Gathering of Avreichim of Shuvu Banim in Old City for Yahrzeit of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Bender ZY”A

In honor of the yahrzeit of the great Mashpia of the last generation, Moreinu HaRav Levi Yitzchak Bender zt”l, whose teachings and leadership serve as a guiding light for the entire community of Chasidei Breslov, an uplifting gathering was held on Wednesday, the 21st of Tammuz – the eve of the yahrzeit – for the avreichim of the "Kollel Student Organization" in our Beit Midrash in the Old City, close to the site of the Holy Temple.

The special gathering began with an uplifting Minchah prayer and netilat yadayim for the meal in honor of the yahrzeit. The hall was packed to the brim with the avreichim of the “Hit’achdut HaAvreichim (Kollel Student Organization),” who came together to elevate themselves and hear words of chizzuk and firsthand accounts from the students of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak zt”l. The event was opened by Rabbi Baruch Mordechai Frank shlit”a, with emotional words that penetrated the heart. In his remarks, he emphasized the foundation of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s approach regarding yahrzeit meals and stories about Tzaddikim — that they are only to be told when they bring practical lessons and good conduct that can be acquired. At the start of his address, he elaborated on the essence of the month of “Tammuz,” explaining it as an acronym for "Zichru Torat Moshe — Remember the Torah of Moshe” — to learn and teach from the stories and conduct of the Tzaddikim, for their words are their remembrance. He then shared firsthand stories, full of grace and vitality, that he merited to witness. His words dripped with honey, and the hall was filled with the palpable sense that we were standing before Rabbi Levi Yitzchak zt”l himself. Rabbi Frank stressed Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s special love for ba’alei teshuvah (returnees to Judaism), and the warm place he reserved for the avreichim of our holy community, with a love beyond measure. When he concluded his words, an emotional and fascinating panel discussion was held, with the participation of his close students: R’ Baruch Mordechai Frank shlit”a, R’ David Shlomo Gabai shlit”a, R’ Yitzchak Wintzdelar shlit”a, and R’ Yosef Marian shlit”a. One story after another flowed, in the closeness of friends, in an exalted and emotional atmosphere. The attendees sat fascinated, mouths open and hearts open wide, to hear and to be strengthened by the awesome spiritual heights that the chassid Rabbi Yitzchak had ascended to -- through devekut, self‑sacrifice, persistence, and holy conduct. The panel participants complemented each other’s words, clarified details, and together wove a tapestry of a life of greatness. After the panel, a special shiur from Moreinu HaRav Berland shlit”a was screened. With loving regard for the participants of the gathering and the leadership of the “Hit’achdut,” he illuminated the path of his great teacher, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak zt”l, with the light of understanding and practical service of Hashem. For Birkat HaMazon, the devoted director of the institutions, R’ Natan Hananiya shlit”a, was honored. He also expressed thanks on behalf of all the participants for the great merit of continuing the illuminating path and increasing love, camaraderie, peace, and friendship — in the way of our great Rabbi z”l and his students. With hearts overflowing and vessels filled with chizzuk and ascent, the gathering concluded, as the avreichim of our community internalized and strengthened their connection to the true Tzaddik according to the path we learned from Rabbi Levi Yitzchak — may his merit protect us and all of Israel, Amen.