Among Chassidim

Ep. 52: When I Discovered the Reality That Was Always There with Rabbi Simon Jacobson

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.

Ep. 51: Why Rabbi Hodakov Woke Me Up In Middle Of The Night with Rabbi Zalman Lipsker

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.

Ep. 50: The Rebbe’s Farbrengens Were Our Life — And Are Accessible Today with Rabbi Zushe Greenberg

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.

Ep. 49: What Was The Rebbe’s Childhood Like with Nuchie Schapiro

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/0bN8wCts Link to Reiter family fund: https://charidy.com/reiterfamilyfund

Ep. 48: The Rebbe’s Kiruv To Me In 1953 with Rabbi Kasriel Kastel

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.

Ep. 47: What We Saw Was Only Half The Story with Rabbi Yosef Gopin

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.

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Ep. 46: Why The Rebbe Referred To Me As A Mesudar with Rabbi Menachem Gerlitzky

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.

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Ep. 45:Noteworthy Documents & Correspondences of R' Dovid Raskin Part II with Rabbi Bentzion Pearson

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.

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Ep. 44: Why I Received Over 700 Answers From The Rebbe with Rabbi Berel Levine

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.

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Ep. 43: A Yud Aleph Nissan Farbrengen with Rabbi Shais Taub

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

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