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CROWN HEIGHTS CROWN 1 ~January 11, 2008 2008 11, ~January 2 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 11, 2008 The Vaad Hakohol

sidered as if he killed with his own hands. Rabbi Yitzchak From this we understand that killing Rabbi Segal on buying Israeli with Hashem’s name is not considered Raitport “death from heaven”? produce Member of the Bais Din of Crown By Rabbi Shlomo Segal as the Rambam states in the Laws of 3) The question becomes more difficult Heights Shmita and Yovel 6:5. Instead, one with the Rambam contradicting himself Member of the Bais Din of Crown should purchase them on credit or buy from what he writes in laws of Chovel and “He turned here and there, and (when) Heights them with other fruits that do not have Mazik 5:3: “A non-Jew who hit a Jewish he saw there was no person there, he hit the sanctity of Shmita, paying a sum total person is punished with death as it says, the Mitzri (Egyptian) and hid him in Question: Do for the non-Shmita fruits that takes into “He turned here and there . . . and he hit the sand”(Shmos 2:12). Rashi explains people who are account the total value of all the fruits the Mitzri.” From the Rambam’s words the words, ‘He saw there is no person’ living outside of (Havla). “he is punished with death”, omitting to mean that not one of the Egyptian’s Israel, where the the words “but he is not killed” [as he Also a person needs to treat and preserve descendants will convert to Judaism. Mitzva of Shve’is is writes in the above quote from Hilchos all the fruits with sanctity: “Something not applicable, need Melochim], seems that the Rambam has that is usually eaten cooked is not eaten The GRi”Z of Brisk asks: “If the Egyptian to be careful when the opinion [here] that he does receive raw, and something that is eaten raw is was to receive a death punishment, why purchasing fruits the death punishment. not eaten cooked” (Laws of Shmita and is there a need to verify whether any of and vegetables this Yovel 5:3). The leftover food that is still his descendants will convert?” Therefore, it seems we must answer year, a Shmita (Sab- edible needs to be preserved until it GRi”Z question in a different way: batical) year? perishes on its own and not thrown in The GRi”Z of Brisk explains with this TheR ambam’s words (in laws of Chovel the garbage. introduction: “Rashi explains on the Answer: There are many stores which and Mazik 5:3) relate to laws of the verse (2:14), ‘Do you want to kill me as sell fruits and vegetables that are shipped There are additional laws relating to Jewish nation and every Jew is obligated you have killed the Egyptian’-- from this from Israel. A person needs to be careful disposing the fruits. Shmita fruits can to conduct himself in accordance with we derive that Moshe killed the Egyptian not to buy these fruits this year or next only be eaten as long as fruits remain these laws. When a non-Jew hits a Jewish with Hashem’s name.” year. in the field. After this time period, the person, he surely is to be punished with fruits need to be disposed of. The question arises: Why? death, and it is permitted for every Jew Many people who have purchased fruits to kill the goy. This is also the reason that This could be answered with what the with a stamp “Jaffo” or “Carmel” have In summation: A person needs to be care- Moshe killed the Egyptian. Rambam writes (Laws of Melochim already turned to the Badatz inquiring ful to not buy raw fruits and vegetables 10:6): “A Non Jew who killed a Jew, even what they need to do. [Although it is in that are shipped from Israel this year and With this explanation, all the different if it was a child, although the non-Jew the beginning of the Shmita year, and next year. Regarding preserved fruits, commentaries which address how he is to be punished with death, he is not it is most probable that these fruits are fruit juices in cans, etc., a person needs killed the Egyptian, either with a fist or killed”. This means that he is to receive from the previous year’s harvest, which to be cautious every year (not just this with Hashem’s name, could be applied. death from heaven. This is also the mean- does not have a Shmita issue.] year or next year) and use only fruits The Egyptian was to be punished with ing of “Moshe killed him (the Egyptian) and vegetables and products that were in death for his criminal act. with Hashem’s name”. But the fruits that will be purchased in sealed cans or bottles with an appropri- the future, both this year and next year, ate hechsher from that are very But the Rambam in (Laws of Melochim With this, it is clearly understood. Since need to have proper kosher supervision particular to only use fruits from the 10:6) writes, “He is not actually killed.” his death is from heaven, and in the death and a good hechsher from a reputable sixth year and not Shmita fruits. The reason for this is that the laws in this punishment from heaven, there is a Bais Din. Examples of reputable Bais chapter relate to the non-Jews. When a consideration for calculations. Therefore Dins include “Rabbi Landa”, “Badatz It is also the responsibility of the fruit non-Jew sees another non-Jew killing a Moshe needed to see if there will or will of Eda Hachareidis- Jerusalem”, “Chug and vegetable dealers not to sell these Jewish person, the non-Jew does not kill not be descendants who will convert to Chasam Sofer”, and “Rabbi Rubin”, all fruits because the main prohibition the killer. The reason for this is because Judaism” (quoted from the GRI”Z of of whom are very particular about the applies to the seller; therefore, all fruits a non-Jew is not obligated to kill his Brisk). Shmita laws and have advised to buy only coming from Israel need to have reliable friend unless he was sentenced in a court. fruits that are from the sixth year or from supervision—one should not rely only But all this applies only to non-Jews, as But to me it is still unclear: non-Jews. Otherwise, a person should on the general Rabbinate of Israel. mentioned. avoid buying fruits from Israel. 1) There is an opinion (ShmosR aba 2:12) “He (Moshe) went out on the second ❝In summation: A person that he killed him by hitting him with Regarding vegetables, there is a greater day and he saw two people arguing and his fist and not with Hashem’s name; stringency--the prohibition of “sfichim”. needs to be careful to he said to the wicked person: ‘Wicked therefore, the above mentioned question All vegetables that grow (“sprout”) on person why are you hitting your friend’”? not buy raw fruits and remains? their own or that are planted in the (shmos 2:13) Shmita year are forbidden to be eaten, vegetables that are shipped 2) It is quoted in the Talmud that when as the Rambam cites (Laws of Shmita Rashi, referring to the word “friend”, from Israel this year and one kills with Hashem’s name, it is con- and Yovel 4:3): “But the vegetables that explains “Rosho (wicked) like you” (that next year. Regarding most people plant....are forbidden from your friend is as wicked as you). our Sages, and one that collects them preserved fruits, fruit juices Newspaper receives a Rabbinic punishment.” Community The question arises: Our sages derive in cans, etc., a person 290 Kingston Avenue, from this verse that a person who raises Also, although fruits from a tree are needs to be cautious every Brooklyn, NY 11225 his hand to a friend is considered a rosho. 718 771 9000 permitted to be eaten (see Rambam, year (not just this year or How do we derive this point from the Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol ibid), a person does need to uphold the verse if the person that he raised his hand next year) and use only of Crown Heights. sanctity of Shve’is with these fruits. to is also a wicked person? , Chairman fruits and vegetables and Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Vice Chairman The sanctity of Shve’is includes many Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary We could answer that although Moshe products that were in details: 1) It is forbidden to export fruits Leyout: SimplyUnique knew that the person raised his hand sealed cans or bottles with from Israel; 2) It is also forbidden to give All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It is the only to hit someone who is wicked, it is them to a non-Jew (Laws of Shmita and an appropriate hechsher exculive property of this newspaper, unless otherwise not a just reason for the raising the hand. attributed., and cannot be reproduced without the consent Yovel 5:13); 3) It is also forbidden to sell This is because his verdict was not yet from Rabbis that are very of the publisher. them in an ordinary way, as it is stated finalized in the Jewish court where he Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not be (Vayikro 25:6): “It shall be a Sabbatical particular to only use fruits is considered a wicked person. He does liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond the cost for the land for you to eat.” Our sages from the sixth year and not of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser assumes not have the status of a “wicked” until elaborated on this: “To eat, but not for responsibility for errors in telephone orders. All adver- two witnesses testify that he did the act Shmita fruits.❞ tisement designed and prepared by the CHCommunity the purposes of business.” Therefore, a of a wicked person. Newspaper are the property of the newspaper and cannot person should not buy these fruits and be reproduced without the consent of the publisher vegetables in bulk weight or quantities January 11, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 3 From Shedlitz to Safety

Other girls from deeply religious homes A Young Jew’s Story of Survival attended this Lag B’Omer outing, but father would not be swayed. I was too young to understand whether his opposi- tion stemmed from ideological differ- By Rabbi Shimon Goldman boasted many charitable organizations. each family could afford. The tax was ences with the movement, or if he feared Active free-loan societies helped strug- levied on every Jewish family, arranged Exerpted from the book with that such an event would undoubtedly gling merchants and laymen secure inter- according to individual ability. Part of the author’s permission compromise on the Torah’s standards est free loans. Guests arriving in Shedlitz the tax revenue also came from the two of modesty. Whatever the reason, he Continued from last week could use the hekdesh shtibl, a large shul slaughterhouses operating in Shedlitz — absolutely forbade Chana to attend the that provided room and board for those one for fowl, the second for cattle. Lag B’Omer excursion. Shedlitz with nowhere to stay. Other institutions included the Bikur Cholim — helping Naturally, Shedlitz had its own rav, who And then the unthinkable happened. On I was born in Shedlitz (Siedlce), a sizeable and supporting the sick; the Hachnosas controlled the religious organizations Lag B’Omer morning, father stayed home town situated near Warsaw. In pre-war Kallah — which assisted young brides; and led the community. Shedlitz also instead of going to the shtibl to pray. This days, Shedlitz was home to a respectable and the Burial Society. had its very own Jewish cemetery, a was an act of supreme self-sacrifice for Jewish population, and was considered convenience smaller towns did not have. my father, a person who never missed a an important Jewish city. An estimated The Jewish community also maintained Similarly, we had a city bathhouse and minyan. His concern for our education 15,000 Jews lived in Shedlitz, mostly a charitable institution equipped with a mikva. prevailed over his desire to attend the religious Jews and Chassidim from vari- expert doctors and all the medicines shtibl, and he davened at home, thus ous courts. Though many were Gerrer available in those days. “Linas Hatzedek” With time, various youth organizations ensuring that Chana did not sneak out Chassidim, some followers of Radzin and assisted the sick and elderly with medi- began operating in Shedlitz, vying and attend the outdoor trip. Skernovitz also lived in Shedlitz. Even cal equipment. the irreligious Jews living in Shedlitz Bloodletting Many years later, Chana again met with — a minority by far — were influenced cups (bannkes) this steadfast adherence to Torah. As I by the traditions of the greater Jewish were commonly mentioned before, the financial situation community. used to treat a in our home was a sorry one. We barely vast array of ail- had money for basic necessities. Real- The Landmark Clocktower of Shedlitz ments, including izing this, Chana decided to go out and (Siedlce) pneumonia. After work, hoping to bring some money into heating these spe- the house and improve our living condi- As in all large Jewish communities of cial cups, the hos- tions. She was a kind-hearted soul, and Poland, Shedlitz was graced by a plethora pital staff applied it really bothered her to see how terribly of synagogues and smaller shtiblach, the bannkes to we suffered from poverty. study halls and children’s schools, chari- the patient’s bare table institutions and religious organiza- back, ostensibly Here again, my father would not agree. tions. Prominent cantors appeared in the “sucking out” the In those days, it was considered immod- main synagogue, singing the Shabbos infection. Though est for a religious girl to work out of the prayers for the enjoyment of hundreds these medicinal home, and my father refused to even of worshippers. A smaller beis medrash practices and entertain the idea. True, our living in the adjacent courtyard was used procedures pale conditions were hard and a few extra during the weekdays, where minyanim in comparison coins would have gone a long way but, as continued throughout the day. Assorted to what we have a true Gerrer Chassid, my father would study groups also met in the smaller shul, today, the hospi- not trade Torah values for physical providing Torah classes on every level. tal gave the com- with each other to get the attention of comforts. There were those who studied Shas, those munity access to medical equipment idealistic Jewish teenagers. My father who learned Mishnayos, and those who they could not afford at home, such was generally wary of these institutions. Aside from the religious organizations, learned Ein Yakov. as bannkes, thermometers, and other Though some were guided by purely reli- many clubs and sporting societies also simple devices. gious ideals, my father felt their activities operated in Shedlitz. Jewish youth Aside from the main shul, many smaller were not conducted in the true spirit of groups organized various matches and shtiblach could be found in every Jewish Shedlitz also cared for the downtrodden. Torah. Soon something occurred that contests, often playing against gentile neighborhood. The followers of Gur had The Moshav Zekainim was a modest old demonstrated to me how deeply father teams. This was not always a healthy three shtiblach of their own; Chassidim age home that paid special attention to felt about our education. arrangement: whenever the Jewish team of Radzin and Skernovitz each had a small number of seniors. These elderly won, the gentile players pounced on the a shtibl. People valued the time they residents had no family members to care Jewish children in pre-war Europe Jewish athletes, thrashing and beating spent learning Torah, and the sounds for them, and would have surely died if them for daring to win! of study and prayer resonated through not for this noble institution. Similarly, (note the yellow stars on their chests) the shtiblach during all hours of the day. the Jewish community funded the In all, Shedlitz was a pulsating Jewish (Over Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, Orphan’s Home, a special dormitory Among the different groups that orga- community, a city alive with the sanctity my father served as the baal tefilah in the for children who did not have parents nized activities for the children of of Torah and good deeds. During the war, Gerrer shtibl. His sincerity and feeling or other relatives to provide for them. Shedlitz was an organization called Hitler’s maniacal followers managed to moved every soul, particularly when he The poor received weekly food pack- Mizrachi. One of the major events they massacre the larger Jewish community cried out, “Hamelech!”) ages, and a special Mo’os Chittim fund sponsored was the annual Lag B’Omer of Shedlitz, obliterating a city of intense helped needy families with the additional outing, when Jewish boys and girls spiritual beauty. The children of Shedlitz benefited expenses of preparing for Pesach. gathered outside the city to sing, dance, from an organized network of schools. To be Continued and watch a play. My older sister Chana Wealthier parents formed chadorim, The Jewish community alone financed all was then studying in the Agudas Yisrael smaller schools for young children, and these institutions. A council of delegates school. One day, she returned home paid talented teachers to instruct their headed the community and were respon- determined to join the upcoming Lag children. The central Talmud Torah sible for the general administration and B’Omer event. was run by the Jewish community and management of this impressive network. provided religious education for children A yearly tax helped raise the tremendous Father was adamantly opposed to the of poorer families who could not afford amount of money needed to keep all idea. “No child of mine will attend such to hire private tutors. these organizations running. Fully an excursion,” he thundered. Chana empowered by the Polish government, begged and pleaded, but nothing could Town of Shedlitz (Siedlce) this special team of elected delegates change my father’s mind. Even when pored over a list of Jewish families living Chana started crying, my father refused As in all other Jewish cities, Shedlitz in Shedlitz, estimating how much tax to hear anything further about the idea. 4 CROWN HEIGHTS ~January 11, 2008

Our Heroes

In winter of 1923, the students in Poltava spread out among different places. Reb enabling you to set a time for learning Rabbi Uziel felt that the secret police were tracking Uziel continued wandering with the aim and avoda, and to bring up your children them, and they became more careful and of increasing his learning. for Torah, chupa and maasim Tovim.” Chazanov cautious. They stopped writing letters to their parents. Still, the ring around them One of his stops was the in Ros- For a period of time Reb Mendel Futerfas (1902-1999) was getting tighter, and in the days before tov where the Previous Rebbe was. But was hiding in Reb Uziel’s house where a Pesach, it almost came to an end. there too, Reb Uziel did not stay long. In separate room was set up for him. This In Honor of his Yahrzeit – late 1924, after the PreviousR ebbe had was considered a risk for Reb Uziel the 19th of Teves left the city, the Yeshiva left and moved himself, as well as for Reb Mendel. One day, the KGB people came with their to Kharkov. Two separate groups from By Rabbi Michoel Seligson commander, the wicked Teitel, to search amongst the students were sent to study The tracking ofR eb Uziel by government the shul. They checked all the corners of the shechita profession. Reb Uziel joined authorities became more intense, and Rabbi Uziel Chazanov was born in the the yeshiva and to their delight found the group that studied in Vraniza where the fear was great. There were times that city of Novi-Bichov, Russia, on the first shmura Matzo that had been baked for he completed his studies in the summer Reb Uziel would hide for months in his day Pesach 1902, four days after the the students. They did not confiscate the 1924. basement until the danger would pass. Rebbe’s birth. As a child, he studied in Matzo. A short time later they published At that time, his wife Hinda would sell the cheder there. When Reb Uziel was 14 a notice in all the local newspapers about On the 7th night of Chanuka 1928, oils (for the head) in order to support the years old, he asked his parents, who were the search in the shul, making a strong Reb Uziel married the daughter of the family. “There were times that our father, not Chabad Chassidim, if he could study point about finding the Matzo shmura. famous Chossid, Reb Meir Simcha Chein after coming out of his hiding place in the in the Yeshiva in Lubavitch. His request basement, would have to go down again was met with some disagreement, but his A a while later to hide from the KGB”, says mother felt that she should allow him Mrs. Kalmanson. to go because he would eventually see on his own that it was not his lifestyle. At that time, Reb Uziel changed his name When he received his parent’s consent, to blur his identity. He changed his fam- Uziel registered as a student in the ily name from “Smith” to “Chazanov”. Yeshiva of Lubavitch. The Rebbe RaShaB had already left the When his oldest daughter reached school city of Lubavitch for Rostov, so Uziel age, he did not send her to public school did not get to see the Rebbe RaShaB. in order that she should not absorb the This was in the midst of World War I, communists’ non-belief in Hashem. and despite the wartime difficulties, the When he finally had to, he sent his young Reb Uziel was engrossed in his daughter to the school, but he worked studies, learning nigleh and Chassidus. with all his efforts that she should not His focus on studies and his ability to attend school on Shabbos. remain undistracted was profound. Throughout the difficult years Rin ussia, Absorbing the special atmosphere of Reb Uziel maintained the Jewish Chas- Tomchei Tmimim, Reb Uziel continued sidic lifestyle with great self-sacrifice.I n to study at the yeshiva for a year. One of those years, growing a beard was consid- his good friends at that time was Rabbi ered a crime for which the criminal could Moshe Leib Rotshtein, who later became be sent to Siberia. But Reb Uziel made the secretary of the Previous Rebbe and strong efforts not to cut his beard.W hen the Rebbe, respectively. it was became clear that there was no way to avoid the decree, Reb Uziel obtained In 1917, R. Uziel began wandering from a certificate that testified that he was an one underground yeshiva to another. At artist. Reb Uziel did this knowing that that time, the communist government artists were considered strange people worked to eliminate all the Lubavitch by government officials and were thus Yeshivos. The deans of the Yeshivos permitted to wear beards. The scheme and Mashpi’im were arrested, and the worked but Reb Uziel had to study art students were ordered to leave the cities to prove that it was not an act. in which they studied. TheT mimim did not submit to the pressure; instead, they Schemes such as these did not always wandered from city to city and built up help Reb Uziel. At that time, there new branches of the yeshiva. At times, difficult investigation began.R eb Uziel, of Neville. After their marriage, Reb were many informers amongst the they would break up into smaller groups who was to become 21 in a few days, was Uziel received a directive to become a Jewish people. More than once, a Jew in order not to be caught by the KGB. also interrogated. He and his brother shochet in the city of Lubavitch. There, with a long beard was discovered to be remained steadfast. They had already two daughters were born to Reb Uziel an informer. Amongst the informer’s From 1917 until the end of 1924, Reb prepared a story as to why they were in and his wife, Rivka (Rubashkin) and victims was Reb Uziel whose house was Uziel wandered in these Yeshivos. Dur- this place. “We are learning here. Our Batya (Kalmanson). Reb Uziel lived in searched numerous times by the secret ing the course of these years, Reb Uziel parents sent us food and money, and that Lubavitch until the difficult times forced police. He realized that the secret police studied in Krementshug, Rostov, Poltava, is how we manage to eat and buy cloth- him to leave. He then moved his family investigations would become harsher and Vraniza among others. For a period ing. We have no deans or teachers, and to the city of Stri-Russia where he made and more intense. Reb Uziel and his of time, he studied in the Poltava yeshiva no one asked us to come.” The students a living as a sugar merchant. Rabbi Uziel family needed to escape. They began in the Ukraine under the supervision knew that an extra or inappropriate was active as a shochet until the Rus- wandering from city to city. In the end, of Rabbi Shmuel Leib Levin who was word could hurt them and their Roshei sian government began harassing him. during one of these surprise searches, a student of the famous Chassid Reb yeshivos, G-d forbid. He then moved to the city of Yegrovsk Reb Uziel’s house burnt down. He and Yechezkel Feigin. close to Moscow where he found many his family escaped to the city of Guritz When it was time for R’ Uziel to be At the end of the search, the police Chassidic families. where they were the only Jewish family drafted into theR ussian army, he wrote announced that anyone under eighteen residing there. to the Rebbe RaShaB requesting a bless- years of age would not be permitted to In the winter 1936, the previous Rebbe ing. The Rebbe advised him to change study Torah and therefore needed to wrote to Reb Uziel: “Mazal Tov for The secret police became harsher in his age on his birth certificate.H e made leave the city within three days. The changing your dwelling place, and their searches, tracking religious Jews himself 15 years older so that he was students understood that they would Hashem should grant that it should be in general, and Lubavitch Chassidim in ineligible to be drafted.A t eighteen years eventually need to leave. By the end for a physical and spiritual success; And particular. There were Jews who could of age, R’ Uziel received his Rabbinic of Nissan, they had all left the city and Hashem should prepare parnossa for you not withstand the pressure and became ordination. in a broad sense, and in a peaceful way informers. Their leader was an individual January 11, 2008 ~ crOWN heights 5

called “Itche”. He would come to differ- Reb Uziel had a lot of money with In later years, Reb Uziel asked the Rebbe a day prior to his petira he studied in ent cities and towns where there were him from selling his house and from permission to retire, but the Rebbe just the Colel.” Chabad communities. Because he was Samarkand. When he was asked to give stared at him for a few moments without dressed as a Chossid, he would get close up all his money, Reb Uziel did so. His a making a comment. On another occa- In the morning of the 19th of Teves, Reb to them and amass information about children recall that in the course of their sion, Reb Uziel again made his request Uziel suddenly did not feel well and was them. The secret police would then arrest trip through Poland and Austria, they to retire. This time the Rebbe clearly rushed to the hospital. After a few hours, tens of Chassidim, many of whom were were not able to even buy bread because told him to continue. On yet another he returned his soul to the creator at a killed or sent to labor camps in distant of the lack of funds. occasion, when Reb Uziel approached ripe old age. His levaya took place on Siberia. the Rebbe, the Rebbe responded: “I am Friday. In late 1947, Reb Uziel and his family older than you--you may listen to me.” “On one occasion, Reb Uziel was almost arrived in Paris where he served as a The stubborn soldier who stood brazen caught by Itche the Moser (informer)”, shochet. The living conditions in the Reb Uziel merited many privileges from and trustworthy also in the difficult and tells his daughter Batya. “I was a young refugee camp in France were difficult. the Rebbe. On the occasion of a family terrifying days, passed on his guard… child, when one day he approached me in Reb Uziel’s daughter, Mrs. Rochel simcha, when he entered the Rebbe’s the street near our house and asked me Dagan, recalls: “It is difficult to describe room for Yechidus, the Rebbe stated that He left a son, Reb Meir Simcha, four where my parents live? Before I could the conditions in this camp. Forty women Reb Uziel needed to be joyous. When daughters, grandchildren and great- answer, my uncle who was standing took turns cooking in one kitchen.” Reb Uziel made a comment, the Rebbe grandchildren. They and their families across the street screamed to me saying, are amongst the distinguished Anash ‘Don’t answer him. Distance yourself in Chabad communities worldwide. All from him.’ I didn’t understand what he follow the path of their ancestors--the wanted from me, but my uncle wouldn’t path of hiskashrus to the Rebbe, Avodas stop, and he screamed, ‘Your mother is Hashem permeated with the teachings calling you. Run home.’ I ran home while of Chassidus, and loving fellows Jews in the informer followed me.” a very sincere way. “After a few days, the secret police arrived To sum up some of Reb Uziel’s to arrest my father, but they made a qualities: mistake and arrived at a non-Jew’s apart- ment. To our joy, the non-Jew did not Many qualities were attributed to Reb give them our location. In addition, after Uziel, but because he was a true and mod- the police left, he notified my father that est Chossid, not too many people were they were searching for him. My father aware of his qualities. “He was a lamdan already understood and immediately left (Torah Scholar), quiet and emotional with his family to a banished city called person”, the family describes him. Krukul. In that city too, the Chazanovs were the only Jewish family.” Lamdan -- Reb Uziel was a great Lamdan. He had both qualities of a Lamdan, very In 1941, WWII reached Russia. Reb Uziel studious, and of one who utilizes every left with his family for Samarkand. Many moment. His family members testify Lubavitch families lived there, side by that he was always with a sefer in his side. Reb Uziel rejoiced in this environ- hand and was constantly learning. An ment, making many in his additional quality that he had was that he house. To earn a living, Reb Uziel worked was blessed with a phenomenal memory. as a scribe of Sifrei Torahs, Tefillin, and It was told that when he read something Mezuzahs. He also worked as a shochet once, he remembered it all his life. from which he made a livelihood because the smaller towns needed someone to Baal Regesh [Emotional] -- His son, Reb shecht for them. The Ashkenazim and Meir Simcha, recalls that his father was the local Bucharim would refer to him an outstanding Baal Regesh. “When he as “Chacham (scholar) Uziel” would Farbreng, on many occasions he would break down and cry. Every time At the end of the war in 1946, many of he received an aliya to the Torah, tears Anash tried to leave Russia. Reb Uziel would be streaming from his eyes. He did not rush to leave. He was earning a had a unique Chassidic regesh.” living and was comfortable. Months later, In 1953, Reb Uziel and his family moved said, “Do not resist me.” Reb Uziel decided to leave and returned to New York and settled in Crown Shaskan- Reb Uziel was an outstandingly to Guritz and sold his house. Now that Heights. At one point, the Rebbe advised Reb quiet person. He spoke very little. There Reb Uziel had cash, he began making his Uziel to continue working for the benefit is no need to elaborate how he distanced plans to leave Russia. When Reb Uziel arrived in New York of his health. When Reb Uziel became himself from loshon hora (gossip). He he immediately began working and seventy-five-years old, the shechita plant trained his children not to speak evil The place from which people leftR ussia publicizing the need for a Lubavitch closed, and he then retired. about any person, whoever it should be. at that time was the city of Lemberg. shechita plant. In the meantime, Reb “Every Chossid has his qualities and for Attaining immigration papers was not Uziel began working in another plant As mentioned, Reb Uziel was a few my father it was a clean mouth,” recalls easy, but Reb Uziel was successful in out of town. After ten days he left that days younger than the Rebbe, and the his daughter Mrs. Dagan. obtaining the necessary documents, and plant, unsatisfied with the standards Rebbe alluded to this fact on different he and his family left for Lemberg. of Kashrus which also included harsh occasions. In the course of the years, Reb Yehi Zichro Boruch! We should merit transgressions and issurim. For a year, Uziel would receive a phone call from the seeing when, “The ones who dwell in the At that time, the elder Chassidim had Reb Uziel wandered without parnossa. Rebbe’s secretariat in the days between dust will awaken and rejoice”, and Rabbi established a rule. Anyone who was suc- Although he did not have a livelihood, 11th and 15th of Nissan informing him Uziel Chazanov amongst them. cessful in leaving Russia with his family Reb Uziel was an Ish Emes, a genuine that he was invited to come to the Rebbe’s was obligated to leave all his money and true person, and would not settle for room for Yechidus. behind to enable the remaining Jews to anything less then the authentic Halacha. Adapted from the and Beis obtain documents. This was done with The year 1954 marked the opening of the Reb Uziel merited a long life. Until his Moshiach magazines the understanding that anyone leaving first Lubavitch Shechita plant in New last day at the age of 97, he had a clear Russia would not have any difficulty York. Reb Uziel was appointed to serve mind. “He continued to tell Chassidic earning money equal to the amount they as the shochet together with Reb Yisroel stories, as was his custom in the past. He had left behind. Shimon Kalmanson, he should live for continued attending the Colel Tiferes many years.