It was in the spring of 1976 when Yankel Shamas returned to Jerusalem, with news of a Moshav that was being abandoned by its residents. New families were being sought to settle in Moshav Mevo Modi'in. Of the nine families of Shlomo's chevra who were interested in making the move, two were living in Safed, while the other seven were centered in Jersalem. Till then Shlomo had told the chevra that it was important to gather even when he wasn't in Israel. He suggested that every Rosh Chodesh we get together to celbrate in our own special way, which we did.
The desire to form a real community was a constant topic of discussion among the chevra; a place where we could live and work and study and daven (pray), all of us together. And, most important, we wanted to build a center for the Rebbe, Shlomo Carlebach, a place where he could do his "thing" in the world. We wanted to create a new-age Yeshiva, where all the world was invited to come to turn on to the beauty of Yiddishkeit (Judaism). We were tired of davening in other people's shuls. it was always uncomfortable and inhibited. Even at the "Kotel" (Holy Wall), where the davening was always beautiful, we always felt like freaks in a circus. Wasn't anyune else singing and dancing at the Kotel? And, finally, we wanted to create a new House of Love and Prayer -- where all the world could come for Shabbat -- but this time, it would be centered around our families and children.
In March of 1976, Yankel Shamas visited the Jewish Agency once again, on one of his many quests to find a community for the chevra. This time he was informed that the current group living in Modi'in was having a difficult time. especially with earning a livelihood, They were all planning to abandon the Moshav. This was already the sixth group that had tried to settle the Moshav, without success. The Jewish Agency suggested to him that perhaps our group might be interested in moving there. The very next day he hitched a rule to Modi'in. When he reached Gimzo Junction he waited an hour for a ride, hut no cars passed, so he walked the last five miles to the Moshav. Today there is a major highway which passes by the Moshav, connecting Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem, placing Modi'in in one of the most central and important spots in Israel. But on that first day, when Yankel hitched a ride to the Moshav, there was no such road, just a little one that ended at the Moshav.
In those days, the Moshav was in no-man's land. It was the last village of a string of villages, bordering on what was then considered almost "occupied" territory on the "green" line. Prior to 1967, the Jordanian border was only 100 yards from the current boundaries of the Moshav. After the Six Day War, the Jordanian boundary was pushed back and the Army immediately built an outpost on the site of the present Moshav. Shortly after that, a religious political party, Poale Agudat Israel, acquired the settlement. They built twelve concrete homes, which were freezing in the winter, and sizzling in the summer, a dining hall and a shul. Al the time when Yankel arrived, the Ministry of Housing was building thirty-five new homes at the Moshav. Also there was an extruder machine on the Moshav, for producing plastic bags, which was the only source of income on the Moshav.
Most striking though was the absolute beauty of the place and its surroundings. The Moshav was situated in the middle of the largest planted forest in Israel The hills surrounding the Moshav were dotted with small Arab villages, which from the distance looked almost story-book. Had Yankel stumbled on the Garden of Eden?
The chevra received the news with great excitement. We began meeting weekly in Jerusalem to seriousIy discuss plans to move to the Moshav. We all felt that we were embarking upon something very big -- not only for ourselves, but for all of Israel. In fact, it was such a strong time for all of us, it seemed so clear to us that OUR little Moshav would begin the ultimate coming of the Messiah. During that period we met with the great Rebbe Meier Kalish, zt'l, the previous Rebbe of Amshinov, who had been very close to the chevra. He was very influential in the Poale Agudat Israel, and because of his influence we were given final approval to come to Modi'in. After he died, shortly before we actually moved to the Moshav, we changed the name of the Moshav from Mevo to Me'or Modi'in, to honor our saintly friend.
We concentrated our present efforts in three main areas. the first two of which were the manufacture of health foods and organic farming, and we have had limited success in their areas. The third area and major area in which the Moshav had decided to focus its energy was in the combination of education. music and guest center based on the teachings of Shlomo. it was our intention from the beginning to teach and turn the world to Yiddishkeit Almost from the beginning of the Moshav. we formed a band. which immediately was invited to play all over Israel -- from high schools to weddings, The band also always backed up Shlomo when he was in Israel. Secondly, by the next summer, we began hosting groups of young Americans for one-day seminars. Modi'in style. The programs were very successful and every year more and more groups were added to the schedule. Presently, we have hosted youths youths from over twenty different countries, from around the world. Tens of thousands have pased through our gates, listened to our Torah, and danced with joy in the wooded areas around the Moshav.
Although this provided a decent livelihood, it was very seasonal. Usually after the summer very few groups came until the following summer. This changed when we were officially recognized by the Ministry of Education as an educational institution eligible for governmental subsidy.
We then began hosting Israeli groups during the winter months as well, for one-day seminars and for Shabbatot. The third aspect of this enterprise was the guest center. From the beginning, whenever Shlomo was here for Shabbat, we opened our doors and welcomed the world to celebrate with us-- Sometimes as many as 150-200 guests, would descend upon the Moshav.
For the first few years we never had decent accomodations for our guests. Finally, we were able to renovate the original twelve houses of the Moshav into guest cottages. Almost immediately a new group of guests begin coming to spend Shabbat at the Moshav with Shlomo Single people had always frequented the Moshav. Suddenly, we began hosting more and more families, as well. Today we receive reservations from all around the world from people who wish to vacation at Modi'in. Of all the areas, Moshav life at Modi'in, that of education, music, and guest center relate most to and reflect who we are in the world.
It is now over twenty years since we first made Aliyah. Many families have come and gone. We faced overwhelming odds against us when we first arrived here. Inexperience and unfamiliarity with the Israeli were our great stumbling blocks. Yet, it also appears that we acquired from our holy ancestors, the Macabees, who lived in Modi'in, a sense of spirit and conviction, which was to carry us through every difficulty. Like those masters of spirit and light, we too are striving to raise the light of Yiddishkeit to its proper place. We invite you all to come share that light and live with us at Modi'in. Taste the delights of Shabbat at Modi'in for yourselves and see for yourselves the lights being rekindled once again, in Me'or Modi'in.
Zusha Frumin