By COLlive reporter
A uncommon photo of the Rebbe taken by Levi Freidin was released by Jewish Educational Media (JEM) in honor of the yartzeit of the photographer and videographer on Thursday.
In the black and white photo, the Rebbe is seen seated at the farbrengen table in the main shul of 770 Eastern Parkway, looking directly at the camera and smiling widely.
Standing near the Rebbe are Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Mordechai Mentlick OBM, Mazkirim Rabbi Leibel Groner and Rabbi Binyomin Klein and Mashbak Rabbi Mayer Harlig.
JEM, which holds Freidin’s works, said the photo was one of the first he took on his first visit to 770 from Israel. Over the years, especially in the early 1980s, Freidin enjoyed up-close access to the Rebbe.
When Freidin would film the Rebbe walking out of his home on President Street, he would be offered a ride. “Rebbe, if I ride with you, 770 will turn over,” Freidin once replied, declining the honor. “I must walk.”
The photo just released took place at the conclusion of the Kos Shel Bracha distribution of wine. A short while earlier, Freidin stood nearby photographing when suddenly, the Rebbe turned around and pinched Freidin’s fedora hat in jest.
Not fully understanding what had just happened, Freidin was a little shaken up.
As the farbrengen concluded, and the Rebbe was about to leave the main shul, he noticed that Freidin still hadn’t come to himself. To put him at ease, the Rebbe sat back down in his place and posed for a picture, insisting that Freidin take it.
this is not the final photo that was taken by frieden as we have the same photo with the rebbe sitting straight and with a big smile. so there are other photos that are out there taken at that moment.
…but the Rebbe is smiling more broadly. A beautiful picture.
The kid sitting on the table on the right side is Rabbi Yossi Harlig shliach in Kendall Fl , the one to right of him on the far bottom right is Rabbi Shea Harlig shliach in Las Vegas NV
Some would call it top left corner of picture.
Top Right
Top Right corner. True Emesdike Chosid
Did he ever understand what the Rebbe meant? Or was it merely the Rebbe relating to him in jest (that’s how I understand it)? Levitch’e Fraiden and the Rebbe had an amazing relationship for many many years. When Levitch was a sports’ photographer in Israel, he would come to NY and video the Rebbe – and then view them at kibbutzim throughout Israel (he was the first JEM). In those days most of the people in the kibbutzim did in fact speak yiddish. While Levitch comes from a very prominent Lubavitch family, those early years just after the establishment of… Read more »
It’s amazing to see the chasidim participating in this event, the smiles on everyone’s face is incredible.
This photo has been hanging in our dining room for 10 years. We often get questions about it, it’s nice to finally know the backstory! Thanks COL.
…the rest of the story!
not new at all
What is the contact info for purchasing? Always wanted this photo.
Isn’t there an almost identical photo where the Rebbe is smiling more broadly than in this one? I saw it sold on the street several times.. Perhaps there were 2 photos which followed in succession..
Principal of lubavitcher Yeshiva is next to Rabbi Mentlick
And Rabbi Dovid Raskin top right
always wondered what’s behind this picture. thanks!
I love this picture!!!
BH
It is obvious that this was taken at the end of Kois Shel berocho. (Which Farbrangen?)
what’s the hat?
awesome! the sensitivity of the Rebbe is beyond words.
it was after kois shel bracha