Photos: Itzik Roytman/COLlive
Members of Bais Shmuel Chabad congregation and the Junik family gathered on Yud Alef Nissan to begin the writing of a new Torah in honor of the upcoming 10th yartzeit of the Chossid R’ Berl Junik OBM on 9 Iyar.
The Torah, being written by sofer Rabbi Moshe Klein, is dedicated to the memory of R’ Berl by his family and Bais Shmuel Chabad congregation.
Remembered as the epitome of a true Chossid, R’ Berl was privileged to escort Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson obm, the Rebbe’s mother, from Russia to Poking, Germany, which engendered a lifelong relationship with Beis Harav, including being Meshamesh Bakodesh for close to 50 years.
R’ Berl was extremely discreet about the happenings in the Rebbe’s home, and never divulged what he saw, not even to his family.
A diamond polisher by profession, R’ Berl also gave Shiurim in nigleh and Chassidus and went on Mivtzoim regularly. He also organized a Shiur for working bachurim, attended every class and cared for each bochur. He gave a very popular shechita class for over 45 years, instilling yiras Shomayim in all who attended.
At the event, letters were written by R’ Berl’s son Dovid Junik and members of the extended Junik family, as well as Rabbi Moshe Pinson, President of Bais Shmuel Congregation and Rabbi Levi Garelik. They were followed by members of the congregation.
The Torah is planned for completion at the next yartzeit and will be welcomed to the Bais Shmuel Shul.