In 1974, a new apparition began to make its appearance in the streets of Manhattan. Even in that hubbub of crowd and clamor, this strange vehicle attracted attention. It was a standard van of the “U-Haul” or “Ryder” variety. It’s back door was rolled up, showing a cargo of one large wooden table, two wooden benches, and a dozen young men with beards and black hats. From a loudspeaker taped to its roof issued forth a medley of Chassidic songs played on high volume—that is, high enough to make itself heard above the din of a Manhattan street corner. Large posters taped to the sides of the moving van proclaimed: “MITZVAH TANK”, “Teffilin on board” and “Mitzvot On The Spot For People On The Go.”
Once the promised land was settled, every
household brought a sample of their first fruits to the Temple every year and
thanked G‑d for the land.
But not until all Jews were safe and settled,
each on their own plot of land.
Because that is the way the Jewish nation
operates: Like brothers and sisters.
Not one of us can feel thoroughly grateful for
their own welfare until everyone else is taken care of. Likutei Sichot vol. 9, p. 152.
