Rabbi Chananya Sinai Dovid “Chesed” Halberstam, 74, OBM
We are deeply saddened to report on the passing of Rabbi Chananya Sinai Dovid “Chesed” Halberstam, who served as Mashback for the Rebbe and Rebbetzin and was the father of Ari Halberstam, HY”D. He passed away on Monday night, Yud Tes Kislev, 5786 • Full Story
By Chabadinfo
We are deeply saddened to report on the passing of Rabbi Chananya Sinai Dovid “Chesed” Halberstam, who served as Mashback for the Rebbe and Rebbetzin and was the father of Ari Halberstam, HY”D. He passed away on Monday night, Yud Tes Kislev, 5786.
He was 74 years old.
Chanaya was born in Eretz Yisroel on 23 Av 5711, to his father, Reb Meir Halberstam, who was a direct descendant of the first Rebbe of Sanz, Rabbi Chaim Halberstam, known as the Divrei Chaim.
As a bochur, he joined his older brother, Chaim Baruch, and led and became a mekarev to Lubavitch, and in 5730, he arrived in New York to learn in 770. While there he began to take care of Rebbetzin Nechama Dina until her passing.
Afterwards, Chesed became a ‘ben bayis’ at the home of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin, where he served as their Mashbak for eighteen years, personally caring for the Rebbetzin, serving as her personal driver, and handling many of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s private affairs. The Rebbetzin gave special treatment to Chesed’s wife and son, Ari, whom she considered a true member of the family.
Chesed once related that the Rebbetzin’s personal concern for his family was apparent in every detail. “When a family member was in labor and she was in critical condition due to some complication, the Rebbetzin said she could not sleep at night! So too with a joyous occasion, when my family was able to get an apartment, which entailed many difficulties, the Rebbetzin said that she could not sleep all night because she was so happy for us.”
On Yud Ches Adar 5754, his son Ari Halberstam was murdered by a Lebanese terrorist on the Brooklyn Bridge, who was returning from Beth Israel hospital, where the Rebbe was treated for his eye. The terror attack shook the Chabad community and the city of New York.
In his later years, he lived in Queens and visited Crown Heights regularly during the week.
He is survived by his wife Baila, and his children, Sara Gutnick — Melbourne, Australia, Chanie Apfelbaum — Crown Heights, Mendy Halberstam — Hollywood Lakes, FL and Shea Halberstam — Cleveland, OH, and grandchildren.
His Levaya will take place today, Tuesday, and will pass 770 at 1:30 pm.
Baruch Dayan Haemes
618
Join ChabadInfo's News Roundup and alerts for the HOTTEST Chabad news and updates!
Related Posts:
Most Popular
New Videos
Editor's Picks
