Badatz of Crown Heights Oversees Wheat Harvest for Crown Heights Matzah Bakery (Gallery)
On Sunday, 10 Tammuz (July 6), Rabbi Yosef Yeshaya Braun, Mara D’asra and a member of the Beis Din Tzedek (Badatz) of Crown Heights, led a delegation to personally supervise the harvesting of wheat for the Crown Heights Matzah Bakery.
The visit, coordinated in partnership with the Vaad Hakohol and Crown Heights Kashrus (CHK), ensured that the wheat was harvested with full shmira mi’sha’as ketzira — guarded from the moment of cutting — in accordance with the highest halachic and Chabad standards. This tradition reflects not only kashrus vigilance, but a deeper chassidishe perspective: that the preparation for a mitzvah should itself be filled with kavod and kedusha.
During the journey, Rabbi Braun farbrenged with the group, sharing insights drawn from the Rebbeim’s approach to mitzvos. He referenced a powerful account in Likkutei Dibburim, vol. 1, Likkut 5, chapter 10 (p. 221), where the Frierdiker Rebbe describes how his father, the Rebbe Rashab, would personally travel to the fields of Shzerbina to oversee the cutting of wheat for matzah. The Rebbe would stand silently at the edge of the field, immersed in Tehillim and deep kavannah, transforming the moment into an act of spiritual avodah in preparation for Pesach.
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In keeping with that legacy, this year’s harvest was overseen by Rabbi Braun and representatives of the Vaad Hakohol and CHK, and also included the participation of Rabbi Yossi Garelik, rov of Anshei Lubavitch, who joined in support of the initiative. Rabbi Yitzchok Tenenbaum, the owner of the Crown Heights Matzah Bakery, was present on-site to coordinate the upcoming baking season. Representatives of the Zirkind family, whose longstanding involvement in matzah production is well known in the community, also took part. In addition, a mumche (halachic expert) from Boro Park was brought in to assist with technical guidance on the harvesting and grain handling process.
The wheat harvested during this visit will soon be used to produce shmurah matzos for homes throughout Crown Heights. Baked under CHK supervision in the Crown Heights Matzah Bakery, these matzos will be the literal "michla d’meheimnusa" — the bread of faith — gracing our seder tables with a connection to halacha, tradition, and the Rebbeim’s approach to hiddur mitzvah.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Rabbi Braun, the CHK, the Vaad Hakohol, Rabbi Tenenbaum, the Rabbi’s Zirkind and all those who took part in this meaningful and meticulous effort. Their dedication ensures that our community can approach Pesach with matzos that are not only kosher and shmura, but infused with the highest standards of yiras Shamayim and chassidishe warmth.
May these efforts help prepare us for the Yom Tov of geulah, and may we soon merit to offer the korban Pesach in the Beis HaMikdash, bimheira v’yameinu, amen.
Photo credits to Mendy Thaler
