In 1951 a fire broke out in a synagogue in Rome, Italy, where Jewish refugees prayed. The fire destroyed their Sefer Torah and other religious articles, such as Taleisim and Tefillin * Since Lubavitch was known for taking care of Jewish Refugees, even if they were not Lubavitchers, they contacted the Rebbe and asked for help * In this special Shavuos installment we see the Rebbe’s involvement in this matter, and the partnership with the American Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to ensure that the refugees have all their needs.
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In this installment, we present the story of a Shul in Rome, Italy, which burned down in Spring of 1951, and the refugees were left without Talleisim, Tfillin or a Sefer Torah. They contacted the Rebbe, who partnered with the American Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to ensure that the Jews have their religious needs.
These fascinating documents are part of the JDC Archives (which were digitized and uploaded online, thanks to a grant from Dr. Georgette Bennett and Dr. Leonard Polonsky CBE).
The Rebbe’s Request
On Iyar 17th, 5711 [May 23rd, 1951], the Rebbe wrote the following letter to the JDC office in New York:
Gentlemen:
I have before me a request by the Organizzazione dei Profughi Ebrei in Italy, Via S. Basilio 9, Roma to intercede in their behalf in connection with the misfortune that befell them through a fire in their synagogue. The fire destroyed also their Sefer Torah and other religious requisites, such as holy books, Tefillin, praying shawls (Taleisim), etc. They are in urgent need to have them replaced.
I ask you to be good enough to help them in their misfortune, to replace the Sefer Torah and other articles they need for conducting their daily services and spiritual life. I am sure you appreciate what this means to them.
I will be glad to hear what steps you have taken in this matter, and I assure you of my appreciation.
With all good wishes,
JDC: We Could Supply a Sefer Torah
On June 1st, 1951 [Iyar 26th, 5711], Mr. Judah J. Shapiro (JDC – Paris) contacts Mr. Murray Gitlin (JDC – Rome) with regards to the Rebbe’s request:
Our New York office has brought to our attention a situation in Italy in which Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson is interested…
I would appreciate it if you could look into this matter and let us have a report on what actually occurred and the extent to which the group might require some assistance in the replacement of its ceremonial objects. We are in a position to supply a Sefer Torah, some taleisim, but a very limited supply of any kind of books.
We shall be looking forward to your report, so that we can determine whether action is necessary on our part, and if so, the nature of it.
One Torah, 40 Tefillin, 25 Taleisim & Books
Immediately thereafter, Rabbi Binyomin Gorodetsky, the Rebbe’s representative to Europe & North Africa took charge of the situation, and ensured that JDC supply the local Italian congregation with their needs. On June 15th, 1951 [Sivan 11th, 5711], Mr. Judah J. Shapiro (JDC – Paris) writes to Mrs. Henrietta K. Buchman (JDC – New York) about what Rabbi Gorodetsky said, and what they will try to supply to the refugees:
After receiving your letter indicating that Rabbi Gorodetzki had asked you to transmit information about the catastrophe to the Synagogue of the above-named organization, we immediately asked our Rome office to investigate the need. We are now informed that the fire occurred in the small synagogue of the Bagnoli camp and that the damage included the destruction of a Sefer Torah, 40 pairs of Tfilin, 25 Taleisim, some Sidurim and other books. In addition there was, of course, actual damage to the building which has already been repaired with AJDC funds including an Aron Kodesh and an “omed.”
A Sefer Torah has already been supplied locally and we are now making available from Paris, Taleisim and Sidurrim. Unfortunately we are unable to supply Tfilin because we have none available and I wonder whether the Lubavitcher might use their own resources to supply this one item. I would appreciate it if you would convey this information to Rabbi Gorodetzki and inform us what action his organization will be taking.
JDC to the Rebbe: You Supply Tefillin
On June 22nd, 1951 [Sivan 18th, 5711], Mrs. Henrietta K. Buchman (JDC – New York) sent a letter to the Rebbe, detailing what the JDC has provided to the refugees, and what the Rebbe should provide:
As you know from our letter of May 28th, we wrote to our overseas organization about the request you had from the Organizzazione dei Profughi Ebrei in Rome, Italy.
We have just received a report advising that the situation was known to our representative in Rome, as we had surmised. The damage to the building was repaired with JDC funds, including an Aron Kodesh and an “omed.” A Sefer Torah has already been supplied and we have made available Taleisim and Sidurim.
Our representative advises that he is not in a position to supply Tefillin because we have none available in Europe. He suggests that perhaps through your resources, some Tefillin can be sent to this congregation, and we hope you will be able to act on this suggestion.
The Rebbe: Thank You! We Will Supply Tefillin
On Tamuz 5th, 5711 [July 9th, 1951], the Rebbe’s secretary, Rabbi Nissan Mindel, wrote a “Thank You” letter to the JDC office in New York, explaining that Chabad will indeed take care of the Tefillin:
Gentlemen:
This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of June 22nd, concerning aid to the Organizzazione dei Profughi Ebrei in Rome, in connection with loss sustained from a fire.
The Rabbi שליט”א wishes me to convey to you his gratification for the consideration and helpfulness you have shown in this matter. The Rabbi שליט”א has instructed the Merkos L›Inyonei Chinuch to make some Tefillin available to them.
With all good wishes,
Cordially yours,