Kfar Chabad, Israel, May 2nd 1957--exactly 58 years ago today.
Fedayeen terrorists murdered five children and their teacher in cold blood. The Chassidim, recent Russian immigrants, who tenaciously built the farming village from scratch in the shadow of the terror of Stalinist Russia -- were devastated. They penned a letter to the Rebbe, asking whether they should consider abandoning the dream of a Chassidic Village, and move to a more secure city. Their spirit was broken.
In New York, the Rebbe mourned with them. For three days, the Rebbe closed his door – in seclusion.
His answer, in a telegram, was a mere three words: Behemshech habinyan tinacheimu – With the resumption of building—you will be comforted.
In those three words, the Rebbe imparted so much.
The answer to mourning… is to have the courage to build.
The answer to terrorism… is to find an inner strength.
The answer to despair… is hope.
The Rebbe then immediately dispatched emissaries to vitalize the Chassidim and to energize the village. The Rebbe’s response saved the village and the town of Kfar Chabad thrives today.
The message of this date rings out to us today. Let us respond to our seemingly insurmountable life-struggles by courageously building our lives… with strength and hope.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Yisroel Hecht