The Chossid Who Helped Build 770 and Chabad in America

7 Cheshvan marks the yahrzeit of Harav Shlomo Aron Kazarnovsky, a prominent Chabad rov who merited to serve as a chossid of three Rabbeim and played a central role in establishing and expanding Chabad institutions in America, from securing a home for the Frierdiker Rebbe to expanding 770 and helping establish institutions of Torah and chinuch.

Born in 5657 (1897), Reb Shlomo Aron was a talmid in Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim in Lubavitch. In 5680 (1920), he married Chaya Freida, the daughter of Reb Osher Grossman, known as Osher Niklayever, who had been entrusted by the Rebbe Rashab with reviewing and printing the newly prepared Tanya in Vilna in 5660 (1900).

Before his passing in Cheshvan 5680 (1919), Reb Osher had entrusted the Rebbe Rashab with the nadan for his unmarried daughter’s eventual marriage. Following the histalkus of the Rebbe Rashab, the money was transferred to the Frierdiker Rebbe. When the young Shlomo Aron came to ask the Frierdiker Rebbe about the proposed shidduch with the Grossman family, the Frierdiker Rebbe went to his father’s ohel and returned with a haskama. After the shidduch was finalized, the money was handed over to the chosson.

In 5687 (1927), Reb Shlomo Aron and his wife left the Soviet Union and traveled to the United States. They first settled in Rochester, New York, and moved to Brooklyn two years later, where he was appointed rov of a large shul in Bensonhurst.

In 5698 (1938), Achos Tmimim was established to give girls the opportunity to learn Chassidus and farbreng in the spirit of Chabad, following the model of Achei Tmimim. Reb Shlomo Aron was appointed as one of its three mashpiim, alongside Reb Yisroel Jacobson and Reb Yochonon Gordon, helping guide the girls in their learning and avodas Hashem.

On 11 Shvat 5702 (1942), Reb Shlomo Aron, as a member of the board of Agudas Chabad, was involved in the purchase of the Chabad section of the Old Montefiore Cemetery in Queens. Just two days later, on 13 Shvat, Rebbetzin Shterna Sarah was laid to rest there, becoming the first person buried in the section.

Reb Shlomo Aron was among the yoshvim rishona b’malchus, the senior chassidim who stood close to the Rebbeim and were entrusted with important responsibilities. He was often found at the forefront of Chabad gatherings and events, and when the Rebbe traveled to the Ohel, Reb Shlomo Aron would frequently accompany him in the car.

One of his major responsibilities was finding a suitable home for the Frierdiker Rebbe. After 770 Eastern Parkway was purchased in late 5700 (1940), Reb Shlomo Aron took charge of the building fund and helped oversee the work needed to prepare the building for the Frierdiker Rebbe.

Nearly two decades later, he was again involved in a major building project, taking responsibility for the expansion of 770’s shul in 5719–5720 (1959–1960).

Later, Reb Shlomo Aron was also entrusted with finding a suitable home for the Rebbe and Rebbetzin, continuing his role in helping provide for the needs of the Rebbeim and their families.

His involvement in Chabad’s growth extended well beyond the physical buildings. For many years, he served on the board of Agudas Chabad in the United States and was active in the hanholah of Beis Rivkah and Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch.

He also played an important role in major publishing projects, including the printing of the Sdei Chemed and the responsa of the Tzemach Tzedek, helping make these important Torah works available to the public.

In 5716 (1956), the Rebbe sent Reb Shlomo Aron as his shliach to the Chanukas Habayis of the newly established Beis Sefer L’Melachah in Kfar Chabad. From that time until his passing, he directed the institution’s American office, helping sustain its work and supporting its development.

Alongside his public responsibilities, Reb Shlomo Aron was known for his personal devotion and his strong connection to the Rebbe. Reb Avrohom Rosenfeld of Boro Park once related that Reb Shlomo Aron would walk from Bensonhurst to 770 on Pesach, bringing matzoh along for the journey. As he ate, he would say, “M’est elokus!” meaning, “We’re eating G-dliness!”

Reb Shlomo Aron passed away on 7 Cheshvan 5743 (1982).

The following words were inscribed on his matzeiva: “He worked diligently for Chabad institutions in Eretz Yisroel and was among those who planted the Chabad vineyard in the United States. He worked extensively on behalf of Bais Chayenu and was especially beloved by the Rebbeim. He served in the holy position of rabbonus for more than fifty years, spread Torah and Chassidus, and drew hearts closer to Yiddishkeit, particularly among the youth, until his final day.”

Reb Shlomo Aron’s legacy continues through his descendants, many of whom are chassidim and shluchim who carry on the work to which he devoted his life.