Ma Tovu Ohalecha Yaakov...

As many of you may know, the ohel (mausoleum) over the kever of the Rebbe shlit"a's father, Rebbe Reb Yaakov Yisroel, ztz"l, was recently renovated. Much needed new doors were added. Beautiful Jerusalemite stone now makes up the exterior of the building. It is quite befitting as the love the tzaddikim had for Eretz Yisroel was always apparent, and the seforim hakedoshim mention that the grave of a tzadik has kedushas Eretz Yisroel.
 

For those who knew the Rebbe Rav Yaakov Yisroel, ztz”l, nothing can be said to do his memory justice; being in his presence changed you. For those who were not as fortunate, the stories of his life and the teachings that have been passed down must suffice. All of us have been touched in one way or another by the Rebbe, ztz”l, some more profoundly than others, but every single man, woman and child has been affected by this great tzadik’s wisdom, vision and love. Through the influence of his son, our Rebbe shlit”a, we are all his children, his students, his chassidim. It is told that the Rebbe, ztz”l said that he would help members of the community who came to his grave in their times of need. There are a number of known instances when those who did come to daven at his tziyun were indeed helped.

A group of frequent visitors of the tziyun could not help but think about what else could be done to bring about merit to the tzadik for one, and in addition to strengthen the connection to him and his legacy. After discussing it with the Rebbe, we have decided to...

(1) Put up a Ner Tamid, one for the Rebbe's father and one for the Rebbe's mother. A representation of the eternity of the soul, the Ner Tamid, with the Almighty’s help, will always be lit. In memory and on behalf of the tzadik, we will be using olive oil, customarily the oil of choice for both its clear flame and for its Kabbalistic connotations.

 

A current view of the inside of the ohel

(2) Similarly, we would like to supply the ohel with tea-lights or yahrtzeit lechtelech for those who wish to kindle a light in the merit of the tzadik. Many have the custom to light a candle in the memory of the tzadik, especially on the day of his yahrtzeit. The importance of lighting a candle on behalf of one who has passed is apparent from the fact that there were numerous tzadikim who guaranteed their help to those who would light such a candle for them.

(3) I think it would be most appropriate to purchase a number of Tehilims intended expressly for use at the Ohel. They will be marked with the chapters which are customarily said upon visiting the grave of a tzadik. These Tehilims shall not be removed from the Ohel. 

(4) Also, we need to purchase two "candle boxes" to protect the oil candles from wind. A shelf to place them on would also be appropriate.

(5) The new doors that have already been put up are looking for a sponsor as well.

Anyone who wishes to partake in this mitzvah of being mezakeh harabim and strengthening their connection to the tzadik is encouraged to do so. One may sponsor a month or year of oil, any number of Tehilim books, a supply of candles, the cost of wicks, etc.

To donate for any of the above mentioned things or for the beautification and upkeep of the inside of the ohel, please email twerskitorah@gmail.com or contact Rav Benzion Twerski, shlit"a.

May the merit of the tzadikim protect us and all of Klal Yisroel!