The Heroism of Rebbetzin Chana: Light in Kazakh Exile

Ink from Berries

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, father of the Seventh Rebbe, was exiled by the Soviet authorities to the town of Chiili, Kazakhstan, for his unwavering work in strengthening Jewish life. In exile, he could go an entire month without bread, but the most agonizing trial was the inability to write down Torah thoughts — there was neither ink nor paper. Rebbetzin Chana voluntarily followed her husband into exile and performed a true act of heroism: she collected herbs and berries from which she produced ink, so that Rabbi Levi Yitzchak could write his unique commentaries in the margins of the few books that remained in his possession. Thanks to her selfless devotion, the world received a priceless spiritual heritage.

Guardian of the Legacy

After her husband's passing in 5704 (1944) in Alma-Ata, Rebbetzin Chana risked her life to preserve and secretly smuggle Rabbi Levi Yitzchak's manuscripts out of the Soviet Union. Every page, inscribed with ink made from berries, was sacred to her. She understood that these writings were not merely personal notes but a treasure belonging to the entire Jewish people. Thanks to her sacrifice, we can today study Rabbi Levi Yitzchak's unique commentaries, which unite nigleh (the revealed dimension of Torah) with the depths of Kabbalah and Chassidism. The heroism of Rebbetzin Chana stands as an example of absolute devotion to G-d, to her husband, and to the ideals of Judaism.