The Kalover Rebbe and A Visit From My Scottsdale Rabbi

Hi Everyone,

The week is once again winding down here as shabbat is soon coming in and I am reflecting on all the things that have been happening. I am meticulous about sharing as much as possible with all of you, ensuring not to forget anything while it's current and still fresh on my mind so that the blog entries do not lose their vitality and enthusiasm.

Anyway, so why I am saying this? Because I sat in bed last night, unable to sleep because our dilapitated room fan is no match to the Jerusalem humidity, and I realized that I still had some news to share with you all before shabbat.

No, I'm not engaged! But, b'ezras haShem (with God's help), it should be soon! I couldn't help but recognize the suspense building up so I had to take it for a spin!!! Sorry :)

Firstly, the Kalover Rebbe, Rabbi Moshe Taub from Williamsburg, Brooklyn, came to our Yeshiva on Monday to speak with students. I had never heard of this branch of Hassidim before and no wonder, because they're one of the minor Hassidic branches existing today. However, that belies their significance as a Hassidic dynasty because the first Kalover Rebbe was the first Hassidic Rebbe in Hungary. This group--like all Hassidic groups--is named after the place in Eastern Europe where it originated, Kaliv, Hungary.

So, what's so exciting about Hassidic Rebbes? Well, they are very special people that possess what's called "ruach hakodesh", or holy spirit meaning they're living on a spiritual plane that most people will never attain or understand. Consequently, it is beleived by many (don't trust me, read the Hassidic stories) that Hassidic Rebbes are capable of strong foresight and spiritual intellect.

The Kalover Rebbe, R' Moshe Taub, is known world-wide and travels the globe speaking with Jews everywhere. He is known to simply feel your hands and gain insight into who you are. Sounds farfetched, right? It's not. I waited apprehensively outside the classroom with ten other yeshiva guys as the Rebbe's assistant would call the next name on the list in his thick yiddish accent. When I went in, the Rebbe was seated and his smile was infectious and glowing with holiness. He asked me my name, where I'm from, how long I've been learning in yeshiva, etc. He took my hand and held it tightly, intermittenly squeezing my cheeks, and told me the areas of my live where I'm having doubt or indecision about what to do. He told me I'm a very nervous, energetic person with something to say about everything and that a career in medicine linked with a life dedicated to Torah and Mitzvoth is a praiseworthy way to serve the Almighty.

Here's a picture someone took of me while the Rebbe, shlita, was giving me a blessing.

As I said, today Kaliv is very small and has a community in Williamsburgh, NY and Jerusalem, Israel. Most of the hassidim left Europe after the holocaust and you won't find any Kalover hassidim in Kaliv, Hungary today.

In addition, on Tuesday of this another very special Rabbi came to visit me. This one I know quite well though as he is my Rav from Scottsdale, Arizona. He was giving lectures in Europe and stopped in Israel to spend time with his father, who lives here. Also, Rabbi Shoshan's twin brother teaches at my Yeshiva and they give the name "twins" a whole new meaning! :)

Here's a picture of the two of them in the Beit Midrash. I think I finally am able to distinguish them but it takes a close eye!

Shabbat Shalom! I'm off to Beitar for shabbos. It's an ultra-orthodox settlement in the West Bank. But not to worry! There's 35,000 Jews living there and it's well-fortified. One of my rabbis, Rav Lerner, invited me to his home and I'm very excited. His town is one of the fastest growing in Israel, claiming the fastest birth rate and population growth in all of Israel. Check out their website (in english) if you have a chance. The community looks very surreal, almost like the "ideal" city.

All my best,

Jordan

Jordan