#138 - Dayan Yechezkel Abramsky I - Rosh Hashana Episode

Brought up in a village which did not have a minyan of Jews; a self-taught child genius. His life was shattered by the Russian civil war and the new anti-religious communist Soviet Union. He was hounded, arrested and eventually imprisoned in Siberia, but his faith remained untouched. His thoughts and writings on Prayer emerge through this period of his life. Summary This conversation delves into the life of Dayan Abramsky, a Jewish figure who faced immense challenges during the Soviet regime. It explores his arrest, the impact on his family, his resilience in the face of adversity, and the international efforts made for his release. The discussion also highlights his reflections on faith, prayer, and the significance of Eretz Yisrael in Jewish identity. Take-aways Faith played a crucial role in survival during hardships. The Chafetz Chaim's letter was pivotal in seeking help. Rav Abramsky’s early education shaped his future leadership. The civil war in Russia had devastating effects on the Jews. Important ideas for prayers on Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur Chapters 00:00 The Arrest and Its Impact 03:12 Survival in Adversity 06:02 The early years of Dayan Abramsky 08:54 Education and Influences 11:45 The Turbulent Times of War 15:09 Resistance Against Oppression 18:02 The Struggles of Jewish Life in the Soviet Union 20:53 Imprisonment and Interrogation 24:14 International Efforts for Release 27:07 Reflections on Suffering and Faith 29:55 The Journey to Freedom 33:13 The Aftermath and New Beginnings 36:06 The Connection to Eretz Yisrael