A Story from One of the Kabbalists of the Generation: The Kibbutz in Uman is Entrusted to Rabbi Berland, and 4 More Stories

A rare testimony from one of the greatest Breslov tzaddikim reveals that Rebbe Nachman of Breslov entrusted the leadership of the holy Kibbutz (gathering) in Uman for Rosh Hashanah into the hands of Morinu HaRav Eliezer Berland shlit"a.

A Story from One of the Kabbalists of the Generation: The Kibbutz in Uman is Entrusted to Rabbi Berland

One of the greatest tzaddikim and Kabbalists of our generation, who is counted among the elders of the Breslov Chassidim, shared a rare and special testimony a few years ago. These words were spoken with holy awe before the listeners. They shed light on the deep spiritual connection and the immense responsibility placed upon the shoulders of Morinu HaRav Eliezer Berland shlit"a.

The Testimony of the Kabbalist

That tzaddik expressed himself in these exact words, revealing a spiritual secret that touches the very heart of Breslov Chassidus. He related that "our holy Rebbe, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, may his merit protect us and all of Israel, amen, gave the holy Kibbutz of Rosh Hashanah in Uman to Morinu HaRav shlit"a." This statement emphasizes the Divine Providence and the spiritual appointment the Rav received in leading tens of thousands of the Jewish people.

Leading the Holy Kibbutz

In light of these words, the Kabbalist added and clarified the practical meaning of this matter. He ruled that regarding everything related to the journey and the arrangements of the Kibbutz in Uman, the ultimate authority rests in the hands of the Rav. "Whatever he decides in this matter, everything is according to his daas (Torah perspective)," the tzaddik established.

These words serve as a living and moving testimony to the greatness of Morinu HaRav shlit"a. They remind us all of the tremendous merit to shelter in his shadow. Above all, they emphasize the importance of Emunas Chachamim (faith in the Sages) and obedience to his instructions regarding everything connected to the holy Kibbutz on Rosh Hashanah.

A Special Story: If Rabbi Berland shlit"a Arrives in Uman, Everyone Will Arrive

A few weeks ago, a moving and awakening cry was heard from one of the esteemed residents of the holy city of Jerusalem. It was a moment of rare candor, revealing the deep and unbreakable bond between the masses and Morinu HaRav Eliezer Berland shlit"a.

A Cry from the Depths of the Heart

That important and precious Jew spoke from the depths of his heart, feeling immense pain over the situation. He sought to convey a sharp and clear message to everyone around him, a message that expresses the inner feeling of tens of thousands of the Jewish people.

He turned to those present and said in a resolute voice: "You should know, if Rabbi Berland shlit"a arrives in Uman for Rosh Hashanah - everyone will arrive!" These words were spoken out of a burning faith in the power of the tzaddik to draw all hearts after him.

The Power of the Tzaddik

In the same breath, he added and emphasized the other side of the coin, to illustrate just how much the matter depends on the Rav's presence. "And if not," he cried out, "no one will arrive."

This brief and piercing statement illustrates, more than anything, the broad public recognition. Everyone understands that the presence of the Rav shlit"a at the gravesite of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov zy"a in Uman is the very magnet that illuminates the path for all of Israel approaching the New Year.

A Story of Self-Sacrifice: The Great Cry for the Sake of the Kibbutz in Uman

One of the Rav's students shares with pain and a cry from the blood of his heart, about the tremendous merit of traveling to Uman and our obligation toward the tzaddik.

Breaking Through the Iron Curtain

Everyone knows that the entire holy Kibbutz in Uman exists in the merit of the literal self-sacrifice of the tzaddik of the generation, Morinu HaRav Eliezer Berland shlit"a. The Rav cast his life aside countless times, with immense toil and terrible suffering that cannot be imagined.

Through a multitude of cries, pleas, and rivers of tears throughout entire days and nights, the Rav acted on behalf of the collective. And however much we tell of this, it will be but a drop in the ocean, until Hashem, may He be blessed, shattered doors of copper and cut down bars of iron, opening the way to the tziyun (gravesite) of Rebbe Nachman.

It is Impossible to Say "Peace Be Upon My Soul"

And now, how can eating and drinking be pleasant for us when the tzaddik has been under lock and key for seven months already? It is impossible to fathom the terrible sorrow of our holy Rebbe over the exile of the Shechinah (Divine Presence).

Anyone with sense understands that it is not right to travel to Uman and ignore this tzaddik. How can one leave him under lock and key and say, "Peace be upon my soul," Hashem protect us.

A Great and Bitter Cry

Please, awake and arouse yourself, plead for the soul! We must raise a great and bitter cry: "How long will Your strength be in captivity?"

There is no doubt that only through this will the locked gates of Zion be opened for us. Thus, the entire holy nation, the myriads of Your people Israel, will merit to reach the Rosh Hashanah of our holy Rebbe zy"a, and may he protect everyone, Amen.

A Special Story: Why Did Rabbi Berland Instruct to Light Candles for the Satmar Rebbe?

One of the attendees tells of a special and moving moment that occurred during the Melaveh Malkah seudah (festive meal). The entire holy congregation sang the Motzaei Shabbos zemiros (songs) together with Morinu HaRav Eliezer Berland shlit"a, who participated with them over the phone. The atmosphere was elevated, and the singing burst forth from everyone's heart.

A Sudden Stop in the Middle of the Zemiros

Suddenly, a moment before the start of the well-known song "Amar Hashem L'Yaakov," something unusual happened. Morinu HaRav shlit"a stopped the congregation's singing, which was out of the ordinary, and began speaking with tremendous enthusiasm to all the listeners.

With a voice striking flames of fire, the Rav turned to the congregation and gave a surprising instruction: "Everyone should light three candles in honor of the tzaddik, Rabbi Yoel of Satmar!" The entire crowd listened with rapt attention to the holy words of the Rav, who spoke from the depths of his heart.

The Secret of the Geulah in the Merit of the Tzaddik

Afterwards, Morinu HaRav shlit"a continued to speak with immense praise and great acclaim about the greatness, holiness, and righteousness of the Satmar Rebbe zy"a. At the conclusion of his trembling words, the Rav promised and said that in the merit of this tzaddik, the complete Geulah (Redemption) will come.

The words left a profound impression on all those present, who hurried to fulfill the Rav's instruction and light candles in honor of the tzaddik. The entire event was etched into their hearts as a moment of great awakening and genuine anticipation to bring closer the coming of Mashiach.

An Amazing Story from Tzalmon Prison: The Rav Disappears from the Security Cameras

A certain man, from the staff of workers at Tzalmon Prison, shared an amazing story with one of our people that he experienced and saw with his own eyes. As is known to all, within the prison walls there is an extremely strict security system. Everything is filmed and documented at any given moment; all the rooms and all the prisoners are under the constant surveillance of security cameras, without exception.

A Mysterious Disappearance from the Screens

However, that worker related that one day an incomprehensible event occurred. "You should know, that one day Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a simply disappeared from our footage for several hours," he recounted in astonishment. The entire staff stood helpless in front of the screens, trying to understand how a person could disappear from a place where every corner is filmed.

Above the Way of Nature

The worker continued, saying that there is no logical or natural explanation for this phenomenon. The only conclusion they reached is that this is simply an angel of God acting above the laws of nature. In fact, many other stories are known from reliable witnesses about similar events, in which the Rav shlit"a acts in ways that leave the guards and the entire prison staff shocked and astounded.

These cases prove time and time again that they have absolutely no control over the angel of the Lord of Hosts, and that the power of the tzaddik is not subject to the laws of matter and nature.

From Issue 80 — Parshas Shoftim

From the series "A Tzaddik Rules in the Fear of God" — "Shapir Amar Nachmani" issues