19 Shvat 5700, Reb Levik Arrives In Exile
On the -19th of Shevat 5700, Reb Levi Yitzchok, the Rebbe’s father, arrived in his place of exile in Chiali, Kazakhstan, After being sent there by the Russian communist government. Here is the story of his arrival • Full Story
Reb Levik was considered a dangerous prisoner in the eyes of the Russian government, for spreading Yidishkeit without giving any attention to the restrictions from the communist regime. Therefore, they sent him to exile in the furthest place possible, Chile, Kazakhstan.
It was a massive prison that didn’t need any guards to make sure no one escapes. It was simply impossible to escape. Chiali was surrounded by hundreds of kilometers of swamps.
This also made the air thick and moist, with mosquitoes everywhere.
The houses were made of clay, and the walls were always wet and moldy. In the summer, it baceme extremely hot and smelly, which caused lots of sickness. In the winter it turned unbearably freezing cold.
Reb Lavik arrived in Chiali late at night, together with another Yid that was also sent to exile. It was pouring rain with not a single person outside. Where can they go at such a late hour? Staying outside is very dangerous!
They knew of a Yiddishe Taylor that was sent there in exile many years ago, and had intermarried. This was their only hope. They dragged themselves in the pouring rain to the house, with the hope that he will allow them to enter, at least until the morning. But when the Yid saw who was at the door, he slammed it on them, and did not let them enter. All of their pleading and begging through the door did not help.
With no choice, they continued walking, looking for somewhere else that may let them in. Until they noticed a dim light shining out of a window in the distance. They followed the light, knocked on the door and asked if they can stay. The owner was a non-Jew, he had mercy on the two interesting looking people by the door, and allowed them to enter.
Reb Levik had a very hard time in this very secluded place. When his wife Rebbitzin Chana joint him there, with tremendous Mesiras Nefesh, it helped him a lot.
Reb Levik was there for more than four years.
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