Menachem Mendel Futerfas: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox | |||
| name = Menachem Mendel Futerfas | |||
| image = [[file:מענדל פוטרפס.jpg|thumb| At a Farbrengen]] | |||
| description = | |||
| alias = Reb Mendel | |||
| birth_date = 20th of Tishrei 5667 | |||
| birth_place =Plyeshchanitsy, Belarus | |||
| passing_date =4th of Tammuz 5755 | |||
| passing_place = London, England | |||
| education = Tomchei Temimim | |||
}} | |||
'''Rabbi Menachem Mendel Futerfas''' (also known as: Reb Mendel. 20 Tishrei 1906 - 4 Tammuz 1995) was a chossid and mekushar to our Rebbeim, a man of mesiras nefesh who established underground branches of [[Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim|Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim]] behind the Iron Curtain. From 1973, under the Rebbe's direction, he served as the head mashpia at the central Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad and as a shadar abroad to inspire spiritually and raise funds. He served as a board member of Beis Rivka and the Bucharian Yeshiva institutions in Kfar Chabad. Together with Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi and Rabbi Bentzion Vishetsky, he founded the Yiddish Cheder in Kfar Chabad. | |||
'''Rabbi Menachem Mendel Futerfas''' (also known as: Reb Mendel. 20 Tishrei | [[File:פוטרפס.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Reb Mendel receiving a dollar from the Rebbe]] | ||
== Early Life == | |||
Reb Mendel was born on 20 Tishrei 1907 in the town of Pleshnitz in White Russia, to his father Reb Menachem Mendel and his mother Maryasha Badna (who passed away on 5 Menachem Av 1958) - daughter of the Segalovitz family and her mother from the Kugel family. He was the fourth child after two daughters and one brother. His father passed away shortly before his birth during a typhus epidemic, and his mother named him after his father. Being fatherless, Reb Mendel grew up with his grandfather, the chossid Reb Chaim Futerfas in Kharkov, who was one of the shapers of his personality and from whom he received many chassidic stories. Reb Mendel spent his childhood with his grandmother Rachel Leah from Nevel, who was the niece of the famous chossid Reb Chanoch Hendel Kugel. Many stories circulate about her chassidic conduct and enhancement of mitzvos. In 1915, when her grandson turned seven, she brought him with her on her trip to the Rebbe. The pair were granted an audience with the [[The Rebbe Rashab|Rebbe Rashab]]. The Rebbe gave the young Mendel a blessing for fear of heaven and long life. From then on, their trips became a more regular practice. Almost every year, she would take him with her on her trips to the Rebbe. In Tishrei 1920, when he turned 12, was the last time he merited to be with the Rebbe Rashab. | |||
== | === His Yeshiva Studies === | ||
At the end of 1920, he was accepted to Yeshivas [[Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim|Tomchei Tmimim]] in [[Kremenchug]] where he studied until 1924. That year, the Soviet secret police discovered the yeshiva and he was forced to flee. From 1925, he studied in underground yeshivas in [[Kharkov]], [[Vitebsk]], and [[Nevel]] until 1929, when these yeshivas were also closed, and the many students were forced to disperse among various underground yeshivas. | |||
Years later, the mashpia described his memories from those days: Every Thursday night was entirely dedicated to learning. There were students who diligently studied Gemara and others who studied Chassidus; he himself would dedicate this night to studying Gemara. | |||
[[File:ר' מענדלPictureFileName.jpg |250px|thumb|right|Reb Mendel by the grave of his mentor R' Zalman Moshe]] | |||
He especially loved the many farbrengens where the best mashpiim of that generation would farbreng, such as [[Reb Zalman Moshe Hitzchaki|Rabbi Zalman Moshe Hayitzchaki]], Rabbi Yitzchak Horowitz (Itche der Matmid), Rabbi Yechezkel (Chatche) Feigin, and others. | He especially loved the many farbrengens where the best mashpiim of that generation would farbreng, such as [[Reb Zalman Moshe Hitzchaki|Rabbi Zalman Moshe Hayitzchaki]], Rabbi Yitzchak Horowitz (Itche der Matmid), Rabbi Yechezkel (Chatche) Feigin, and others. | ||
== Mashgiach in Tomchei Temimim == | === Mashgiach in Tomchei Temimim === | ||
In 1930, he was | In 1930, he was appointed as Mashgiach and Mashpia for the students in the underground yeshiva in [[Yekatrinoslav]]. In his memoirs from that period, he notes the great reverence that the yeshiva bochurim had for the city's Rav, [[Levi Yitzchak Schneerson|Rav Levi Yitzchak Schneerson]], the Rebbe's father. That same year, he also served as a Mashgiach in Odessa. | ||
That same year, he also served as a Mashgiach in Odessa. | |||
== "The Karalevitz Suggestion is Correct" == | === "The Karalevitz Suggestion is Correct" === | ||
Reb Mendel traveled to his mother's home in Kharkov and began arranging shidduchim for his two older sisters, aiming to match them with the finest among the Temimim. His efforts were successful, and shortly after, his eldest sister married | Reb Mendel traveled to his mother's home in Kharkov and began arranging shidduchim for his two older sisters, aiming to match them with the finest among the Temimim. His efforts were successful, and shortly after, his eldest sister married [[Benzion Shem Tov|Ben Zion Shem Tov]], and his younger sister married Yehoshua Shneur Zalman Serebransky. | ||
During this period, respectable shidduchim were suggested for him as well. He compiled several proposals and reported them to the Frierdiker Rebbe, who was then in Poland, requesting his guidance and bracha. The Rebbe's response was: "The Karalevitz suggestion is correct" - referring to Rav Ben Zion Robinson, who lived in Karalevitz and had suggested his daughter to Reb Mendel. | During this period, respectable shidduchim were suggested for him as well. He compiled several proposals and reported them to the [[The Rebbe Rayatz|Frierdiker Rebbe]], who was then in Poland, requesting his guidance and bracha. The Rebbe's response was: "The Karalevitz suggestion is correct" - referring to Rav Ben Zion Robinson, who lived in Karalevitz and had suggested his daughter to Reb Mendel. | ||
He therefore traveled to Karalevitz, arriving before Shabbos Kodesh. After davening, he participated in a farbrengen where he took mashke liberally, resulting in him falling under the table and falling asleep. When he awoke, still under the table, it was after midnight on Motzei Shabbos, and he suddenly heard Reb Ben Zion telling his wife: "It seems this bochur is an 'emesdiker chassidisher bochur' (a true chassidic young man), for he came 'to be seen,' and nevertheless took mashke, farbrenged, and is now where he is... This is a sign that he is a true chassidic bochur. We must make every effort to have him stay here and complete the shidduch with us." | He therefore traveled to Karalevitz, arriving before Shabbos Kodesh. After davening, he participated in a farbrengen where he took mashke liberally, resulting in him falling under the table and falling asleep. When he awoke, still under the table, it was after midnight on Motzei Shabbos, and he suddenly heard Reb Ben Zion telling his wife: "It seems this bochur is an 'emesdiker chassidisher bochur' (a true chassidic young man), for he came 'to be seen,' and nevertheless took mashke, farbrenged, and is now where he is... This is a sign that he is a true chassidic bochur. We must make every effort to have him stay here and complete the shidduch with us." | ||
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Indeed, the shidduch came to fruition in a good and successful hour, and the wedding took place in the kallah's town on Tuesday, 10 Tammuz 1933. | Indeed, the shidduch came to fruition in a good and successful hour, and the wedding took place in the kallah's town on Tuesday, 10 Tammuz 1933. | ||
== For | === For Tomchei Temimim and Pidyon Shvuyim === | ||
After his wedding, he stayed briefly with his mother in Kharkov, and then traveled with his wife to the city of Yegurovsk (a city approximately 100 kilometers from Moscow). Although he temporarily withdrew from his yeshiva activities for family matters, the administrators of the nationwide network of underground Tomchei Temimim yeshivas throughout Russia already recognized his talents and dedication, seeing him as most suitable for working to save the yeshivas. From a financial perspective - supporting the families of prisoners who risked their lives for Torah and mitzvos, maintaining the underground yeshivas, funding the constant relocations of the yeshivas, as well as significant amounts paid as bribes - placed a heavy financial burden on the organizers, and he was chosen to be one of those tasked with obtaining the necessary funding. | After his wedding, he stayed briefly with his mother in Kharkov, and then traveled with his wife to the city of Yegurovsk (a city approximately 100 kilometers from Moscow). Although he temporarily withdrew from his yeshiva activities for family matters, the administrators of the nationwide network of underground Tomchei Temimim yeshivas throughout Russia already recognized his talents and dedication, seeing him as most suitable for working to save the yeshivas. From a financial perspective - supporting the families of prisoners who risked their lives for Torah and mitzvos, maintaining the underground yeshivas, funding the constant relocations of the yeshivas, as well as significant amounts paid as bribes - placed a heavy financial burden on the organizers, and he was chosen to be one of those tasked with obtaining the necessary funding. | ||
He accepted the position and entered the business world for this purpose. While he earned substantial profits, he and his family subsisted on bread and water, giving the vast majority of the profits to Tomchei Temimim. Additionally, whenever Anash activists needed large sums of money for pidyon shvuyim (redeeming captives), they would turn to Reb Mendel, and even when he didn't have the requested amount, he would borrow the money and transfer it to them. | He accepted the position and entered the business world for this purpose. While he earned substantial profits, he and his family subsisted on bread and water, giving the vast majority of the profits to Tomchei Temimim. Additionally, whenever Anash activists needed large sums of money for pidyon shvuyim (redeeming captives), they would turn to Reb Mendel, and even when he didn't have the requested amount, he would borrow the money and transfer it to them. | ||
== For the Benefit of Chassidim == | === For the Benefit of Chassidim === | ||
During [[World War II]], when the Nazis (yimach shmam) invaded Russia, he fled Moscow with his family and after wandering arrived in Samarkand, where many Anash and Polish refugees had gathered. News of his activities quickly spread among the chassidim and many sought his help. He did everything in his power to improve their situation. | During [[World War II]], when the Nazis (yimach shmam) invaded Russia, he fled Moscow with his family and after wandering arrived in Samarkand, where many Anash and Polish refugees had gathered. News of his activities quickly spread among the chassidim and many sought his help. He did everything in his power to improve their situation. | ||
Starting in late winter 5703 (1943), at the height of the war, he began managing Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Samarkand, where hundreds of students studied over time. In this role, Reb Mendel established branches of Tomchei Tmimim, some for students of Cheder age and most for Yeshiva age. | Starting in late winter 5703 (1943), at the height of the war, he began managing Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Samarkand, where hundreds of students studied over time. In this role, Reb Mendel established branches of Tomchei Tmimim, some for students of Cheder age and most for Yeshiva age. | ||
==Arrest and Imprisonment== | |||
== Among the Organizers of the Exodus from Russia == | ===Among the Organizers of the Exodus from Russia=== | ||
Extended topic - The Exodus from Russia 5706 (1946) | Extended topic - The Exodus from Russia 5706 (1946) | ||
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Following the actions of Reb Yehuda Leib Motzkin, who bribed senior government officials at genuine risk to his life, the border was reopened. A special committee was established for this purpose, with Reb Mendel and other activists as members. The committee's activities were divided into several areas: encouraging Anash in Russia to cross the borders, forging documents, raising funds to bribe various officials, and taking care of all other necessary details, such as safe houses in Lvov until departure and maintaining constant contact with Anash who arrived in Lvov to cross the border. | Following the actions of Reb Yehuda Leib Motzkin, who bribed senior government officials at genuine risk to his life, the border was reopened. A special committee was established for this purpose, with Reb Mendel and other activists as members. The committee's activities were divided into several areas: encouraging Anash in Russia to cross the borders, forging documents, raising funds to bribe various officials, and taking care of all other necessary details, such as safe houses in Lvov until departure and maintaining constant contact with Anash who arrived in Lvov to cross the border. | ||
== Arrest of the Nine Chassidim == | === Arrest of the Nine Chassidim === | ||
Reb Mendel himself did not join his family in escape despite estimating that the secret police would track him down and could arrest him within a short time. He remained in Russia and continued to work on smuggling operations until he decided to leave the Iron Curtain with a small group of only nine people: | Reb Mendel himself did not join his family in escape despite estimating that the secret police would track him down and could arrest him within a short time. He remained in Russia and continued to work on smuggling operations until he decided to leave the Iron Curtain with a small group of only nine people: | ||
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It later became clear that the person who arranged their tickets was an undercover KGB agent who informed the authorities about the nine people planning to cross the border. The police arrested them all. The detainees were transferred to the secret police headquarters in Lvov. Initially, those arrested in this operation and other detainees from that period were held at the secret police headquarters in Lvov, later some were transferred to Kharkov. | It later became clear that the person who arranged their tickets was an undercover KGB agent who informed the authorities about the nine people planning to cross the border. The police arrested them all. The detainees were transferred to the secret police headquarters in Lvov. Initially, those arrested in this operation and other detainees from that period were held at the secret police headquarters in Lvov, later some were transferred to Kharkov. | ||
[[File:מענדל פוטרפס תמונה תיק החקירה.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Mugshot]] | |||
== Siberian Exile and the Lvov Case == | === Siberian Exile and the Lvov Case === | ||
After prolonged interrogations and terrible torture, the trial began where R' Mendel was sentenced to 10 years of exile and hard labor in work camps and was exiled to Siberia. | After prolonged interrogations and terrible torture, the trial began where R' Mendel was sentenced to 10 years of exile and hard labor in work camps and was exiled to Siberia. | ||
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In Shpalerka, he met with his friend R' Moshe Vishetsky and they made part of the journey to exile together. During his exile period, he stayed together with the Chassid and Mashpia R' Asher Sassonkin until they were released in 1964. | In Shpalerka, he met with his friend R' Moshe Vishetsky and they made part of the journey to exile together. During his exile period, he stayed together with the Chassid and Mashpia R' Asher Sassonkin until they were released in 1964. | ||
== Documents from KGB Archives == | === Documents from KGB Archives === | ||
New documents from the Lvov case and new memories about R' Mendel Futerfas were published during 2022-2023 in Chabad media outlets: | New documents from the Lvov case and new memories about R' Mendel Futerfas were published during 2022-2023 in Chabad media outlets: | ||
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* Worked with many Jews | * Worked with many Jews | ||
== The Rebbe's Relationship with Reb Mendel During His Russian Exile == | === The Rebbe's Relationship with Reb Mendel During His Russian Exile === | ||
During his period of exile in Siberia and after his release while still in Russian exile, he merited rare acknowledgments from the Rebbe: | During his period of exile in Siberia and after his release while still in Russian exile, he merited rare acknowledgments from the Rebbe: | ||
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At the farbrengen of Yud Shevat 1962, the Rebbe described the actions of a man of mesiras nefesh in Russia, referring to Reb Mendel Futerfas, who was involved in maintaining Yiddishkeit and building mikvaos without any personal calculations or considerations. | At the farbrengen of Yud Shevat 1962, the Rebbe described the actions of a man of mesiras nefesh in Russia, referring to Reb Mendel Futerfas, who was involved in maintaining Yiddishkeit and building mikvaos without any personal calculations or considerations. | ||
== From Samarkand to London == | === From Samarkand to London === | ||
In 1964, he received permission to leave Russia and immigrated from Samarkand to London where his son Reb Berel Futerfas lived. Within a short time, he became one of the prominent askanim and mashpiim in the local Chabad community and was involved in establishing pure Torah educational institutions there. | In 1964, he received permission to leave Russia and immigrated from Samarkand to London where his son Reb Berel Futerfas lived. Within a short time, he became one of the prominent askanim and mashpiim in the local Chabad community and was involved in establishing pure Torah educational institutions there. | ||
[[File:תשכד.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Reb Mendel stands by the Rebbe at a farbrengen]] | |||
== Mashpia in Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad == | == Mashpia in Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad == | ||
On 19 Iyar 1971, Rabbi Shlomo Chaim Keselman, mashpia of Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad, passed away. About a month and a half later, the Rebbe's secretariat told Reb Mendel that the Rebbe was asking if he could come to 770 for 12-13 Tammuz. Reb Mendel arrived at 770 before 12-13 Tammuz, and during yechidus the Rebbe announced the proposal that he be appointed as mashpia of Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad. The Rebbe instructed him to travel to Eretz Hakodesh and visit Chabad institutions and holy places, and regarding settling in Eretz Hakodesh, the Rebbe said they would discuss it the following year. As the Rebbe instructed, around 12-13 Tammuz 1972, Reb Mendel came to the Rebbe and during yechidus, the Rebbe instructed him to serve as the permanent mashpia in Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad. | On 19 Iyar 1971, Rabbi Shlomo Chaim Keselman, mashpia of Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad, passed away. About a month and a half later, the Rebbe's secretariat told Reb Mendel that the Rebbe was asking if he could come to 770 for 12-13 Tammuz. Reb Mendel arrived at 770 before 12-13 Tammuz, and during yechidus the Rebbe announced the proposal that he be appointed as mashpia of Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad. The Rebbe instructed him to travel to Eretz Hakodesh and visit Chabad institutions and holy places, and regarding settling in Eretz Hakodesh, the Rebbe said they would discuss it the following year. As the Rebbe instructed, around 12-13 Tammuz 1972, Reb Mendel came to the Rebbe and during yechidus, the Rebbe instructed him to serve as the permanent mashpia in Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad. | ||
[[File:ר מענדל תשרי נב.gif|250px|thumb|right|Reb Mendel in the courtyard of 770]] | |||
With his appointment to the position in the 1973 school year, he wrote a new chapter in the history of Tomchei Tmimim yeshivos in Eretz Hakodesh. He was distinguished by his educational approach and became a revered mashpia for tmimim and Anash throughout Eretz Hakodesh. In farbrengens, he dedicated significant time to the topic of hiskashrus to the Rebbe, complete mesiras nefesh for the Rebbe, and traveling to the Rebbe - topics that were not the focus of farbrengens in Chabad yeshivos in Eretz Hakodesh. In his farbrengens, he wove stories and vivid descriptions from his time in Siberia, deriving lessons about the kochos that someone who has no choice, like a prisoner, invests, to the kochos that chassidim and tmimim must invest to fulfill the Rebbe's ratzon. His farbrengens gained a good reputation, and Anash, tmimim, and many mekuravim flocked to his farbrengens, which were usually held in the zal of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad. Even when he came to Beis Chayeinu, he would farbreng for long hours with a large crowd of tmimim. | With his appointment to the position in the 1973 school year, he wrote a new chapter in the history of Tomchei Tmimim yeshivos in Eretz Hakodesh. He was distinguished by his educational approach and became a revered mashpia for tmimim and Anash throughout Eretz Hakodesh. In farbrengens, he dedicated significant time to the topic of hiskashrus to the Rebbe, complete mesiras nefesh for the Rebbe, and traveling to the Rebbe - topics that were not the focus of farbrengens in Chabad yeshivos in Eretz Hakodesh. In his farbrengens, he wove stories and vivid descriptions from his time in Siberia, deriving lessons about the kochos that someone who has no choice, like a prisoner, invests, to the kochos that chassidim and tmimim must invest to fulfill the Rebbe's ratzon. His farbrengens gained a good reputation, and Anash, tmimim, and many mekuravim flocked to his farbrengens, which were usually held in the zal of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad. Even when he came to Beis Chayeinu, he would farbreng for long hours with a large crowd of tmimim. | ||
He dedicated many hours to one-on-one conversations with tmimim to influence and elevate them spiritually. | He dedicated many hours to one-on-one conversations with tmimim to influence and elevate them spiritually. | ||
[[File:מאיר בליז'ינסקי.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Reb Mendel farbrenging with R' Meir Blizinksi]] | |||
== For the Benefit of the Community == | == For the Benefit of the Community == | ||
In parallel with his role as a Mashpia, he continued, following the Rebbe's instructions, in his position as a Shadar (emissary fundraiser) which he would fulfill during the months of Elul - Kislev. In this capacity, he would travel to the United States for fundraising with the Shadar Rabbi Shmuel Dovid Reitzik. | In parallel with his role as a Mashpia, he continued, following the Rebbe's instructions, in his position as a Shadar (emissary fundraiser) which he would fulfill during the months of Elul - Kislev. In this capacity, he would travel to the United States for fundraising with the Shadar Rabbi Shmuel Dovid Reitzik. | ||
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He was also among those who worked extensively for the Rebbe's shluchim to the Holy Land. | He was also among those who worked extensively for the Rebbe's shluchim to the Holy Land. | ||
After 27 Adar and 3 Tammuz | ==After 27 Adar and 3 Tammuz== | ||
Following 27 Adar and 3 Tammuz, against the backdrop of the concealment that appeared then and enveloped the Chassidic community, Reb Mendel's Chassidic personality and his firm faith and hiskashrus shone forth. | Following 27 Adar and 3 Tammuz, against the backdrop of the concealment that appeared then and enveloped the Chassidic community, Reb Mendel's Chassidic personality and his firm faith and hiskashrus shone forth. | ||
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I'll translate this document while keeping Judaic terms intact and organizing it with headings. | I'll translate this document while keeping Judaic terms intact and organizing it with headings. | ||
[[File:6426e5b8892f5 1680270776 news main gallery.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Reb Mendel during a Farbrengen in Kfar Chabad]] | |||
== Traveling to the Rebbe for Tishrei and Kvutza == | === Traveling to the Rebbe for Tishrei and Kvutza === | ||
Before Tishrei 1993, the first month of holidays after 27 Adar, Reb Mendel farbrenged with the Tmimim and Anash in the yeshiva in Kfar for about five hours, with his words being interrupted by crying and prayers that the obstacles should be removed. Along with this, he emphasized that from our side we must "make vessels" - travel to the Rebbe as we were accustomed to every year, and the "vessels" themselves will "draw down light" and hasten the Rebbe's revelation. Reb Mendel's words were written down by his student Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Ginzburg and published for all Anash in the 'Opinions' section of the Kfar Chabad weekly and stirred reactions. | Before Tishrei 1993, the first month of holidays after 27 Adar, Reb Mendel farbrenged with the Tmimim and Anash in the yeshiva in Kfar for about five hours, with his words being interrupted by crying and prayers that the obstacles should be removed. Along with this, he emphasized that from our side we must "make vessels" - travel to the Rebbe as we were accustomed to every year, and the "vessels" themselves will "draw down light" and hasten the Rebbe's revelation. Reb Mendel's words were written down by his student Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Ginzburg and published for all Anash in the 'Opinions' section of the Kfar Chabad weekly and stirred reactions. | ||
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Even after 3 Tammuz, before Tishrei 1995, Reb Mendel expressed a firm position about the need to travel to the Rebbe even in the current situation. In discussions of the Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad administration when it was proposed to shorten the stay of Kvutza students in 770, Reb Mendel protested: "A complete year! Not even one minute less!" He was also asked then by his student Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Ginzburg if it could be said in his name that even now after 3 Tammuz one needs to travel to the Rebbe for Tishrei. Upon hearing the question's wording, Reb Mendel exclaimed: "What? 'Need to travel'? We must travel!" Reb Mendel himself began traveling to the Rebbe for Tishrei 1995 but due to health reasons was stopped midway in England with his family where he stayed until his passing. | Even after 3 Tammuz, before Tishrei 1995, Reb Mendel expressed a firm position about the need to travel to the Rebbe even in the current situation. In discussions of the Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad administration when it was proposed to shorten the stay of Kvutza students in 770, Reb Mendel protested: "A complete year! Not even one minute less!" He was also asked then by his student Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Ginzburg if it could be said in his name that even now after 3 Tammuz one needs to travel to the Rebbe for Tishrei. Upon hearing the question's wording, Reb Mendel exclaimed: "What? 'Need to travel'? We must travel!" Reb Mendel himself began traveling to the Rebbe for Tishrei 1995 but due to health reasons was stopped midway in England with his family where he stayed until his passing. | ||
== Encouragement and Vitality in Matters of Moshiach == | === Encouragement and Vitality in Matters of Moshiach === | ||
The niggun "Chayalei Adoneinu Moshiach Tzidkeinu" was always familiar on Reb Mendel's tongue. | The niggun "Chayalei Adoneinu Moshiach Tzidkeinu" was always familiar on Reb Mendel's tongue. | ||
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After 3 Tammuz, when they wanted to donate a 'Yechi' sign for the walls of the zal in the yeshiva in Kfar Chabad, they asked Reb Mendel whether to add before it "and soon we will merit to Yechi..." and the like because of the differences of opinion, he answered: "No! Don't add, don't subtract, and don't change! | After 3 Tammuz, when they wanted to donate a 'Yechi' sign for the walls of the zal in the yeshiva in Kfar Chabad, they asked Reb Mendel whether to add before it "and soon we will merit to Yechi..." and the like because of the differences of opinion, he answered: "No! Don't add, don't subtract, and don't change! | ||
== Love Between Chassidim and Rejection of Discord == | === Love Between Chassidim and Rejection of Discord === | ||
During this period of helem v'hester (concealment) when differences of opinion increased, Reb Mendel emphasized several times the absolute necessity for love and unity to prevail among chassidim. | During this period of helem v'hester (concealment) when differences of opinion increased, Reb Mendel emphasized several times the absolute necessity for love and unity to prevail among chassidim. | ||
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His father, Rabbi Menachem Mendel - passed away on 25 Nissan 1906. His mother, Mrs. Mariasha Badna - passed away on 5 Menachem Av 1958. | His father, Rabbi Menachem Mendel - passed away on 25 Nissan 1906. His mother, Mrs. Mariasha Badna - passed away on 5 Menachem Av 1958. | ||
His grandfather was Rabbi Chaim | His grandfather was Rabbi Chaim Futerfas. | ||
His wife was Mrs. Leah, daughter of R' Ben Zion Robinson - passed away on 5 Kislev 2003, buried in London cemetery. | His wife was Mrs. Leah, daughter of R' Ben Zion Robinson - passed away on 5 Kislev 2003, buried in London cemetery. | ||
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His brother was Rabbi Hendel Lieberman - a Chassidic artist. | His brother was Rabbi Hendel Lieberman - a Chassidic artist. | ||
== Brothers-in-law == | === Brothers-in-law === | ||
* Rabbi Yehoshua Shneur Zalman Serebransky | * Rabbi Yehoshua Shneur Zalman Serebransky | ||
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* Rabbi Yehoshua Korf | * Rabbi Yehoshua Korf | ||
== Children == | === Children === | ||
R' Mendel had six children, four of whom passed away in childhood during the difficult days in Soviet Russia: | R' Mendel had six children, four of whom passed away in childhood during the difficult days in Soviet Russia: | ||
* His daughter, Mrs. Dabrusha, wife of Rabbi Chaim Shmuel Menachem Mendel Liberov. She was killed in a car accident on 8 Elul 1971, leaving 11 orphans. R' Mendel and his wife devoted themselves to raising her children. | * His daughter, Mrs. Dabrusha, wife of Rabbi Chaim Shmuel Menachem Mendel Liberov. She was killed in a car accident on 8 Elul 1971, leaving 11 orphans. R' Mendel and his wife devoted themselves to raising her children. | ||
* His son, Rabbi Shalom Dov Ber (Berel) | * His son, Rabbi Shalom Dov Ber (Berel) Futerfas - formerly a board member of Chabad institutions in London, moved to Crown Heights in 2008. | ||
* His son, Leibel - passed away in childhood. | * His son, Leibel - passed away in childhood. | ||
* His son, Avraham - passed away in childhood. | * His son, Avraham - passed away in childhood. | ||
| Line 210: | Line 216: | ||
== Further Reading == | == Further Reading == | ||
" | "My Gulag Life: Stories of a Soviet Prisoner" The Life of Reb Mendel Futerfas. By Dovid Zaklikowski, Hasidic Archives Publishing. | ||
"Reb Mendel: Biography and Exciting Stories of Mashpia Reb Mendel Futerfas" By Mendi Kluger, Kehot Publication Society. | |||
==External Links== | |||
[https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/419531/jewish/Tightrope-of-Life.htm Soviet File on Chassidim’s Daring Escape Reveals Dramatic Chronicle] - Anash.org | |||
[https://www.chabad.org/calendar/view/day_cdo/aid/4370101/jewish/Passing-of-R-Mendel-Futerfas.htm Passing of R. Mendel Futerfas] - Chabad.org | |||
Rabbi | [https://chabadinfo.com/magazine/what-did-reb-mendel-furterfas-day-about-saying-yechi/ What Did Reb Mendel Furterfas Say About Saying “Yechi”?] - Chabadinfo.com | Rabbi Yisrael Elfenbein | ||
[https://www.chabad.org/therebbe/livingtorah/player_cdo/aid/2243609/jewish/Think-of-Me-and-Ill-Think-of-You.htm Think of Me, and I’ll Think of You] -Chabad.org | "My Encounter" produced by JEM | |||
[https://anash.org/the-man-who-would-not-be-a-tzaddik-in-peltz/ The Chosid Who Would Not Be a “Tzaddik in Peltz”] - Anash.org | |||
[https://derher.org/wp-content/uploads/54-Adar-5777-05.pdf Reb Mendel Futerfas, A Living Legend]-A Chassidisher Derher | |||
[https://anash.org/first-ever-comprehensive-biography-of-reb-mendel-futerfas-in-preparation/ First-Ever Comprehensive Biography of Reb Mendel Futerfas in Preparation]- Anash.org | |||
[https://anash.org/reb-mendel-futerfas-farbrengen-on-yud-shvat-5740/ Historic Recording: Reb Mendel Futerfas’ Yud Shvat Farbrengen]- Anash.org | |||
[https://anash.org/podcaster-explores-the-story-of-reb-mendel-futerfas/ Podcaster Explores the Story of Reb Mendel Futerfas]-Anash.org | Jewish History Soundbites | |||
[https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/419531/jewish/Tightrope-of-Life.htm Tightrope of Life] - Chabad.org | Article by Moshe Bryski | |||
==Footnotes== | |||
== | |||
[[he:מנחם מענדל פוטרפס]] | [[he:מנחם מענדל פוטרפס]] | ||