The first city* in the Midwest that the Previous Rebbe went to was Chicago, Illinois, where he spent ten weeks. He was there from Sunday, the 11th of Shevat (Feb 10, 1930) until Sunday the 29th of Nissan (April 27). At that time, outside of New York, Chicago, had the largest community of Lubavitcher Chassidim in America.
The Rebbe left New York by train on motzei Shabbat and arrived in Chicago at 3:30 in the afternoon. He was accompanied by his son-in-law, the Rashag (Rabbi Gurary), his uncle Reb Moshe HaKohen Horenstein, Rabbi Havlin, and his two secretaries Reb Chatsha Feigin Hy”d and Reb Chaim Liberman.
The visit was arranged and coordinated by Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu Elkin (a rabbi in Chicago). Thousands of Jews came to greet the Rebbe at the station. The police managed to make a path for the Rebbe to exit the train and greet the crowd.
Many of those who came to greet the Rebbe were Lubavitch Chassidim. In the Chicago newspaper, the Courier, the reporter wrote that he overheard an elderly Chasid in his eighties telling his sons and grandson that he remembers the radiant countenance of the Rebbe’s grandfather, the Rebbe Maharash, as well of the Rebbe’s father, the Rebbe Rashab, and now, thank G-d, he is meriting to see the Rebbe. He then broke out in a dance with the vigor of a young man. When the Rebbe emerged from the train, the Chasid loudly pronounced the blessing of She’hechiyanu for all to hear, as is customary.
Most of the Jews that came to greet the Rebbe were not his Chassidim, yet these people from all walks of life came to greet and honor the Jewish leader who stood up for Judaism against the Communist regime.
Once the police managed to get the Rebbe to the automobile that would drive him to the residence where he would be staying, people jumped into their own cars and a parade of hundreds of cars led by police on motorcycles escorted the Rebbe. All along the way groups of Jews were standing by the road hoping that they will merit seeing and greeting the Rebbe.
When the motorcade arrived at the residence, there were a few thousand additional Jews waiting for him. The crowd was so large that some of the rabbis and prominent individuals who were invited to greet the Rebbe couldn’t make their way through and had to greet the Rebbe later during his ten-week visit. The Rebbe addressed them saying that the warm reception is not in his honor, but in honor of all the Jewish people he is representing.
Before entering the house, the Rebbe asked his host, Mr. Moshe Gilman if he can enter.
Mr. Gilman humbly responded, at this moment, the house is the Rebbe’s and the Chassidim, it is not mine. The question is if I can enter, he said smiling.
Almost every day the Rebbe received Jews who came to speak with him in yechidut (private audience) and he participated and spoke at many communal gatherings.
At one point a group of teenage boys came to see who was this rabbi they heard so much about. The Rebbe took special care of the boys and lovingly answered their questions. This made a tremendous impression on these young men and each one left empowered to learn more and live in accordance with Jewish tradition.
One of the people with whom the Rebbe met (on the 17th of Adar), was Congressman Adolph Sabath, to thank him for interceding with the Communist authorities and pressuring them to release eleven of the innocent rabbis they arrested in Minsk. If not for your timely intervention the outcome could have been very different, the Rebbe told him. They also discussed the plight of three that were not freed and what can be done to help them and all the Jews in Russia.
On Sunday, the 2nd of Adar, (three weeks after the Rebbe arrived), there was an official reception in the large Anshei Keneset Israel synagogue. Four thousand people managed to get in and many more remained outside. There the Rebbe stated, that while you all want to hear how your brothers and sisters in Russia are faring, they really want to hear that their plight motivated you to help them financially (and not merely with a sigh).
As in every city he visited, the Rebbe spoke about the importance of FamilyPurity (mikvah observance for married couples). He also impressed upon them the importance and necessity to give their children a proper Jewish education. He encouraged the adults to learn Torah and established a weekly class in Gemmorah study that continued for many years.
During his stay, he went for three days to Milwaukee, Wisconsin (from the 9th of Adar through the 11th).
On the eve of Bet Nissan, the 10th yahrzeit of his father, the Rebbe Rashab, he was invited to a banquet which was attended by two hundred people. The Rebbe spoke for ten to twelve minutes. He said, “Concerning the Jews in Russia, their physical suffering is very difficult; however, when it comes to their pride and strength in their Judaism, they are whole. Whereas, the Jews in America, although they may be comfortable in their day-to-day life, their spiritual life is lacking. Where is the pride in being a Jew?! The mindset of American Jewry must change, and it will change!
On motzei Shabbat before the Rebbe left there was a farewell gathering in a Lubavitch synagogue. The Rebbe explained that the study of Chassidut shows a person the proper way to live a happy productive life. We are given free choice, and if not utilized properly can sink very low. Learning Chassidut refines and elevates the person, the Rebbe said.
The Rebbe requested that at the conclusion of Shacharit – morning prayers in the synagogue they should begin saying the daily portion of Tehillim (Psalms) as it is divided by the month. Additionally, those who consider themselves Chassidim, should not let a day go by without learning the daily Chumash and Rashi.
The Rebbe concluded his remarks and said, when a person travels he purchases a ticket for his destination or station. In life everyone wants to reach and get somewhere. However, we must know what our station (destination or goal) is. There is a station Tefillin, a station Kosher, a station Shabbat and a station Taharat Hamishpacha (Family Purity). To travel without knowing your destination (station) is problematic. Chart your family’s destination the Jewish way! The Rebbe blessed the crowd and said, may you all be well!
The Rebbe continued his journey, going to his next stop, Detroit, Michigan. A group of rabbis and many individuals escorted the Rebbe to the train station. Before the Rebbe boarded, they remarked that the Rebbe’s visit will be enshrined in their minds forever!
The Rebbe replied, “When I learn and you learn, we will remember each other.”
Adapted from a translation by Rabbi Sholom DovBer Avtzon
This chapter is mainly based on Toldos Yemei Chabad in America by Rabbi Berel Levin and the introduction to Sefer HaSichos 5690 (which includes some otherwise unpublished letters of the Frierdiker Rebbe) by Rabbi Aharon Leib Raskin.
*“May the Al-mighty bless this great country that has been a refuge for our Jewish people,” the Rebbe said when he arrived in NY on the 12th of Elul, (September 17th), 1929. The purpose of his trip was to assess the educational and religious state of American Jewry and raise awareness of the dire plight of Soviet Jewry. He returned to Riga, Latvia on July 17th, 1930. From Latvia, the Rebbe moved to Warsaw, Poland. In 1940 at the outbreak of WWII, miraculously he was saved from war-torn Europe and arrived at the shores of America in 1940, this time to stay. With total self sacrifice, and with his son in law, the Rebbe at his side (from 1941 when the Rebbe and his wife the Rebbetzin miraculously came to America), the Previous Rebbe began the ardent work of changing the landscape of American Jewry. This continued and was intensified by the Rebbe during his leadership. Today America boasts Chabad Houses in every state bringing a loving joyful Judaism to their respective communities.
Melava Malka Stories 