Melava Malka Stories

The Move That Bore Children

In Yerushalayim everyone knew her to be “Bubby Quinn”. She merited to establish an amazing family, with hundreds of her descendants scattered throughout the world. The story about the establishment of her family and her immigration to America over one hundred years ago, is wedged in the story of a bracha (blessing) – an amazing bracha, that this woman received from the Rebbe Rashab, zt’l (the fifth Rebbe of Lubavitch, Rabbi Sholom Dov Ber Schneerson 1860-1920).

The Mechanic Who Ran A Hat Store

The young newly married couple were happy in every respect. But when the young man lost his job, their joy was clouded over. An expert mechanic, he just couldn’t find another job, and their panic increased from one day to the next as they grappled with their financial difficulties.

The Bris in Siberia

Peretz Lein was born in Siberia. His father, R’ Moshe Lein, z’l, was a descendent of the famous chassid of the Tzemach Tzedek, Reb Peretz Chein* z’l. R’ Moshe was arrested by the communist in 1938 and remained imprisoned for ten years. His ‘crime’ was that he was a Lubavitcher chassid keeping Torah and mitzvot.
Miraculously, the time he spent in Russian jail saved his life during WWII. When he was released, he made his way to Tashkent where a Chabad Chassidic community existed, hoping to settle down and stay out of the way of the authorities.

R’ Shmelke of Nikolsburg*

The holy R’ Shmelke of Nikolsburg* conducted himself in the path of Chassidut.
The townsfolk of Nikolsburg were not Chassidim and they disapproved of the seemingly odd behavior of their community rabbi, Reb Shmelke, who was a Chassidic Rebbe. The most prominent members of the community, therefore, called a meeting and decided to dismiss him. They instructed the Shammash (beadle) to inform the rabbi of their decision. This Shammash was a simple fellow, though honest and upright. He asked them why they had suddenly decided to do such a thing?

The Twelve Pesukim Miracle

Growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa, I was greatly influenced by my uncle, who had recently became Torah observant. When I began wearing a yarmulke and tzitzit to school, the principal suggested to my parents that I would be better off attending a more religious school. My parents agreed and switched me to Torah Academy, a Lubavitch Day School when I was in fourth grade.

The Annonymous Esrog Donor

Rabbi Mendel Altein* is following in the footsteps of his ancestors. His great grandfather, the renowned Chassidic teacher and mentor, Rabbi Yisroel Jacobson** provided the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe with an etrog for the Holiday of Sukkot when he arrived on the shores of America the first time in 1929.

Moshe The Tavern Keeper’s Kaparot*

It was the evening before Yom Kippur. One of the Chasidim of Reb Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev approached the Rebbe and asked if he could be present when the Rebbe does kaparot*.

Miracle In Russia

The bulk of my father’s childhood was spent in Russia during the second WW. His father had passed away while the family was on the run escaping from the war front. His sister also passed away at that time. She was sixteen years old. His mother was left alone with three young boys.

A Chain Reaction Of Light

My mother in law, Esther Wineberg, of blessed memory, was involved in Mivtza Neshek (the Lighting of Shabbat and Holiday Candles’ Project for women and girls).

Third Short Story!

When our children were little, they would watch a video called, “Hand in Hand” written and produced by Malka Touger. This video teaches children stories about the Rebbe and how the Rebbe inculcated proper Jewish values for them to learn and live by.