A Letter to Rebbe Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev

Dear Holy Rebbe Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, Master Advocate of Israel,

This letter is in honor of your yahrtzeit, the 25th of Tishrei…

Ever since I began reading stories of tzaddikim, you have been my favorite.  I was so impressed with how you always saw the good in every person, even the honesty of the defiant young man smoking on Shabbat who wouldn’t tell a lie.

Recently I had the opportunity to visit your resting place.  We entered the gigantic Jewish cemetery of Berditchev, passing two lonely Ukrainian Jews at the entrance.  After this tiny delegation, we met row upon silent row of ancient stone markers, worn by the weather and covered with moss.  It was the largest Jewish cemetery I’ve ever seen.  But so quiet! Lonely! Deserted!

For weeks I was haunted by images of the mute, slanted markers with so many familiar Jewish names.  The most recent ones near the entrance were from the late 1940’s — the last survivors of the Nazi holocaust?  Berditchev must have had a large and thriving community.  Now it has disappeared, the only reminder this vast expanse of graves.  It was painful to experience the contrast with such glaring clarity.

You were such an advocate for the Jewish people.  Maybe it’s also difficult for you to see that so few Jews survive in Berditchev and all across the Ukraine, an area which once bustled with Jewish life.  And those who remain hardly know they are Jews, or are descended from Jews. 

But you should know something.  Here in the Holy Land of Israel, many Jews are regaining the connections to their roots which were so brutally attacked in the last generations.  You would be happy to see: everywhere one looks, one perceives a revival of the Jewish spirit.

Many of my coworkers made aliya from Russia.  Some of them know next to nothing about Jewish heritage or beliefs.  They were indoctrinated with the anti-religious, atheistic attitudes of the Communist state.  And even so, they have an intrinsic love for Eretz Yisrael, for being among other Jews.  Many of them sacrificed careers and family to come and live here.  Such Jewish pride! I appreciate them so much.

Recently at work, a non-religious Israeli woman asked me a kashrut question.  She keeps her own meat and dairy dishes in her office.  I wasn't sure of the answer, so I checked.  She was so relieved and happy that she hadn't made a mistake.  Incredible!  Even our most militant vice president at work once met a guest with ‘Baruch Hashem’ and a smile.  Honestly, I was shocked.  Although you, Rabbi Levi Yitzhak, probably wouldn't have been – because a Jew is a Jew.

Driving home from work as the sun begins to set, I often pass cars or trucks parked along the side of the road, the driver standing nearby facing Jerusalem and swaying gently as he davens mincha.  Many times they are construction workers with tzitzit proudly visible.  What dedication!

Another time, on a busy street in Jerusalem, I heard man stop and loudly, slowly enunciate the bracha of Shehakol.  A passing woman, also 'secular', answered at equal volume, “Amen!”  I was so impressed – only in Israel!  And I recall that fancily-dressed woman in high heels at the park who slowly repeated Asher yatzar to her daughter as they exited the facilities.  Amazing.

Even the public buses project "Shana Tova" or "Chag sameach" before and during the Chagim.  And how many cars and trucks have “Ain Od Milvado” painted on the rear window?! 

Once at the dentist’s office, there was a husky policeman in uniform, with his gun but without a kippah.  He looked so intimidating, until we saw him gently and slowly repeat the words "Baruch…. Ata…  shehakol…n'heya… bid'varo", teaching his young son to say the bracha before drinking a cup of water. Another Jew!  

Oh, and I mustn't forget the tough security sentry at the entrance to the parking garage.  He asked my husband if we had any weapons in the car.  Upon receiving a negative response, the guard winked: "Only Tehilim!" he smiled in camaraderie. 

During Elul, many IDF combat soldiers rose before dawn to say Selichot even before a long day of difficult training exercises and with little sleep. Master of the Universe, mi k'Amcha Yisrael – who is like Your People Israel?!

So you see, Rebbe Levi Yitzchak, despite everything the Jewish people has suffered, your advocacy is bearing fruit.  The Jewish soul in each of us is alive. 

Rivka