Crown Heights born Rabbi Avraham Lapine is the Director of Chabad of University of Missouri (MU / Mizzou) and Mid-Missouri. He published the following article in the Columbia Daily Tribune:
I grew up in the Crown Heights of the ’90s, an ethnically diverse Brooklyn neighborhood that, during the beginning of that decade, experienced unprecedented levels of racial tension. The 1991 riots are etched into my childhood memories, my upbringing being wrought with feelings of agitation and unrest.
It was only months later, on Feb. 6, 1992, that, as a 5-year-old returning home from elementary school, I was informed of the murder of my mother (Pesha Leah Lapine) by a black man in an act of cruel hatred and bitter violence.
How was I to move forward, to maintain my inborn respect for all of mankind, after experiencing firsthand the human cruelty that had torn my innocent life apart?
The following is my take on the matter, and the insight I have gained from my own life experiences.
The issues facing our community are reflective of a failing in modern society at large: the inability to treat another who is of a different background, race, religion or opinion with an equal degree of respect. Contemporary sociology has turned our perspective of humanity into a rigid caste structure, where an individual’s positioning in the societal hierarchy is determined by a variety of factors, the majority of which are beyond the control or choice of the individual they are used to classify.
A dramatic perspective shift is necessary to counter such ingrained divides.
The biblical reasoning against harming one’s fellow man — whether physically, emotionally or psychologically — is given as, “For in the image of God, He made man.”
Man’s value is not, as modern society is so wont to purport, a product of social status; nor is man’s value a product of upbringing, religion or skin color; man’s value is a result of his being created in the image of God, the knowledge of which suffuses his being with an inherent sense of worthiness and respect. The stronger we identify with this godly portrayal of human import, the greater our appreciation and tolerance for others will become, even for those whom, externally, we might appear to differ.
These values that have defined my outlook on humanity were communicated to me by my own mentor and teacher, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, whose passing was commemorated this year on July 9. The Rebbe’s entire being embodied the values prescribed by the Torah, his life being wholly dedicated to promoting a greater awareness of God, love and respect for a fellow, and to building a better world.
The Rebbe, too, had firsthand experience of the extent of human depravity, losing his brother to the Nazis and his father to Soviet persecution. Notwithstanding the brutality he was personally dealt, the Rebbe remained resolute in his conviction regarding the innate nature of man — namely, that it was the image of God, in all of its purity, that defined the core of human existence.
The Rebbe did not hide his optimistic perspective, and he used every opportunity to impress his view upon others.
In an encounter with David Dinkins, New York City’s first black mayor, the Rebbe expressed his hopeful dream that “in the near future, the ‘melting pot’ will be so active that it will not be necessary to underline every time,” when speaking of others, ” ‘They are Black’, ‘They are White’, ‘They are Hispanic’, because they are no different. All of them are created by the same God and created for the same purpose: to add to all good things around them.”
After the 1991 riots — which were instigated by a tragic motor accident resulting in the death of a young black boy and led to the horrific murder of a Jewish student by a mob of young black men — the Rebbe expressed his hope to Mayor Dinkins that the mayor would be able to bring peace to the city.
The mayor added, “to both sides,” which the Rebbe corrected, explaining, “We are not two sides; we are one side. We are one people living in one city under one administration and under one God. May God protect the police and all the people of the city.”
In the face of the tragic murder of one of his students and followers, the Rebbe’s response was not finger-pointing and culture-blaming; his response was a call to unite, to highlight our similarities over our differences and to draw upon our shared mission in bringing otherwise disparate communities together.
It was the optimistic vision of the Rebbe that charted the course of my youth and fortified me with the necessary strength to overcome my tragic loss. It would become my mission, I decided, to promote a universal message of peace, tolerance and mutual respect, values that would serve as the greatest legacy to my mother’s blessed memory.
It is this perspective that inspires my work as a religious leader at Mizzou. I strive to share this message of a collective responsibility, shared by all of mankind, toward building a better world — regardless of one’s upbringing, religion or race.
Our motto of “In God we trust” is not a replacement of “E Pluribus Unum.” It is its justification and rationale. “From many” can come “one” when society will appreciate that we are all, in truth, “one nation under one God.”
I remember your loving mother from the bungalow colony. What a special woman and what a tragedy;( I’m sure she is filled with nachas at the people who beloved children have become!
Phyllis was a delightful student. She had a huge heart and an outstanding sense of humor. I had her in speech and theater classes to which she was a great contributer and talent.
She was so keenly aware and delightful to know. I was heart broken to hear of her violent death. Your reflection of her was true to her character. It is obvious that she was a great mother to her children and her faith. She will always be in my heart. She was truly a wonderful person. Patricia Rogers, Retired
ECISD
I grew up with your mother, who we knew as Phylis. She was a year younger than me. There were only a handful of us in our school. By us I mean Jews. The last time I saw your mother was about a month before her marriage, and about a month after my Mother.s death. She had walked over to my father’s house on a Saturday and we sat at the kitchen table and talked for several hours. It was a wonderful visit and I really needed it that day. Your grandmother was a wonderful friend to my mother also.… Read more »
So thoughtful and Insightful! Articulated in such a heartwarming way. .
Pessa Leah did work at the pool
this article should be printed in newspapers and magazines. time appropriate!!!!!!!!!!! what is this world coming to…..
I’m not sure if this was her, but did Mrs. Pesha Leah Lapine work at the Crown Heights Jewish Center Pool? I was in 12th grade when she passed and I recognized her face in a photo. She once helped me out. One evening after swimming, I was at the Jewish Center with no ride home. Mrs. Lapine drove me home that night after she closed the pool. I remember her cheerful demeanor and kind act.
Words from the heart enter the hearts of others. Thank you for writing this and expressing your thoughts and feelings so eloquently. I was a new student in Machon Chana when your mother passed. To this day, I think of that day with sorrow and horror in my heart. You have given me a Nechama of sorts from your loss. You’ve inspired me and thank you! May you go from strength to strength and continue to give give nachus to our Rebbe and your mother may her memory continue to be a blessing. Moshiach now!!!!!
What an outstanding, meaningful piece of writing. Especially of value in our present world with all the tragedies in our country and in Israel. All the comments indicate clearly how lives were touched by the tragic loss of your mother and your inspiring words. I met your mother in Texas and of course later here in Crown Heights. She was so delighted to live here near The Rebbe. She was always happy, truly enjoyed every moment of her life, alas too brief. She radiated goodness and joy, full of appreciation and love. May her memory continue to inspire us. And… Read more »
http://Www.jewishtigers.com/donate
While Rabbi LaPine’s remarks are indeed reflective of the Rebbe’s hope that individual cultures, races, religions, etc will unite for their common good and bring peace to all mankind – via the Sheva Mitzvos – is more than ever needed in today’s times, my very personal recollections about the Crown Hts Pogrom and the tragic murder of Pesha Leah, HY”D recall the story of a dangerously violent young Black man, who in the weeks before the Pogrom, assaulted and harassed numerous Jewish women in the community BUT whose actions went largely unreported; the few that were, were not taken seriously… Read more »
Thank you, Avrami. I remember you and your family when you would visit in Kansas City when you were much younger. This piece was so moving to me. All of you faced a challenge that you will deal with the rest of your lives, and it seems that you have used this descent to ascend and ascend even higher.
Reus Chaya Hersh
I remember ,,,,, hearing the news I was a very little girl
And your article is amazing!!!! So inspirational!!!!!
I remember my teacher in bias rivka telling us the next day she was the true word of a tzaddakes in every way!!!!!
Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you so much for your article. It truly penetrated my heart. I remember so vividly the Sicha of the Rebbe, raising his holy voice, crying out to Hashem, “Ad Mosai”, after the tragic loss of your dear mother. Although I had heard many talks from the Rebbe, it was this talk that shook me to the core. We all were shaking, crying silently, bitterly for your father and his children. It brought (to me) a reality of the process of bringing Moshiach. Until then, Moshiach was coming because the Rebbe told us so. I never really felt the urgency… Read more »
Can you put up a link for us to donate to Rabbi Lapine’s Chabad House
Support Rabbi Lapine’s work at MU buy raffle tickets in honor of gimel tamuz and the neshoma of Pessa Leah
http://www.jewish tigers last day 7/12/16
I’m inspired by your point of view and all the holy work u are doing. Thank you so much for sharing!
I am sure your mother has such nachas from you.
What a piece.
Boruch Hashem the children grew up wonderfully (without your help.) Perhaps you can reach out to another family in need before missing the boat again.
Beautifully written. May Hashem bentch you and your family with continued and increased hatzlacha.
Yes I also remember the רביface I walked on his side , was very serious with a lot of pain
I second EVERYTHING you so beautifully wrote (with tears streaming down my face..)
Thank you for sharing your beautiful article.
May Hashem grant your dear family brochos ain sof.
I make a point of saying Tehilim by your mother – when I visit the Ohel. May Hashm erase all tears with the coming of Moshiach NOW!
You and your family are very special people.
So moving, inspirational, thought-provoking, positive… Exactly the sort of article I look forward to seeing on COL. Thank you so much, Rabbi Lapine, for sharing this…
Dear Rabbi Lapine – I remember so clearly the Rebbe speaking with a broken heart and such deep sadness of the loss of your dear mother and how she painfully died “AL KIDDUSH HASHEM B’RABIM”…. The Rebbe spoke about you – her precious children longing for their dear mother and asked what will be if Moshiach is Chas V’Sholom delayed? I was living overseas far away from Crown Heights but often wondered how can Hashem ever let Pesha Leah’s A”H children wait another moment for Moshiach and how indeed will they continue? Today Rabbi Lapine, I cannot describe how your… Read more »
Wonderful article. Thank you for sharing the clarity and uplifting message of the Rebbe so articulately.
We love you!
So well written. May it have a great and continuous impact in the world at large.
Thank you for sharing. The grief over your mother’s loss still reverberates in my heart. How beautifully you’ve all grown.
Words that come from the heart go to the heart.
The Rebbe wants to know who will take responsibility for educating the Lapine children. What have we done to help them?
Thank you for this. Your perspective and voice convey wisdom. Your righteous mother, a’h, would be proud.
Thanks so much for sharing….. So inspiring! Your mother is surely shepping lots of nachas! May she continue to be a gutte better for the family and all of klal Yisroel bringing geulah speedily!
Oh how pained the Rebbe was by your dear mother’s tragic death. I remember it all like yesterday. May her holy neshama beseech the Aibishter to bring the Geulah Shelaima and end all suffering and turmoil.
What a great piece.
In 1983, your mom made sure that I wasn’t alone for Shabbos, whether or not I felt comfortable staying over. Glad I came across your 2016 post.