Rabbi's Heroism in WWII: Opening Home to Jewish Refugees
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Shlomo Raskin of Gorky, Russia, is lauded for opening his home to hundreds of Jewish refugees during World War II, providing essential physical and spiritual aid. His self-sacrifice and exceptional hospitality, highlighted by his son-in-law Rabbi Moshe Vyshitzky and praised by Rebbe Rayatz, are presented as a model of the Jewish value of welcoming guests. The story, shared by Rabbi Shmuel Raskin, connects to Abraham's hospitality and emphasizes aiding those truly in need.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Shlomo Raskin provided refuge and aid to hundreds of Jewish refugees in Gorky, Russia during WWII.
- He offered essential physical and spiritual support, working underground with Rabbi Moshe Vyshitzky.
- Rebbe Rayatz recognized Rabbi Raskin's profound commitment to hospitality and saving Jewish lives.
- The story emphasizes the Jewish value of welcoming guests, especially those in dire need.
- Rabbi Shmuel Raskin shared the family account during a Shabbat meal in Israel.
During World War II, Rabbi Shlomo Raskin of Gorky (Nizhny Novgorod), Russia, demonstrated extraordinary hospitality and self-sacrifice by opening his home to hundreds of Jewish refugees. He provided them with food, medical care, and spiritual support, working underground with his son-in-law, Rabbi Moshe Vyshitzky, to offer them hope and Torah study.
The Rebbe Rayatz once described Rabbi Raskin as having a "great level in hospitality" for his willingness to risk his life to save and host Jewish individuals and their families. This story is presented in connection with the weekly Torah portion discussing Abraham's hospitality, highlighting the Jewish value that welcoming guests, especially those in need, is even greater than receiving the Divine Presence.
The author, Rabbi Shmuel Raskin of the Chabad House Keren Or in Budapest, shared this family story during a Shabbat meal in Israel while commemorating the anniversary of his mother's passing. He emphasized that true hospitality involves opening one's heart and door to those who are often overlooked and truly need warmth and appreciation.
Rabbi Shmuel Raskin concluded by reflecting on the meaning of the Hebrew word for guest, "oreach" (אורח), which combines "or" (אור - light) and "reach" (ריח - scent), suggesting that hosts should illuminate the path for their guests and leave them with a positive spiritual "scent" of encouragement and connection. He expressed hope that by illuminating others' lives, humanity will hasten the complete redemption.