30 Years Since the Passing of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Bender zt"l

Today, the 22nd of Tammuz, marks the 30th yahrtzeit (anniversary of passing) of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Bender zt"l (of blessed memory), one of the most prominent Breslov Chassidim of the previous generation and the one who established the foundation of Breslov Chassidus in the Land of Israel after the Holocaust. * A few years ago, the Gaon and Tzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a (may he live long and good days) wrote a special letter about Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Bender zt"l, which is being published today for the first time.

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Bender zt"l, one of the most important Breslov Chassidim and the one who rebuilt the movement of Breslov Chassidus in the Land of Israel after the Holocaust—whose 30th yahrtzeit falls today, the 22nd of Tammuz—lived in Uman for about twenty years. There, he received the teachings of Rebbe Nachman from the great Chassidim in Uman. During the height of World War I, he traveled with mesirus nefesh (self-sacrifice) to Uman and endured difficult years under the Communist regime due to his activities in spreading Judaism.

At the outbreak of World War II, with the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union, in an attempt to distance himself from the occupied areas, he moved to Uzbekistan and lived there in the cities of Bukhara and Tashkent. After the war, he stayed in the displaced persons camps in Germany, where he served as a Dayan (rabbinical judge) and Moreh Hora'ah (halakhic authority) for the refugees gathered there.

In the year 5709 (1949), he arrived in the Land of Israel and re-established the Breslov Chassidic movement. He was among the founders of the Great Beis Medrash in Jerusalem (the "Shul") and was the universally recognized leader during his forty years in the Land.

Dozens and hundreds of young men and avreichim (married Torah students) whose souls thirsted to hear the word of Hashem gathered around him. He gave many shiurim (Torah lessons) delivered with a grace of truth that captured hearts, and indeed, everyone stood mesmerized, listening intently to everything that came out of his mouth. His lesson in his final years on Thursday nights at his home in the Meah Shearim neighborhood was particularly beloved.

He passed away on the 27th of Tammuz 5749 (1989). His place of rest is honored on Har HaZeisim (the Mount of Olives) in Jerusalem.

The Prayer Composed by the Gaon and Tzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a

A few years ago, the Gaon and Tzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a wrote a special letter about Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Bender zt"l, which is being published for the first time today on the "Shuvu Banim International" website. The Rav wrote as follows:

"The Gaon and Chassid, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak zt"l, who merited the 'Eight White Paths' (Kabbalistic concept of Divine Mercy), which is the secret of 'But the path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shines more and more unto the perfect day' (Proverbs 4:18). This is the light in every 'hair' (spiritual channel) about which it is said, 'Then you shall delight yourself in Hashem, and I will cause you to ride upon the high places of the earth' (Isaiah 58:14)..."

Additionally, the Rav previously published a special article on the greatness of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Bender zt"l.

Tonight: Gathering in Memory of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Bender

On the occasion of the 30th yahrtzeit, the avreichim of "Shuvu Banim" will gather tonight (Thursday) at 6:30 PM at the Kollel Hora'ah at 48 Shivtei Israel Street, Jerusalem, with the Mashpia (spiritual mentor) Rabbi Mordechai (Motte) Frank shlit"a, one of the great mentors of Breslov Chassidim, who will deliver talks, stories, and words of encouragement (chizuk) about Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Bender zt"l.

The Gaon and Tzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a at the Western Wall with Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Bender zt"l

The Gaon and Tzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a at the Western Wall with Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Bender zt"l