Heichal HaNegina

This coming week, on the 13th and 16th of Kislev, are the yahrzeits of the first two Rebbes of Modzitz, pictured above.

The Shabbos before a yahrzeit is a special one in Modzitz, and many of the Chassidim and those close to Modzitz make a point to be in Bnei Brak with the Rebbe Shlita for that Shabbos. The entire Shabbos is "flavored" with a focus on the Torah and Negina of the particular Rebbe whose yahrzeit is coming up (both, in this case), infusing those present with a heightened awareness and sensitivity to the upcoming yahrzeit.

The actual yahrzeit Tishes will be on Sunday night - the yahrzeit of the Divrei Yisrael, first Modzitzer Rebbe who composed the Ezkera niggun, a complex, symphonic work consisting of some 36 parts, which is sung at the Tish. It is scheduled to begin at approximately 9 PM with Ma'ariv, at the Rebbe Shlita's Beis Medrash, located 20 Rechov Habakuk in Bnei Brak. There will also be a Yahrzeit Seuda in the Modzitz Shtibel in Flatbush [Brooklyn, NY] with Ma'ariv at 7:00 PM and the Seuda to follow, led by R. Ben Zion Shenker.

The Yahrzeit of the second Modzitzer Rebbe, Rebbe Shaul Yedidya Elazar, known as the Imrei Shaul, is on Wednesday night. The Imrei Shaul is considered the most prolific Chassidic composer of niggunim, with some 1,000 masterpieces to his credit. Ma'ariv and Tish are scheduled at the same time in Bnei Brak as on Sunday. In Flatbush however, Ma'ariv will be at 8:45 PM with the Seuda to follow.

There is a possiblity of a THIRD Tish on Thursday, when the Rebbe comes to Yerushalayim to the Imrei Shaul's Tzion [gravesite] on Har HaZeisim [Mt. of Olives]. Watch this space!

[The links above are to my postings on these Rebbes from last year, and contain further links for those interested.]

Zechusam Yagein Aleinu - May their merits protect us all!