Among Chassidim

In this episode, Rabbi Sholom Ber Gurkov of Montreal, Canada, a veteran mechanech, shares his remarkable life through 90 years of Lubavitch history.Beginning with his family's rich roots dating back to the times of the Tzemach Tzedek, he recounts his father's early interactions with the Rebbe when the Rebbe was still a bochur. He then takes us through his own childhood in Kharkov, his family's escape to Central Asia during World War II, the Chassidim's famous escape from Russia, life in the DP camps, and their move with other Chassidim to Paris. He also reflects on settling in England, learning in a non-Chabad yeshiva in Manchester, and ultimately moving to New York/Montreal to be with the Rebbe.Along the way, Rabbi Gurkov shares firsthand stories of yechidus, memories of the Frierdiker Rebbe and the Rebbe, his involvement in the taharah of the Rebbe's brother, Reb Yisroel Aryeh Leib, and countless other fascinating stories and insights from a lifetime spent as a Chabad Chossid.

In this episode, Rabbi Berel Lazar, Chief Rabbi and Shliach of Russia, shares memories of his parents and his grandfather, the renowned poet Reb Tzvi Meir Steinmetz, growing up on shlichus in Milan, Italy, and his childhood visits to the Rebbe. Rabbi Lazar also recalls coming to New York to learn in yeshivah and later spending years in 770, where the Rebbe’s farbrengens left a lasting impression on him.The conversation also explores his early years as a shliach in post-Communist Russia, witnessing firsthand the country’s extraordinary transformation from decades of religious persecution to a place where Yiddishkeit can once again be practiced openly and proudly.

In this episode, Rabbi Eli Touger of Boca Raton, the prolific translater of Sichos in English, shares the story of his journey from his early life and becoming frum, to his years in Kfar Chabad, the Chassidim and personalities who influenced him, and his eventual arrival at 770 where he quickly became involved in the chazarah of the Rebbe’s farbrengens.Rabbi Touger also discusses his decades-long work translating the Rebbe’s sichos into English. Along the way, he shares fascinating anecdotes and insights from a lifetime dedicated to preserving and spreading the Rebbe’s teachings.

In this episode, Rabbi Avrohom Mann, mashpia at the Toronto Yeshiva, shares how his father became connected to the Rebbe, and his own personal connection after arriving from Yerushalayim as a young bochur. He reflects on what it was like to live from week to week, drawing inspiration and direction from the Rebbe’s farbrengens.In a fascinating and heartfelt Farbrengen, Rabbi Mann highlights a number of practical horaos we can take from the Rebbe, each illustrated through personal experiences and firsthand moments he witnessed with the Rebbe himself.

In this episode, which took place at the New York–New England Regional Kinus Hashluchim, Rabbi Simon Jacobson shares the story about his grandfather’s connection to Lubavitch through the Rebbe Rashab, his father Rabbi Gershon Ber Jacobson’s work with the Rebbe and the founding of the Algemeiner Journal, and his own years by the Rebbe as a chozer.Rabbi Jacobson reflects on growing up in Crown Heights, discovering Chassidus as a living force, and the unique responsibility of reviewing and recording the Rebbe’s farbrengens. A fascinating conversation about journalism, chazara, 770, the Rebbe’s vision for the world, and the urgency of Moshiach.

In this episode, Rabbi Zalman Lipsker, Shliach in Philadelphia, shares his remarkable journey from his childhood in Kutaisi, Georgia, and the rich history of the Lipsker family. He recounts learning in secret chadorim under the watchful eye of the KGB, experiencing the dramatic escape of Lubavitcher Chassidim from the Soviet Union, and spending time in a DP camp surrounded by Chassidim. He also describes the early years of Lubavitch life in Eretz Yisroel before eventually arriving by the Rebbe in the late 1950s.Rabbi Lipsker vividly recalls the unique privilege of being a bochur by the Rebbe during the late Yud and early Chof years, including the Rebbe teaching niggunim, receiving special shlichus'n, and more. He also shares inspiring stories from his decades of shlichus in Philadelphia, particularly in bringing countless Yidden to the Rebbe by Sunday dollars.Filled with warmth and passion, this inspiring conversation offers a rare window into the lives of Chassidim who were deeply connected to both the Frierdiker Rebbe and the Rebbe with mesirus nefesh and hiskashrus.

In this episode, Rabbi Zushe Greenberg, Shliach to Solon, Ohio, shares the powerful story of his father’s mesiras nefesh, including his imprisonment in Siberia and Russian jails, and his unwavering ibergigebinkeit and hiskashrus to the Rebbe—and later in Bnei Brak.He then reflects on and brings listeners into the atmosphere of 770 during his years as a bachur, vividly describing the feeling of standing at the Rebbe’s farbrengens- with special focus on the time of Hei Teves.Throughout the episode, he - offers a unique and personal glimpse into what it meant to be in the Rebbe’s presence, and leaves listeners with inspiration and practical insight into how each of us today can strengthen our own hiskashrus and connection to the Rebbe.

In this episode, Nuchie Schapiro of Los Angeles discusses his newly authored book, Legacy of Resilience, an in-depth exploration of the history of the Schapiro family, including the Rebbe’s melamed, Reb Schneur Zalman Vilenkin.Beyond that, he offers profound insight into the lives of Lubavitcher Chassidim during the era of the Rebbe Rashab and the Frierdiker Rebbe under Soviet communism, the “Great Escape” from Russia, and the Rebbe’s nesius.Link to purchase book: https://a.co/d/0bN8wCtsLink to Reiter family fund: https://charidy.com/reiterfamilyfund

In this episode, Rabbi Kasriel Kastel of Crown Heights shares his remarkably rich family history, tracing his parents’ and grandparents’ roots back to the era of the Rebbe Rashab and the earliest Chassidim in America.He reflects on his early years with the The Rebbe beginning in 1953, and his time spent in yeshivah and 770. Rabbi Kastel also discusses his unique work with Lubavitch Youth Organization (Tzach), sharing personal stories, memorable experiences, and special horaos he received from the Rebbe throughout the years.

In this episode, Rabbi Yosef Gopin, Shliach in Hartford, CT, shares his family history, stories and reflections from his years with the Rebbe and his Shlichus. Beyond the facts and events, Rabbi Gopin brings deep emotion and insight into the ruchnius’dike meaning behind those experiences, offering listeners a heartfelt and inspiring farbrengen. Enjoy this meaningful conversation filled with warmth, perspective, and connection.

In this episode, Rabbi Menachem Gerlitzky of Crown Heights shares the story of his family background—how his parents came to Lubavitch and their connection to the Frierdiker Rebbe and the Rebbe. He reflects on his youth and the various shlichus’n he was involved in, and speaks about the unique role the Rebbe encouraged him to take on in organizing Siyum HaRambam, and how it all unfolded. Along the way, he weaves in meaningful stories and personal experiences.

In this episode, Rabbi Bentzion Pearson - grandson of Rabbi Dovid Raskin - shares remarkable documents, photos, and correspondence between Tzach and the Rebbe, offering a timeless lesson for us all.

In this episode, Rabbi Berel Levine, director of the Agudas Chasidei Chabad Library, shares his journey; from his parents’ roots and upbringing in Eretz Yisroel, to coming to the Rebbe, his marriage and kollel years.With his trademark precision, he offers a detailed look at his work for the Rebbe through the library, Kovetz Yagdil Torah, the sefarim case, and his shlichus to Russia, along with a rare glimpse into the hundreds of answers and step-by-step guidance he received from the Rebbe throughout his life.

In this episode, Rabbi Shais Taub dives in to the power of truly learning the Rebbe’s approach- not just quoting it, but internalizing it in a way that shapes how we think and live. We explore motivation, the challenges of applying this guidance in real life, and the importance of turning to the Rebbe as a primary source for clarity, connection, and direction.-Visit our sponsor by going to: www.magbis.org/demei-pan

In Part II of this episode, Rabbi Levi Garelik shares personal stories from his youth, the founding of Hoaras Hatmimim in Morristown, and the various shlichus’n he was sent on over the years. He reflects on meaningful and memorable moments with the Rebbe, along with fascinating experiences- from his involvement with the prime minister of Italy, to the sefarim in Russia, and much more.-Visit our sponsor at: www.magbis.org/passover-fund

In this episode, Rabbi Dovid Olidort, chief editor at Kehos, shares his journey from growing up in Russia behind the Iron Curtain to coming to yeshiva in New York to be by the Rebbe.He speaks about how he gradually became involved in chazara of the Rebbe’s farbrengens, eventually becoming a maniach- transcribing sichos and eventually all the maamorim. He shares stories of working closely with Reb Yoel Kahan, the process of preserving the Rebbe’s teachings, and much more.

In this episode, Rabbi Bentzion Pearson shares about his illustrious grandfather, Reb Dovid Raskin. Over the years, Bentzion has spent a great deal of time researching and organizing his grandfather’s archives, gaining a deeper understanding of his life and his incredible ibergigebenkeit to the Rebbe, which he shared with us. He also speaks about the biographical book he is currently working on, which will tell the story of Reb Dovid’s life and legacy.

In this episode, Reb Hirshel Notik of Crown Heights, who came to the Rebbe from France in 1974 and has devoted his life to transcribing and editing the Rebbe’s talks ever since, takes us behind the scenes of what it takes- and continues to take- to produce the Hanachos of the Rebbe’s Sichos.He shares numerous specific examples, offering an extraordinary deep dive into how this meticulous work was carried out and preserved.הערת העורך:כפי שאפשר לראות הנה ר צ"ה שיחי' נאָטיק מהסס בכמה מקומות, וזאת מפני שלא הי' נוח לו לדבר אודות הדברים בכלל, ובפרט באופן ברור וכו'להלן כמה תיקונים ששלח אלי ר' צ"ה הנ"ל לאחר שהקלטנו אתו את הראיון:בדקה 58: - בהמשך למה שנאמר אודות העתקה ותרגום ללה"ק - הנה בזמן אחר כתב הרבי, וז"ל: "צ"ל תרגום *חפשי* בפועל (ובמילא) נוחה לקרוא. - קראתי רק ב' עמודים ורשמתי חלק מהנכון לשנות, וישתפו עוד מומחה בתרגום לתרגם".בדקה 2:01 - הרב לייבל גראנער המשיך במ"מ למכתבים הכללים (עד כמה שהספיק לו הזמן) גם שלהי שנת תשל"ו ואילךבדקה 2:22 - בקשר ל"חסל סידור פסח כהלכתו", הכוונה למכתב ר"ח ניסן תשמ"ו, שבהערה שם הוסיף הרבי בזה"ל: *סידור* : כן הוא בכל הסידורים וכו', וצע"ג הל' "סידור" ולא סדר, כמו שנדפס "סדר קרבן פסח" וכיו"ב. עכ"ל.בדקה 2:24 - המכתב כללי האחרון, באידיש, שכתב ר"נ מינדל הוא, כמדומני, *י"א ניסן תשמ"ט*, ולא תשמ"ח כפי שאמרתי. כמובן שאת התרגום האנגלי להמכתב כללים המשיך הר"נ מינדל להכין גם אח"כ.בדקה 2:33 - המדובר הוא אודות המברק די"ט כסלו תשנ"ב (ולא חנוכה תשנ"ב).

In this episode, Rabbi Berel Levertov of Santa Fe, New Mexico, shares memories of his father, Reb Moshe Levertov, and his work helping Jews in Russia through Ezras Achim, and of his mother, Mrs. Brocha Levertov, the devoted “mikvah lady” of Crown Heights who also prepared for and interacted with the Rebbe over the years.Rabbi Levertov also discusses growing up as a yeshiva student in the ’70s and ’80s, his later work with central Chabad organizations including Machane Yisroel’s Development Fund, and the unique moments that gave him close access to the Rebbe.

In this week’s episode, Rabbi Levi Garelik of Crown Heights takes us on a deeply personal journey through his family’s rich history. He shares stories of his grandfathers, Rabbi Posner and Rabbi Garelik, vivid memories of his parents’ upbringing and shlichus in Milan, and powerful encounters that he and his family experienced with the Rebbe.This episode is rich with living history, warmth, and unforgettable stories.

Rabbi Shlomo Zarchi, mashpia at Central Yeshiva in 770, reflects on his family roots, a rare childhood growing up at the Rebbe’s feet, and the early years of the Rebbe’s nesius. He shares memorable moments from the Chof-Lamed years and the personal guidance he received from the Rebbe on influencing talmidim.

In this episode, Rabbi Yehuda Clapman of Crown Heights reflects on his youth and his journey to becoming a Chabad Chossid, and shares beautiful stories of his family’s personal connection with the Rebbetzin- highlighting her remarkable sensitivity and warmth.

In this episode, Rabbi Levi New, a Shliach in Montreal, Canada, discusses the unique initiative at his active Chabad House (MTC), L’chaim, which empowers community members to take part in Mivtzoyim.He explores the Rebbe’s vision, that every Yid is a shliach of Yiddishkeit regardless of official title or role, and how this outlook transformed our generation's relationship with Yiddishkeit.

In this episode, Rabbi Chaim Shaul Brook of LaHaK, shares his personal journey- from his family’s legacy and his revered grandfather, living in Eretz Yisrael, and arriving by the Rebbe for the first time.He reflects on his bochurishe years in the Rebbe’s presence, including doing shmira by the Rebbe’s room, and how those experiences shaped his life.Rabbi Brook also gives a behind-the-scenes look at his lifelong involvement in publishing the Rebbe’s Sichos and Toras Menachem, along with encouragement on how to connect to and learn the Rebbe’s Torah.

In this episode, Rabbi Aron Kamman, a Mashpia at Yeshivas Lubavitch Toronto Zal, reflects on his early years in the presence of the Rebbe. He shares practical chinuch guidance, along with insights into the mindset and attitudes necessary for living a life of Chassidus - emphasizing that each person must actively seek their own authentic path in living as a Chossid.

In this episode, Rabbi Shlomo Cunin, Head Shliach of California, speaks in his uniquely lively and inspiring style about his youth and bochurishe years by the Rebbe, pioneering shlichus in California, the Rebbe’s detailed guidance along the way, and the many shlichus’n he was personally entrusted with by the Rebbe.

In this episode, Rabbi Asi Spiegel of Tzfas, Eretz Yisroel, shares his journey from growing up in a modern Orthodox environment to developing a deep love for the Rebbe, ultimately leading him to learn in 770.With heartfelt emotion, he describes powerful and formative experiences from the years he spent by the Rebbe - moments that continue to shape his life today. He also discusses the avodah and path forward for chassidim now, post Gimmel Tammuz.

In this episode, Rabbi Dovid Krinsky of Crown Heights, NY and founder of Jewish Educational Media, reflects on his experiences as the son of the Rebbe’s Mazkir, how he became involved in initiating the televised broadcasts of the Rebbe, and shares personal responses he received from the Rebbe along the way.

In this episode, Rabbi Chaim Schapiro, menahel of Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim in Morristown, shares warm zichronos from his years by the Rebbe. He reflects on what it meant to be a bochur after Gimmel Tammuz, and the incredible chayus he sees in the bochurim of today. Rabbi Schapiro also speaks passionately about the importance of learning the Rebbe’s Torah.

In this episode, Rabbi Schmerling, a Shliach in Far Rockaway, NY, reflects on growing up in Switzerland and what it meant for him to stay connected to the Rebbe from afar. He shares his experiences of coming to the Rebbe, along with memorable encounters, stories, and more.

In this episode, Rabbi Yosef Gansburg, longtime Shliach in Toronto, Canada, shares his rich family history, upbringing, and the many horaos and kiruvim he received from the Rebbe, highlighting the profound importance of shlichus.

In this episode, renowned Chassidic artist Michoel Muchnik shares what drew him to Chabad Chassidus and how the Rebbe’s guidance deeply influenced his artwork, helping shape his unique style.---www.muchnikarts.com

In this episode, Rabbi Yosef Landa of S. Louis, MO reflects on his early years as a young shliach, when he experienced the Rebbe’s unparalleled interest and deep involvement in a particular initiative, giving him and many others the strength to carry the mission forward.

In this episode, Rabbi Mendel Kaplan of Oak Park, MI, joins us to share the story behind the groundbreaking Tanya Hasholaim—the first Tanya to present a truly transformational approach rooted in the Rebbe’s vision—and the remarkable process that made it possible.--For more details on the Tanya, visit ⁠Hatanya.com

In this episode, Chassidic superstar Avraham Fried shares how the Rebbe encouraged and inspired his decades-long career — and what it means for each of us to use our talents as a Shlichus.

In this episode, Rabbi Moshe Wolberg, Rosh Yeshiva and Maggid Shiur at Kfar Chabad Yeshiva, reflects on his early life, his path to Lubavitch, and farbrengs about what being a Chossid means in our times.

In this episode, Rabbi Yisroel Noach Vogel, a Mashpia in Queens, shares his personal memories of spending Sukkos & Simchas Torah in the Rebbe’s presence. It will surely draw the listener in to experience "the Rebbe’s Yom Tov," where every moment was alive with unparalleled joy, connection, and chassidishe warmth.

In this episode, Rabbi Yisroel Noach Vogel, a Mashpia in Queens, shares his personal memories of spending Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in the Rebbe’s presence. He recounts the powerful atmosphere, unique minhagim, and the unforgettable moments that left a lasting impression on him and on all those privileged to be there.

In this episode, Rabbi Mendel Scharf, Mashpia in Yeshivas Lubavitch of Detroit, shares his personal story of how, after the passing of his father, the Rebbe took a unique and caring interest in him, his brothers, and sister—always watching over them with remarkable attention. Along the way, Rabbi Scharf offers heartfelt insights and reflections in this warm, Chassidishe farbrengen-style conversation.

In this episode, Rabbi Aharon Blesofsky a”h of Crown Heights, shares his intimate and up close knowledge and experiences growing up in close proximity to the Rebbe throughout his entire life.-This episode is leilui nishmas Reb Aharon ben Reb Shn"z HaCohen a"h Blesofsky who passed away a week ago, 6 Elul.

In this episode, Rabbi Yisrael Deren of Stamford, CT - regional director of Chabad of Western and Southern New England - farbrengs about his personal expereinces, Shlichus, and our Avodah as we stand ready to greet Moshiach.

Rabbi Mendy Greenberg, Shliach in Twinsburg, OH, is a feature writer for A Chassidisher Derher, known for his meticulous research and captivating style. In this episode, he delves into some of his in-depth studies, including the Frierdiker Rebbe’s historic 1929 visit to America, and the fascinating topic surrounding the shape of the Menorah.

In this episode, Rabbi Shmuel Greisman of Yerushalayim, Eretz Yisroel talks about his early days as one of the Shluchei Kodesh to Eretz Yisroel, and his unique mission leading the Rebbe’s global Children’s Sefer Torah campaign.---For more information, and to buy a letter in the Children's Sefer Torah, visit www.kidstorah.com

In this deep and thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Aaron Dovid Gancz—Shliach to Suffern, NY and a member of the Hanhala of Tomchei Temimim Morristown—shares his unique perspective on the Rebbe’s Chidushim, and Dor Hashvi’i, having come to it from a different background.

In this episode, Rabbi Yossi Korik, Shliach in Roseville, CA, discusses a Chassidishe approach on raising and educating children, the importance of prioritizing Kosher'e schools, the Rebbe’s approach to overcoming challenges, and so much more.

In this episode, Rabbi Shmuel Lew—Shliach and longtime educator in London, England—shares his journey from Torah Vodaas to becoming a Chossid, along with heartfelt and detailed stories that illustrate the Rebbe’s personal care and involvement in every aspect of his life over many years.For more on Rabbi Lew, see: https://derher.org/wp-content/uploads/37-cheshvan-5776-04.pdf

In this episode, Rabbi Michoel Dahan—Dean of Chaya Mushka Seminary in Montreal, Canada—shares stories from his youth, his journey in shlichus and chinuch, and an inspiring farbrengen focused on strengthening our hiskashrus and connection to the Rebbe.

Rabbi Baruch Wilhelm of Crown Heights describes in great detail how he came to the Rebbe, shares stories from his years as a bochur, and reflects on his many years of living in the Shechunah with the Rebbe.

In this fascinating episode, Rabbi Dovid Margolin, senior editor at Chabad.org, delves into the historical backdrop of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s arrest and liberation—shedding light on the time, place, and reasons behind it, and uncovering the little-known full story of his release.

In honor of Gimmel Tammuz, we present to you a meaningful conversation with Rabbi Leibel Schapiro, Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshiva Gedolah of Miami, Florida.