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Rabbi Menachem Shmuel Dovid Raichik: Difference between revisions
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== Life History == | == Life History == | ||
Rabbi Raichik was born on April 2, 1918, to Shimon and Leiba Dvora Raichik in Mlawa, Poland. In 1936, following the advice of the Rebbe of Amshinov, he enrolled in the [[Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim|Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch]] Yeshiva in Otwock, Poland. During this period, he grew in his observance of mitzvos and prayer service. His Shabbos morning prayers sometimes lasted six hours. At night, when reciting the bedtime Shema, he would often be immersed in deep contemplation until the early morning hours, sometimes until morning prayers. During the day, he devoted himself to studying Talmud. | Rabbi Raichik was born on April 2, 1918, to Shimon and Leiba Dvora Raichik in Mlawa, Poland. In 1936, following the advice of the Rebbe of Amshinov, he enrolled in the [[Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim|Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch]] Yeshiva in Otwock, Poland. During this period, he grew in his observance of mitzvos and prayer service. His [[Shabbos]] morning prayers sometimes lasted six hours. At night, when reciting [[Krias Shema She'al HaMitah|the bedtime Shema]], he would often be immersed in deep contemplation until the early morning hours, sometimes until morning prayers. During the day, he devoted himself to studying Talmud. | ||
In yeshiva, Rabbi Raichik became close to the [[The Rebbe Rayatz|Previous Rebbe]] (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn) and quickly became one of the "chozrim" - those responsible for memorizing and transcribing the Rebbe's talks for publication. | In yeshiva, Rabbi Raichik became close to the [[The Rebbe Rayatz|Previous Rebbe]] (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn) and quickly became one of the "chozrim" - those responsible for memorizing and transcribing the Rebbe's talks for publication. | ||
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Throughout this period, Rabbi Raichik maintained contact with the Rebbe, who, in addition to massive fundraising for rescue efforts of Jews from German-occupied territories and Russia, raised money to send to Shanghai. | Throughout this period, Rabbi Raichik maintained contact with the Rebbe, who, in addition to massive fundraising for rescue efforts of Jews from German-occupied territories and Russia, raised money to send to Shanghai. | ||
Upon arriving in [[the United States]], the Rebbe appointed him to travel throughout North America to seek out Jews, both in groups and individually, to identify local community needs and strengthen Jewish identity. For many months, he crisscrossed the United States, eating only sardines, fruits, and vegetables, visiting Jews in places like Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, to establish schools and mikvahs, generally paving the way for future Jewish renewal. | Upon arriving in [[the United States]], the Rebbe appointed him to travel throughout North America to seek out Jews, both in groups and individually, to identify local community needs and strengthen Jewish identity. For many months, he crisscrossed [[United States of America|the United States]], eating only sardines, fruits, and vegetables, visiting Jews in places like Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, to establish schools and mikvahs, generally paving the way for future Jewish renewal. | ||
Due to his gentle nature, people took an immediate liking to Rabbi Raichik. Much of the post-war Jewish infrastructure in many cities across the United States can be attributed to his tireless efforts. | Due to his gentle nature, people took an immediate liking to Rabbi Raichik. Much of the post-war Jewish infrastructure in many cities across the United States can be attributed to his tireless efforts. | ||
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In addition to his work as the Rebbe's emissary in Los Angeles, he continued traveling throughout the United States for several months each year to spread Judaism and pave the way for future emissaries in certain locations. Another of his duties as the Rebbe's traveling emissary was to collect funds (called "ma'amad"), which were personal funds for the Rebbe's private use. These funds traditionally contain an amount of money given annually by Chabad Chassidim. | In addition to his work as the Rebbe's emissary in Los Angeles, he continued traveling throughout the United States for several months each year to spread Judaism and pave the way for future emissaries in certain locations. Another of his duties as the Rebbe's traveling emissary was to collect funds (called "ma'amad"), which were personal funds for the Rebbe's private use. These funds traditionally contain an amount of money given annually by Chabad Chassidim. | ||
When in spring 1967 the Rebbe launched the Tefillin campaign, Rabbi Raichik became actively involved, making daily rounds in the Fairfax area of Los Angeles where he lived, to find Jewish men who had not yet put on tefillin that day. He continued this practice until his passing. | When in spring 1967 the Rebbe launched [[Mivtza Tefillin|the Tefillin campaign]], Rabbi Raichik became actively involved, making daily rounds in the Fairfax area of Los Angeles where he lived, to find Jewish men who had not yet put on tefillin that day. He continued this practice until his passing. | ||
In 1990, Rabbi Raichik was appointed to the board of Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, Machne Israel, and Agudas Chassidei Chabad. | In 1990, Rabbi Raichik was appointed to the board of Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, Machne Israel, and Agudas Chassidei Chabad. | ||
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Towards the end of his life, he suffered from a serious illness but refused to let it disrupt his busy schedule. | Towards the end of his life, he suffered from a serious illness but refused to let it disrupt his busy schedule. | ||
He passed away on February 4, 1998. His funeral, which began in [[Los Angeles]] and continued to New York, was attended by thousands. In New York, the funeral procession passed through Chabad World Headquarters and continued to Montefiore Cemetery in Queens. | He passed away on February 4, 1998. His funeral, which began in [[Los Angeles]] and continued to New York, was attended by thousands. In New York, the funeral procession passed through [[770 Eastern Parkway|Chabad World Headquarters]] and continued to Montefiore Cemetery in Queens. | ||
He left behind ten children and their families, many of whom serve as rabbis worldwide. His wife Leah passed away in 2007. | He left behind ten children and their families, many of whom serve as rabbis worldwide. His wife Leah passed away in 2007. | ||