2. Toras Menachem 5744 vol. 2 pg. 766. “Rabbi Sh. Y. Zevin began the “My uncle was also unsuccessful in Translation from Early Years pg. 169. proceedings with over 1000 Chabad calming him, so they decided to call 3. Kfar Chabad Magazine issue 1416 pg. 41. Chassidim in attendance. After a 770. They updated Rabbi Hodakov, 4. 10 Elul 5715. Igros Kodesh vol. 12 pg. 33. number of speeches, the resolutions and a few moments later he returned 5. 5 Cheshvan 5717. Ibid vol. 14 pg. 58. were read aloud, one of them with the Rebbe’s instructions. The 6. 26 Cheshvan 5717. Ibid vol. 14 pg. 116. announcing that Rabbi M. Schneerson Rebbe said to tell Rabbi Zevin as 7. 10 Elul 5715. Ibid vol. 12 pg. 33. was appointed as the nossi of Chabad.” follows: The Rebbe’s zeide, Harav 8. 8 Iyar 5717. Ibid vol. 13 pg. 40. Meir Shlomo Yanovsky, lost a son at He Is Here In The Room 9. Kfar Chabad Magazine issue 1416. a young age, and he also took it very 10. 15 Kislev 5729. Igros Kodesh vol. 26 pg. 46. Once, Rabbi Zevin received a letter hard. The Rebbe Rashab sent him a 11. 10 Tammuz 5719. Igros Kodesh vol. 18, p. where he was addressed, ‘Moreinu letter (which, the Rebbe pointed out, 444. verabeinu hagaon hachossid sar hatorah.’ had just recently been published in 12. 14 Cheshvan 5725. Igros Kodesh vol. 23 pg. On Shabbos, during the farbrengen, Toldos Levi Yitzchak28) and that letter 284 13. 10 Av 5716. Ibid vol. 13 pg. 362. Rabbi Zevin began to cry. “Please brought him consolation. 14. 11 Tammuz 5740. Hamahapecha Shel don’t see this as a personal affront,” “The Rebbe asked that my uncle Doreinu pg 17. he said to the group that had sent the read the letter to Rabbi Zevin. 15. 14 Adar I 5714. Igros Kodesh vol. 8 pg. 224. letter, “but let me tell you what is on “My uncle gave over the Rebbe’s my heart. My entire life, I’ve strived to 16. 25 Teves 5718. Ibid vol. 16 pg. 238. message and read the letter to him, 17. Sanhedrin 15a. follow the way of Chassidus, as taught and Rabbi Zevin calmed down.” by the Rebbeim; woe is to me that I’ve 18. Pg. 329. In the period before his passing, 19. Kfar Chabad Magazine issue 1416. come to a state where I am addressed the Rebbe paid a very close interest to 20. Likkutei HaShas L’haArizal, end of with a vilder titul, a wild title that is Rabbi Zevin’s health. Once, a call came Brachos. appropriate only for those who don’t from Rabbi Hodakov asking if there 21. Shabbos 10:2 follow the ways of Chassidus…” had been any improvement in his 22. 3 Tishrei 5108, Igros Kodesh vol. 2 pg. 241. “In his old age,” related Rabbi situation. The person receiving the call 8 Cheshvan 5708, Ibid pg. 260 Shmuel Elazar Halperin, “Rabbi Zevin answered that there had been none. 23. Beis Moshiach issue 134 pg. 33. mentioned to me that the Rebbe sends An hour later, Rabbi Hodakov 24. Pg. 347. him matzah every year before Pesach. called back. “The Rebbe wants to 25. 13 Iyar 5735. Igros Kodesh vol. 30, pg. 200. I commented, ‘Der Rebbe hot aich in know if you are sure there was no 26. Kfar Chabad Magazine issue 1416 pg. 41. zinen—the Rebbe always has you in improvement...” 27. 19 Elul 5710. Yimei Melech vol. 3 pg. 1178 m i nd.’ As it turned out, Rabbi Zevin had 28. Volume 1 pg. 60. “True, the Rebbe always has me in at that moment actually returned to mind,’ Rabbi Zevin responded, ‘But if full consciousness. •

SIVAN 5779 5710-1950, 5738-1978, 5741-1981 A CHASSIDISHER DERHER 49