Cantonists, The

The tragedy and triumph of Jewish children who were kidnapped and forced into the Russian military during the 19th century.

Jewish prisoners who spend the High Holidays behind bars are often forgotten. Rabbi Fishel Jacobs spent a career catering to this unseen population.

After many long minutes, the Rebbe finally lifted his head from his arms and said solemnly: "You can go home. Your wife just gave birth to a baby boy..."

“Rebbe! We’ve been toiling all morning, polishing our buttons in your honor. Now it’s your turn to work hard: polish our souls, which have been dulled and coarsened . . .”

Reb Chayim YehoshuaFrom HaTamim, Issue No. 6, pp. 97-99; 2 13 Nissan 5697; appears as a continuation of the story of Reb Gavriel Nossai Chein. We include some excerpts from the same issue, pp. 8-12, taken from the Previous Rebbe’s remarks on a letter by t...

The few who survived were so emotionally and psychologically destroyed that they were never able to live normal lives. They lived together in little villages, apart from the rest of the world

No words were necessary. I knew I was to be one of those boys who would be sent away from home, perhaps never to see my parents again.

From Tsarist times through Communism to the modern era, Russia’s Jews have seen it all and not only survived but thrived.

The Cantonist Decree, reformation of Jewish education & pogroms.

The widow approached the Rebbe Rashab, seeking his guidance…