In 1993 an Israeli couple, Rabbi Aaron Leib Berger and his wife, decided to move to Korestin, near Vilednik in Ukraine, the city where Rabbi Yisroel Dov Ber, zt”l (1789-1850), author of Shearis Yisroel, lived and was buried. The Shearis Yisroel was a disciple of Rabbi Mordechai Twersky, zt”l (1770-1837), Chernobler Rebbe. During his lifetime, thousands journeyed to the Shearis Yisroel for blessing, inspiration, consultation, and dispensation. Before he passed away, he told his disciples that whoever would reach out and touch his door seeking help would be aided. Today, even thousands of non-Jews come to pray at his gravesite in their times of need. The Shearis Yisroel’s reputation continues to endure amongst generations of Gentiles in the area.
When the Israeli couple arrived, they began their outreach work. Elderly Jews who still remembered the pre-Holocaust observant Jewish presence quickly warmed to the couple and helped establish a regular schedule of minyanim three times a day. Before long, Yeshiva Shearis Yisroel was established in Korestin, and more than 25 boys enrolled. The yeshiva enabled the new-to-Judaism students to learn about their heritage.
Step-by-step, an after-school Torah learning program was organized for the Jewish students attending regional secular schools. A special Sunday program was added. Then, a summer camp was established. And, of course, a mikveh was built and made available to Jewish families.
A kosher kitchen was created with more than 200 meals served daily in its beginning stages. Nourishing kosher meals were delivered to shut-ins. The kitchen had a profound effect upon Jews living in the general area. Their religious identification suddenly came to life and became meaningful.
After the collapse of the Iron Curtain, thousands of Jews, mostly Chassidim, from all over the world increasingly traveled to Vilednik, to pray at the tzaddik’s Ohel (burial chamber). While there, they took notice of the incredible growth of Torah amongst the Jewish populace.
At last year’s yahrzeit celebration, a new Sefer Torah was completed, dedicated to the memory of the Shearis Yisroel, and a grand Hachnasas Sefer Torah celebration was celebrated. The Sefer Torah was placed with and is being used by Yeshiva Shearis Yisroel in Korestin.
At this year’s yahrzeit celebration, several bris ceremonies will be conducted as well as a bar mitzvah for area Jewish children. Several of the students of the yeshiva have graduated to major yeshivas in America, England, Antwerp and in Israel.
The yahrzeit of the Shearis Yisroel is on 21 Teves, corresponding to Wednesday, January 11 this year. Several groups are being organized to visit the holy site. Several will be led by veteran Eastern Europe tour guide Nachman Elbaum. Most groups will leave on Tuesday, January 9, with some returning on Thursday, January 11. The groups will visit a long list of Jewish holy sites in the Polish and Ukrainian regions. Some groups will remain for Shabbos.
When the Israeli couple arrived, they began their outreach work. Elderly Jews who still remembered the pre-Holocaust observant Jewish presence quickly warmed to the couple and helped establish a regular schedule of minyanim three times a day. Before long, Yeshiva Shearis Yisroel was established in Korestin, and more than 25 boys enrolled. The yeshiva enabled the new-to-Judaism students to learn about their heritage.
Step-by-step, an after-school Torah learning program was organized for the Jewish students attending regional secular schools. A special Sunday program was added. Then, a summer camp was established. And, of course, a mikveh was built and made available to Jewish families.
A kosher kitchen was created with more than 200 meals served daily in its beginning stages. Nourishing kosher meals were delivered to shut-ins. The kitchen had a profound effect upon Jews living in the general area. Their religious identification suddenly came to life and became meaningful.
After the collapse of the Iron Curtain, thousands of Jews, mostly Chassidim, from all over the world increasingly traveled to Vilednik, to pray at the tzaddik’s Ohel (burial chamber). While there, they took notice of the incredible growth of Torah amongst the Jewish populace.
At last year’s yahrzeit celebration, a new Sefer Torah was completed, dedicated to the memory of the Shearis Yisroel, and a grand Hachnasas Sefer Torah celebration was celebrated. The Sefer Torah was placed with and is being used by Yeshiva Shearis Yisroel in Korestin.
At this year’s yahrzeit celebration, several bris ceremonies will be conducted as well as a bar mitzvah for area Jewish children. Several of the students of the yeshiva have graduated to major yeshivas in America, England, Antwerp and in Israel.
The yahrzeit of the Shearis Yisroel is on 21 Teves, corresponding to Wednesday, January 11 this year. Several groups are being organized to visit the holy site. Several will be led by veteran Eastern Europe tour guide Nachman Elbaum. Most groups will leave on Tuesday, January 9, with some returning on Thursday, January 11. The groups will visit a long list of Jewish holy sites in the Polish and Ukrainian regions. Some groups will remain for Shabbos.
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