Zikaron L'Bnei Yisrael
The book Zikaron L'Bnei Yisrael (Memory for the Children of Israel) was written based on notes recorded by Rabbi Yisrael Jacobson beginning in 5718, following the directive of the Rebbe given to him during a yechidus (private audience) that took place on 2 Cheshvan 5718 (a), and he continued writing them during the years 1957-59 (b).
In 5724, the author began publishing selected excerpts from his memoirs in the quarterly journal Di Yiddishe Heim. He continued publishing them until his passing on 17 Sivan 5735.
At the beginning of 1992, the idea of editing and printing the memoirs was raised for discussion. Family members requested the consent of the Rebbe, who was pleased to respond (free translation): "[I give my consent], and more than that, [I extend] great appreciation - especially since many will certainly learn from reading it, particularly regarding necessary, authentic activism, especially Chabad activism."
Contents of the Book[edit | edit source]
In these memoirs, he writes about:
a) The period of his studies at the Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva in Lubavitch, Shchedrin, Kremenchug, and Kherson - during the years 1907 - 1920.
b) The period of his time with our Rebbes in Lubavitch, Rostov, Leningrad, Europe, and the United States - during the years 1907 - 1939.
c) The period of his residence in Gomel during the years 1920 - 1925, and the founding of the yeshiva there.
d) The period of his residence in New York from 1926 onward, the founding of Agudas HaTmimim, the management of Agudas Chasidei Chabad.
e) The visit of Rabbi Joseph Isaac Schneersohn to the United States during the years 1929 - 1930.
f) The founding of Achei Tmimim and the mission of sending students to study at the Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva in Otwock.
Parts of these memoirs have also been published: In the book History of Chabad in Soviet Russia, in the book History of Chabad in the United States, in Kerem Chabad issue 3 p. 241 and onwards, in articles and serials in the quarterly journal Di Yiddishe Heim during the years 1964 - 1975, translated into Yiddish and English.
External Links[edit | edit source]
- The book on the Chabad Lubavitch Library website - text version
- The book on the Chabad Lubavitch Library website - PDF version