As Per His Tzavaah: “Dropouts” and “At-Risk” Carry the Aron of the Breslover Mashpia

A deeply moving scene unfolded today at the levayah of the Breslover mashpia, Rav Binyomin Ze’ev Knopelmacher zt”l, who passed away this morning at age 75. In accordance with his final request, it was specifically the bochurim hanoshrim—the struggling youth, those who considered themselves “dropouts” or “at risk”—who were honored with carrying his aron.

The heartfelt instruction appeared in the handwritten tzava’ah the mashpia left behind. In it, Rav Knopelmacher wrote explicitly that the honor of escorting him on his final journey should belong to “the noshrim, who are far more precious in Heaven than the ‘fine mentchen.’”

During the levayah, which began at the Breslover shul, a large crowd accompanied the mashpia on his last path. Among them were many who, over the years, felt seen, uplifted, and embraced by him despite — and often because of — their struggles. They regarded it as a profound privilege to fulfill his final wish.

The full text of his powerful instruction reads:

“I wish to write to you something, and it is possible you will not understand at all why this is my desire. At another time I will explain it to you very, very well.

A. At my levayah, the ones to carry my bier must be specifically the noshrim. They are greater than all the ‘fine people.’

B. As for my kever: although it should be among shomrei Shabbos, it is even more preferable for it to be near the noshrim or the simple folk—truly simple people. The reason is that in Heaven they are considered extremely important, far more than ordinary chassidim and those dressed in fine clothing. At another opportunity I would explain why.”

Those present described an emotional procession, with many tearfully recalling the mashpia’s unwavering love for every Jew, especially those who felt overlooked or left behind. His final act of elevating them, even in death, was seen as the ultimate expression of the message he preached throughout his life.

{Matzav.com}