Shalom Friends,
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With blessings,
Rabbi Zvi Miller
In the summer of 2001, news began to circulate about the discovery of Rav Yisrael Salanter's gravesite in Konigsberg, Russia. The investigation had been in progress for some ten years. Then in the winter of that year, HaShem gave His blessing and identified the resting place of the tzadik. The prestigious committee that conducted the search organized a dedication ceremony to take place a few days after the ninth of Av.
How I longed to stand at the kever of our holy and beloved master! In HaShem's Divine Providence, at the same time, the first draft was completed, my dream became attainable. With the encouragement of my righteous wife, I made a reservation for the trip. The four-day itinerary included a visit to Minsk, Voloshin, Radin, Vilna, Kovna, Kelm, Slabodka, and then finally to Konigsberg.
And that by the grace of HaShem -- so it was. On the tenth of Av, we flew from Tel Aviv to Minsk. Our group of 250 was comprised of roshei yeshivot, mashgichim, rabbanim, and other distinguished members of Klal Yisrael. The meaningfulness of our mission charged the atmosphere with a sense of excitement and a nobility of purpose.
After three extraordinary days of exploring our roots, the trip came to the climax. We entered Konigsberg early Thursday morning. Perhaps it was more as if Konigsberg entered us. We felt as if Rav Yisrael welcomed us to the city, as if his dignified presence was amongst us.
In the early afternoon, we assembled around his kever. There we crossed the threshold into new dimensions of spirituality and joy. As Psalms were said, tears flowed from our eyes, tears that rose from the depths of our souls. The uniqueness of our experience may be expressed by the words of Yaacov Avinu, "Surely HaShem is present in this place!"
It was the most profound moment of my life. We had seen a glimpse of the Light of Israel!
Preface \ Ohr Yisrael
