He Shall Remember Their Love and Revive Their Offspring • Gathering of the Young

On the occasion of the Hillula (anniversary of passing) of the greatest Mashpia (spiritual guide) of the last generation, our teacher, the Chassid Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Bender zt"l, whose Torah and conduct serve as a living lighthouse for all our people, the Breslov Chassidim, an uplifting gathering was held on Wednesday, 21st of Tammuz—the eve of the Yahrtzeit (anniversary of passing). The event was for the young men of 'Hisachdus HaAvreichim' (The Union of Young Men) in our Beit Midrash (study hall) in the 'Old City,' near the site of the Holy Temple.

The special gathering began with an uplifting Mincha (afternoon prayer) followed by washing hands for a prepared Seudah (festive meal) in honor of the Hillula. The hall was filled with majesty and was packed to capacity with the young men of 'Hisachdus HaAvreichim,' who gathered to elevate themselves and hear words of inspiration and firsthand accounts of the life of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak zt"l from his students.

The event was opened by the Chassid Rabbi Baruch Mordechai Frank shlit"a, with moving words that penetrated the heart. In his remarks, he focused on the foundation of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak's conduct regarding Seudos (festive meals) for a Hillula and stories of Tzaddikim—that they are only observed if they contain a practical lesson and a good path of conduct that one can acquire. At the beginning of his talk, he expanded on the essence of the month of 'Tammuz' (תמ"ז), which is an acronym for 'Zichru Toras Moshe' (Remember the Torah of Moses)—to learn and teach from the stories and conduct of the Tzaddikim, as their words are their memorial. Later, he shared firsthand majestic stories full of grace and vitality that he was privileged to witness. His words dripped like nectar, and a feeling permeated the hall as if we were standing before Rabbi Levi Yitzchak zt"l himself. Rabbi Frank emphasized the special affection Rabbi Levi Yitzchak zt"l had for Ba'alei Teshuvah (returnees to the faith) and the warm place he kept for the young men of our holy community with boundless love.

Upon the conclusion of his words, an emotional and fascinating panel took place with the participation of his close students: the Chassid Rabbi Baruch Mordechai Frank shlit"a, the Chassid Rabbi David Shlomo Gabbai shlit"a, the Chassid Rabbi Yitzchak Winzdler shlit"a, and the Chassid Rabbi Yosef Marian shlit"a. The stories flowed one after another in a spirit of 'Dibuk Chaverim' (fellowship), in an elevated and moving atmosphere. Those present sat mesmerized, with open mouths and open hearts, to hear and be strengthened by the sublime levels reached by the Chassid through devotion, self-sacrifice (mesirus nefesh), diligence, and holy conduct. The panel participants complemented each other's words, refining details and together creating a tapestry of a life of greatness.

After the special panel, a special lesson from the Rav (Rabbi Berland) shlit"a was screened. In a display of affection for the participants of the gathering and the management of the 'Hisachdus,' he illuminated the path of his great teacher, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak zt"l, with the light of wisdom and practical service of Hashem.

The dedicated director of the institutions, Rabbi Natan Chananya shlit"a, was honored with Birkat HaMazon (Grace After Meals). He also thanked everyone on behalf of the participants for the great merit of continuing the illuminating path and increasing love, brotherhood, peace, and friendship in the way of our great Rebbe (Rebbe Nachman) zt"l and his students. With hearts overflowing and vessels full of strength and elevation, the gathering concluded. The young men of our community internalized and strengthened their connection to the true Tzaddik in high levels and degrees, as we learned according to the path of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak—may his merit protect us and all of Israel, Amen.