Self-Sacrifice for the Tzaddik: Even in the Cold, Even in Tents

Chassidim of the holy Rav Eliezer Berland shlit"a at Rimonim Prison, before the Rav's transfer to Nitzan Prison.

The Chassidim of Rav Berland shlit"a continue to follow the true tzaddik with unconditional loyalty, remaining unconfused by the winds of falsehood and persecution blowing in the air. Even during the freezing nights, they continue to stay as close as possible to our teacher and rabbi, the holy Rav Eliezer Berland shlit"a. Prayers, the recitation of the Tikkun HaKlali and Psalms, midnight tikkunim—all are performed with the special and moving melodies of Rav Berland shlit"a.

Photo: Avremi Vitman

200 people from the Breslov 'Shuvu Banim' community arrived on Erev Shabbat Kodesh (Parshat Yitro 5780) in Ramla, in order to spend the Shabbat outside Nitzan Prison, where our teacher, the holy Rav Eliezer Berland shlit"a, is being held.

Dozens of families stayed throughout the Shabbat in Ramla, across from the detention center where our teacher, Rav Berland shlit"a, is located.

In the makeshift compound of the Breslov 'Shuvu Banim' community, Shabbat prayers were held in an atmosphere of wonderful spiritual elevation and song.

The congregation began the Shacharit prayer at 5:00 AM, and it continued until 10:00 AM.

Following this, the Shabbat Mincha prayer and the Arvit prayer for Motzaei Shabbat Kodesh were conducted, with the Seudah Shlishit not forgotten in between.

On Motzaei Shabbat, the followers of Rav Berland shlit"a did not rush off to their own affairs; they continued to a Melaveh Malkah meal with a large crowd, followed by dancing to sweeten the judgments.

According to the testimony of those camping near our teacher, the holy Rav Eliezer Berland shlit"a: "On Motzaei Shabbat, we quickly passed the security and reached the building where our teacher, Rav Berland, is located. According to the rumor, the tzaddik is on the third floor. Dozens of Anash sang 'Or Zaruah LaTzaddik,' hoping that the Rav heard all the prayers and the dancing."

One of the prisoners shouted to us that he is with the Rav and will tell him that we are here with him until his release, with the help of Hashem.