• | Print |
•  Email

Shabbat in the City of Giants
By Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider

The great-granddaughter of the first Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, lives in Chevron. Her name is Rebbtezin Tzippy Schlissel. She is a woman of remarkable courage and strength.

This past Shabbat she shared the personal story of her experience of what life has been like on a daily basis living in a neighborhood that has suffered countless terrorist attacks in the last few weeks.

As she closed her talk she shared the following memory about her saintly great- grandfather:

In 1929 there was a savage terrorist attack on the Jewish community in Chevron. Arabs entered homes and the yeshiva in Chevron and killed 67 people. The aftermath of the massacre left Chevron virtually barren of Jews for the first time in hundreds of years.       

Six months later, Rav Kook was invited to attend a memorial for the victims of that attack.  When Rav Kook got up to speak he said, “I cannot understand why this gathering has been called an ‘azkara”, a memorial for the victims. The word ‘memorial’ suggests that we have somehow forgotten. Not for a moment have we forgotten! It is only six months later. Not a day has gone by that we do not have these holy souls in our thoughts and in our prayers.”

Rav Kook then continued and said, “But the word ‘azkara’ is appropriate to use in another sense. It is a ‘reminder’, a call, to each of us.  We need to be strong. We need to be courageous in our resolve - to go back, rebuild and reestablish our home in Chevron.”

The great-granddaughter of Rav Kook decided to move to Chevron after a terrorist murdered her father in his home in Chevron. She said that whenever there is an attack on a Jew in Chevron, and unfortunately there have been many, she hears the words of her beloved great –grandfather: “ Have faith, be courageous, and continue to build the holy city of Chevron.”

An Attack On Shabbat

This past Friday night many of us made our way for Shabbat prayers to the Ma’arat Hamachpelah (The Cave of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs). As we got closer to the steps that lead toward the area where the prayer service is held, I saw soldiers running quickly. Other soldiers were calling out: “Quickly move inside the building.” Hundreds of people were being directed into the Ma’arah. Word began to spread that there was sniper fire in the area of the Ma’arah. Two young men had been hit. We prayed Friday night in a packed Ma’arah and we were not permitted to leave until the army opened the doors, letting us know that it was safe to walk outside again.

This year’s Shabbat Chayei Sarah may have been the smallest in number of attendees – it is understandable. However, those who were there experienced a spirit, a palpable ‘ruach’ that lifted our hearts. There was a feeling in the air of great Jewish pride, Maccabee-like courage; asserting our right, our deep desire, and our indefatigable will to live peacefully in our Land.

A Vignette

On Friday night as thousands of people walked to their Friday night meal from the Ma’arat Hamachpelah, we made our way through the streets wishing the many soldiers who lined the streets ‘Shabbat Shalom.’ There was a young man in front of me that had a bag of candy and he was giving it out to soldiers and wishing them Shabbat Shalom. He walked up to one soldier and offered him a candy.

The soldier answered him, ‘Thank you so much, it is so kind of you, but I can’t eat it yet, I have not made Kiddush for Shabbat.” 

It is safe to say that the soldier would not be making Kiddush and eating his Friday night dinner until many hours later…the holy soldiers of Israel!

You Are A Blessing

We are blessed as a nation to have people of such inner strength, fortitude, and deep, deep faith in Hashem. Those who spent this past Shabbat in Chevron saw with their own eyes living heroes of our nation – soldiers, residents; the men, women and children that live each day in our holy city of Chevron.

We pray that Hashem protect you, watch over you, and bring each of you peace and blessing.  We will continue to hear the inspiring and unforgettable words of the saintly Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook and his valiant great-granddaughter: ‘Have courage, return, rebuild!”

.

• < Prev
• Next >