Mrs. Mindy Halberstam (née Wohlgemuth), wife of Reb Chaim Baruch Halberstam, passed away on Thursday after an illness. She was known for her special and exceptionally close relationship with Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, whom she would visit often.

Mrs. Mindy Halberstam was born in Caracas, Venezuela, to parents who were Holocaust survivors who rebuilt their lives after fleeing Europe. She grew up in a home shaped by that background and later went on to study in seminary in Gateshead, England, at Beis Midrash Lemorot, where she first came into close contact with Lubavitcher students sent by the Rebbe.

During that period, she also wrote a letter to the Rebbe in Yiddish from Camp Gan Yisroel and received an encouraging response, an early moment that strengthened her connection to Lubavitch.

Her husband, Reb Chaim Baruch Halberstam, came from a different but equally formative path. As a teenager he left his original yeshiva setting and was placed in Lubavitch through a family suggestion. He studied in Lod, later in Kfar Chabad, and eventually made his way to New York and to 770 in Crown Heights, where he arrived with almost nothing.

Through a series of hashgacha pratis moments, he was offered shelter and soon began helping in the Rebbe’s home, including serving tea and assisting in household needs around Yom Tov. Over time, he became closely involved in the day-to-day functioning of the home of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin, including spending long nights during Yechidus and assisting while she was often alone waiting for the Rebbe’s return.

The couple became engaged through a shidduch process guided through the Rebbe’s involvement and were married in Elul 5730 (1970). In honor of the wedding, the Rebbetzin sent a congratulatory telegram to Italy, where the chasuna took place. Following the wedding, the Rebbetzin presented the couple with a pair of silver candlesticks and a silver fruit basket.

Shortly after their marriage, they settled in Crown Heights, near the center of Lubavitch life in Crown Heights.

From early on, Mrs. Halberstam and her husband had the zchus of occasional personal interactions with the Rebbetzin. These interactions were often simple, warm, and centered around children and everyday moments, yet they left a deep impression.

She would sometimes visit with her children on Yom Tov afternoons, where the Rebbetzin would warmly engage with them, play with them, and show a natural joy in their presence. On later visits, the Rebbetzin would even prepare small toys in advance, showing she was expecting them.

She also recalls meaningful guidance given in connection with her children. When naming her daughter Devorah Leah, the Rebbetzin responded with warmth and blessing, sharing that she knew many women with that name who were strong and capable.

In another visit, she spoke to her daughter about the importance of combining style with tznius and edelkeit, teaching that dignity and refinement must always accompany outward appearance.

With her sons, she had similarly thoughtful interactions. In one visit in the library area, the Rebbetzin sat with her teenage son and went through the sefer Ufaratzta page by page, engaging him in discussion about mitzvos and outreach in a way that was natural and accessible for a young boy.

Mrs. Halberstam also witnessed the Rebbetzin’s attentiveness to every stage of life. Whether speaking to children, teenagers, or young mothers, she adapted her words with clarity and warmth, always encouraging growth, responsibility, and confidence.

One of the final personal visits she had with the Rebbetzin was when her twins were just a few months old. The Rebbetzin held one of the babies on her lap and spoke with her in a calm, personal way. This became their last direct interaction before the Rebbetzin’s passing the following year.

She is survived by her husband, Reb Chaim Baruch Halberstam, and her children: Rabbi Sholom Ber Halberstam – Chicago, Rabbi Yosef Halberstam – Yerushalayim, Mrs. Dini Gourarie – Montreal, Canada, Mrs. Chanie Kramer – Long Island, New York, Mrs. Rivky Shifrin – Little Neck, New York, Mrs. Divi Greissman – Surfside, FL, Mrs. Chaya Evers – Holland, Mrs. Sarah Paris – Bay Harbour, FL, and grandchildren.

The levaya will take place on Sunday.

Boruch dayan hoemes.