Remembering the Rebbe of Seret-Vizhnitz: A Legacy of Love and Community

Before the massive funeral held on Wednesday, I spoke with Rabbi Simcha Shtatner, a devoted follower of the Rebbe, who had a close connection with him for many years. Despite the sorrow of the moment, the rabbi shared memories of the beloved leader with our readers.

The Rebbe had made his home in Haifa, in the community established by his father, Rabbi Baruch Hager (the 'Makor Baruch') of Seret-Vizhnitz. He led his community for fifty years with immense love for his fellow Jews and a unique warmth, thousands of his followers attest: "Each of us felt like his only child..." May his merit protect us all.

About twenty years ago, the Rebbe's half-brother, Rabbi Chaim Naftali Adler, passed away. The Rebbe observed 'shiva' with his siblings, and I came among hundreds of others to offer my condolences.

Naturally, at such an event, the house was filled with notable personalities and their aides, while crowds of onlookers squeezed in between. During such times, ordinary followers find it hard to be acknowledged as usual.

When I entered the house, I found an available chair, sat at a distance, and waited for the area near the Rebbe to clear so I could offer my words of condolence. The Rebbe noticed me unexpectedly and signaled for me to approach. Surprised that he even saw me, he tried to find us a few quiet inches in the place for a personal moment...

The Rebbe of Seret-Vizhnitz at his grandson's Bar Mitzvah

Rabbi Shtatner pauses with emotion and emphasizes an additional point - a story within a story: I approached the Rebbe and leaned towards him. He was sitting on a low chair due to mourning customs and seemed to want a private conversation.

The Rebbe thought for some reason that I was kneeling towards him. He became alert!

"A Jew must not kneel," he told me in Yiddish, clearly intended to prevent me from bowing on his account. I assured him that I had simply bent my legs slightly but was still standing, then he relaxed. It was important to him not to cause me any discomfort. And now listen to what mattered most to him to ask -

A few months prior, my wife had undergone a medical issue that required treatment and monitoring. We consulted with the Rebbe, who blessed us for a peaceful outcome and referred us to specialists. Now, as I entered to console him in his mourning, this was all that concerned him...

Surely, there had been hundreds of cases presented to him since our visit. Now, while he was in mourning for his brother, I saw how deeply the loss pained him. Yet he remembered that there had been a check-up two weeks prior and was eager to know that everything was alright!

Another poignant moment the Rebbe shared with me: Since the Holocaust, said the Rebbe, I cannot bear to see a child crying or suffering.

I shower them with love - the Rebbe expressed with deep emotion, and simply stated what certainly all his countless spiritual children felt towards him - and they return that love...

Rabbi Shtatner concluded with another memory from over thirty years ago. He and his wife entered the Rebbe's room for a blessing and advice. The Rebbe stood up, went to an inner room, brought toys suitable for the age of their young son, and even at sixty showed them how to play... Only then did he listen to their questions.