Reb Aryeh Leib Pinchas Chatzernov, lovingly known as Leibke, passed away on Friday, the 5th of Menachem Av, in Yerushalayim at the age of 94.
He was born in the Chassidic town of Nevel to a Chassidic family. At the outbreak of World War II, he moved to Samarkand. He grew up among the Chassidim in both places. As a child, when his teacher asked him who he admired most, he replied Mendel Futerfas, due to his mesiras for Ahavas Yisroel and Chesed — qualities that Reb Leib himself became known for when he grew older.
He married his wife, Miriam, who passed away three months ago. Together, they raised a Chassidic family in the Soviet Union with great mesiras nefesh and were active members of the underground Chabad community. During his time in a Soviet prison, he fasted for several days during Pesach when his limited supply of kosher-for-Pesach food ran out. Despite the risks, Chassidim in Moscow would gather at his home every Yud Shevat for a Farbrengen, including just a few days before he and his family left for Israel in the early 1970s. Their home was always open to all.
Whenever possible, he would travel to the Rebbe for Yomim Tovim or Yoma D’pagra. His dedication to the Rebbe was wholehearted, and he actively participated in all the Rebbe’s mivtzoim. He founded and led the Chabad shul in the Sanhedria Hamurchevet neighborhood of Jerusalem, where his heartfelt prayers as the Baal Tefilah during the High Holidays left a lasting impression on those who experienced them.
Later in life, he owned a grocery store in the Litvishe neighborhood of Mattersdorf. There, he would provide basic necessities free of charge to families struggling to pay for their groceries, and on occasion, he would even forgive their debts.
He was a well-known Baal Chesed from the old Chassidic tradition, motivated by a profound Ahavas Yisroel and unwavering bitachon in Hashem. He greeted everyone with warmth and a smile. At times, the Rebbe would send individuals in need to seek his counsel.
He is survived by his children, Devorah Chein – Crown Heights, Chanita Friedman – Nof Ayalon, Nochum Chatzernov – Yerushalyim, Dina Chatzernov – Yerushalyim, Luba Schtroks – Cologne, Germany. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren, chassidim and shluchim.
The family is sitting Shiva in Yerushalyim, and can be reached at [email protected].
Baruch Dayan HaEmes!
Baruch Dayan HaEmes! He was a giant of a man and will be sorely missed by those who had the privilege to know him.