By Dovid Zaklikowski for COLlive and Hasidic Archives
As a child, Yane Krichievsky (1923–2020) found it difficult to adhere to Jewish observance in the Soviet Union. He wasn’t allowed to attend prayer services, and didn’t receive a formal Jewish education.
Years later, he moved to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, after discovering that it was easier to practice Judaism there. He became a successful businessman and even provided gainful employment to Shabbos observers, a commodity at that time.
He was well-connected to senior officials in the local Communist regime, and concurrently was subject to constant surveillance. He often needed to stave off danger by lining the pockets of many officials.
He developed a true love for Jewish observance, and when his second son was born, he naturally wanted him to be ritually circumcised. Instead, he was threatened by a local official with arrest and prolonged imprisonment in Siberia should he go through with it.
In the same blasé tone as the official, he replied that there were no plans for a circumcision, though he would hold a celebration for his family and friends. Amongst those he invited to the party was a Communist official, Mr. Spiegel, who was known for his love of vodka.
At the event, he plied Mr. Spiegel with alcohol until he was inebriated, and then the circumcision began. Holding the small child was Rabbi Shmaya Maronovsky, a refined and regal Jew. Tears of joy rolled down his long white beard, and he thanked G-d for the privilege, during these trying times, to be part of such a milestone. The child was named Matisyahu, after the famed Jewish hero from the story of Chanukah, who stood up to the Greeks in the face of their oppression and triumphed.
As the crowd dispersed, Mr. Spiegel awoke and asked, “Who was that holy man holding the child?” Yane told him that it was a custom for a righteous person to hold the baby and give a blessing.
Everyone in attendance was gripped with fear as they understood that Mr. Spiegel might have been witness to the ceremony. Soon after, Yane went to Mr. Spiegel’s office in hope of bribing the official to keep quiet. However, Mr. Spiegel had seemingly and suddenly retired. Yane pressed the secretary for Spiegel’s address, and went to his home to find out what had transpired in those few days.
“I was greatly moved by the self-sacrifice that others at your party had for their Judaism,” Mr. Spiegel explained, “so I decided to give up my position and begin exploring my Jewish roots.”
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Thanks for the continuous inspiring story every motzei Shabbos
This photo is from Velvel and Chana Shteingarts chassanah. Chana being the daughter of the famed Chossid Reb Meir Simcha Chein from Nevel. The wedding was about 1912 or 1913 the latest.
That pic is of her parents wedding Reb Velvel and Chana Shteingart
The photo is not of “the Krichevskys on their wedding day”.
The photo is on the wedding day of Mrs Rochel Krichevsky’s parents.
Her parents were Reb Velvel Shteingart and Chana.
Reb Velvel learned in Tomchei Tmimim in the city of Lubavitch (where he was known as “Velvel Batchaikover”, after his hometown).
Chana was the daughter of the famous Chosid, Reb Meir Simcha, of Nevel.