It's Thursday night, five minutes to midnight in Rostov, Russia.
We arrived here Tuesday morning, so I've had three special days. I think they've been successful, but the jury is still out on that. Because success can only be gauged if there's an objective and benchmarks.
My objective in coming to Russia was in re-connecting with special places, sacred spaces, which reflect my core identity.
That sounds pretty vague, so let me put it this way:
I'm born American, and proud of it. But Chassidism in general, and specifically Chabad Chassidism, have their roots in Ukraine and Russia. In the past few days I have visited (in the Ukrainian hamlet of Mezhibuzh) the synagogue and resting place of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Chassidism. I have visited (in the little town of Haditch) the gravesite of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad. And quite a few others.
Yes, I've visited a bunch of graves.
I've also visited places with timeless energy. You see, we bury bodies, we don't bury souls. By visiting these gravesites, I have the opportunity to achieve a greater connection with these greats and their values.
In a way, I'm coming face to face with my very identity. Chabad Chassidic thought isn't just a philosophy to which I happen to subscribe, it's my very identity and they lens through I [hope to consistently] view the world.
If I can connect with the spiritual giants who blazed a path for people to achieve genuine connection with self, humanity and with the Divine, than I'm more alive than ever.
I hope to write again before Shabbos,
Mendy
Laura Waitze Zuckerman wrote...
My family is from Russia, although I have never been there. I would love to visit one day.
Keep us posted on your daily thoughts.
dug wrote...
say "what-up?" from me and sara to all those dead guys. : )
safe trip
shalom
mendy herson wrote...
Talmud Berachos 18a
:)
Mendy Herson wrote...
You should research and connect with your roots!
Many of us have roots in Eastern Europe. Personally, my family - on both sides - came from Poland.
But my spiritual genealogy can primarily be found in Russia/Ukraine (and Babylonia/Israel before that!), which is why I went on the trip.
Mendy