Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Rebbitzen Menucha Rochel Slonim


Monday, 24 Shevat, was the yartzeit of Rebbitzen Menucha Rochel Slonim, the daughter of the Mittler Rebbe. She was one of the early settlers in Hevron. COL says:

Hundreds of Chabadniks, descendants of Rebbetzin Menucha Rochel Slonim, a'h, visited her Tziyon in Chevron today in honor of her 119th yortseit and marking the 25th year since her descendants organized under 'The Association of Descendants of the Alter Rebbe' have reinstated the annual ascent to her grave-site. This tradition was renewed in 5742 and greatly encouraged by the Rebbe. Gradually, not only an increasing number of descendants joined this 'Aliya Lakever' but the local Chabad House and the settlers of Chevron have come to their assistance and have established a yeshiva near the grave called 'Colel Menucha Rochel'.
I am reminded of a story Rabbi Groner tells (Yitzchok Dovid ben Menucha Rochel should have a refuah shleima) of Rebbitzen Menucha Rochel, his ancestor. It seems that the Mittler Rebbe blessed her that no rain would ever fall on her. Many years ago Rabbi Groner met an elderly lady who knew Rebbetzin Menucha Rochel and verified that this was the case - "she walked between the raindrops".

This is the story as I remember it. If anyone has any corrections or more detail I would appreciate you letting me know.