According to the Biala Rebbe of Bnei Brak, we’re a worthy generation that engages in Torah and chesed like never before.
I t was the first thing I noticed when I entered the building of the Biala chassidus on Rechov Yerushalayim in Bnei Brak: the crates of cucumbers. You’d expect the entrance of a prominent institution to be its showcase with memorial plaques on the walls and at least one potted plant in the corner. But it seems that for Biala–Bnei Brak stacked crates of vegetables that take up half the floor space is a badge of honor and therein lies their secret.
From the day the Rebbe — Rav Yaakov Menachem Rabinowitz shlita — succeeded his holy father the Lehavas Dovid (Rav Dovid Mattisyahu) of Biala the banner of the chassidus has been chesed. According to his instruction doing a good deed for a needy Yid precedes achieving the lofty levels in avodas Hashem in which the chassidus is well-versed. Because of this synergy it’s no bushah for the disadvantaged either and whoever is in need can come at any time and make up a package of food for his family no questions asked. Then he can go up one flight make himself a cup of coffee and if he’s fortunate and the timing is right see the smiling countenance of the Rebbe who’s sure to give him chizuk and a brachah.
In fact the Rebbe runs an enterprise that aids widows and orphans throughout the city personally overseeing the distribution of funds and foodstuffs; and when chalilah the head of a family passes away the Rebbe climbs the steps accompanied by his gabbai to provide a check for the family of the deceased
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“Often” one of the yungeleit of the chassidus says “the Rebbe will be seen walking alone on the streets of Bnei Brak in the middle of the night stuffing an envelope into the mailbox of a needy family and then leaving silently.”
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