Chanukah, 1989: My parents, Rabbi and Mrs. Zalman Abelsky, arrived in Kishinev, Moldova.
At this stage in life, many people choose to relax, enjoy their families, and perhaps take extensive vacations. It is time to reap the rewards of their lives’ accomplishments.
The Abelskys, however, are made of different mettle. Remarkably, they chose to begin a new life, and relocated from Israel to Kishinev, Moldova, in the Former USSR. No small feat on its own, they also left behind their nearest and dearest, children and grandchildren, in Israel.
As does every chassid, Rabbi Abelsky asked the Lubavitcher Rebbe for his blessing. The Rebbe responded with a resounding, “Agree!” Thereupon, Rabbi Abelsky, together with his wife, Rebbetzin Leah, made history as the first shluchim (emissaries) to the Soviet Union. Their pilot mission paved the road for those who would follow in their footsteps at least a decade later.
The Jewish historical background of Kishinev is a good place to begin the unique story of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Abelsky. In the late 18th century, the seeds of the Chabad/Lubavitch movement began to sprout in this part of the world.
At that time, the Jewish community in Kishinev was both powerless and indigent. They struggled to eke out a meager livelihood.
Leaders of the fledgling Chabad movement were involved and instrumental in finding jobs, housing and basic needs for the community.
The Rebbe RaYYaTz, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, zt”l, previous Lubavitcher Rebbe wrote a letter (Volume 6, page 292) describing how difficult life in Moldova was at that time. The letter reports that taxes in Moldova were very high, and specifically mentions the plight of the Jews in Kalarash and Bendery. They were not allowed to own property and this decree weighed heavily on the community.
The Tzemach Tzedek, third Lubavitcher Rebbe, sent his son Reb Shmuel (who would succeed his father) to Odessa and Kishinev to raise funds in order to help the people retain their businesses and homes.
Rabbi Abelsky’s connection to Moldova goes back several decades. In 1948 the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe entrusted him with a vital mission, saving refugees. Years later in 1971 at a farbrengen (chassidic gathering) the Rebbe announced that the chassidim should elect a UN body in 770 and all its representatives should declare that Eretz Yisroel belongs to the Jewish people. (Then, too, the UN vilified Israel and had voted to decide if Israel really belongs to the Jews.) The Rebbe’s “UN” would be the antidote for the calumny at the UN in New York.
Every country chose a representative, but two were left without “ambassadors,” Egypt and Romania. The Rebbe appointed Rabbi Abelsky to be envoy for Romania,, since the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe had already delegated him as emissary to that country.
When Rabbi Abelsky passed in front of the Rebbe, the Rebbe gave him a dollar for charity, then added: “Take another one for all the Jews of Romania.
In April 1990 few month after Rabbi & Rebbetzin Abelsky arrived in Moldova. I joined my parents in the effort to rebuild Jewish life.
I have wonderful memories from that visit as I saw with my own eyes how my parents’ dream had come to fruition. A new excitement stirred the Jewish community – they could practice their Judaism freely, even though most did not even know exactly what that meant.
A few weeks after I arrived, we arranged a Lag B’Omer parade. This was a Herculean task, since it wasn’t easy for people to march openly in the street. It was also difficult to get the necessary permit from the local police. Our work paid off. Proudly, a few-hundred strong, we marched through the streets of Kishinev, banners in hand. The police didn’t escort us, nor did they give us the requisite permit. As expected I was forced to exit Moldova “in high-fashion.”
Twenty years later, in 2010, Moldova has undergone tremendous change. It is now the poorest country in Europe, so a large percentage of the population works outside Moldova.
It is highly likely that the Western Union office in Moldova is the busiest on earth. A large percentage of Jews left the country and emigrated to Israel, Germany, USA, and across the globe. According to official numbers, Moldova started with 70,000 Jews, vs. 8-10,000 today.
These days, my nephew, Mendy Zalmanov, is very involved in the Kishinev Jewish community. He called me few weeks ago, and asked for some information about the first Lag B’Omer parade…. what memories. At the same time I also gave him names of three families that had been actively involved in organizing that groundbreaking Lag B’Omer parade in Moldova.: Imas – Nesher, Israel; Bitkin– Hebron, Israel’ and Shtauber – San Francisco, California.
Often we say: History will judge. I think that 20 years is sufficient time to decide. The Abelskys and Chabad activities continue to enhance the lives of thousands of men, women, and children, both spiritually and physically. The Jewish community benefited greatly and continues to do so even as I write.
As a renowned educator for many years, Rabbi Abelsky always believed not to push individuals and allow each to grow at his and her level
Twenty years later, we can measure our success by describing the Bitkin, Imas and Shtauber families.
I got an email this week from Lily (Imas) Namir. At the time of that first parade, she was a young girl; today she has a Bar- Mitzvah boy. Lily is not observant, but she was clear that her son Yogev must have his Bar -Mitzvah at the Kotel.
When the Shtauber twins met Chabad for the first time, they were then 12- years old. Today they have families and live as Chabad Chassidim.
Valoda Bitkin, with the help of Rabbi Abelsky, today is Zeev. He chose to live in Hebron.
I would like to thank you for your support in all aspects. You were the perfect messengers of G-D to be there and continue the great work that Chabad has done in Moldova for almost 200 years.
With a personal prayer to Hashem, please give my parents Rabbi and Mrs. Abelsky health and strength to continue their important mission and role of leading and assisting the Jews of Kishinev and Moldova. May we merit to see the Gathering of Israel in the Holy Land with the complete Redemption in our days.
Zushe Abelsky
June 16th, 2010
4th of Tamuz 5770
