R’ Shalom Ber Gansburg, 86, AH

R’ Shalom Ber Gansburg, who assisted the Rebbe and Rebbetzin in their home for many years passed away on Wednesday morning, 17 Cheshvan, 5784.

By Anash.org reporter

R’ Shalom Ber Gansburg, who assisted the Rebbe and Rebbetzin in their home for many years passed away on Wednesday morning, 17 Cheshvan, 5784.

He was 86 years old.

R’ Shalom Ber was born on 11 Tammuz 5697 to his parents R’ Shneor Zalman and Batsheva Gansburg. His mother was the daughter of Rabbi Yaakov Boruch Karasik, a mashgiach in Tomchei Temimim in Lubavitch.

In 5713, he began assisting in the home of Rebbetzin Nechama Dina, wife of the Frierdiker Rebbe. When Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka noticed his dedicated work she asked him to help in their home as well.

Beginning in 5731 he began to devote all his time to work in the Rebbe’s home, and a few years later – on the Rebbe’s instruction – he moved in to Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s home full time.

During the years R’ Shalom Ber lived in the Rebbe’s house, he was responsible for preparing and serving the Rebbe and Rebbetzin their meals. He merited to eat the Shabbos meals and Pesach Seder together with the Rebbe and Rebbetzin.

In an interview with JEM’s my encounter he shared how this came about. “When Pesach arrived, I assumed that the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin would want to spend their seder on their own, just like they always did. I prepared everything and went to have the seder with my elderly parents, who lived not far away, with some of my siblings. I knew that the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin would start later than my parents and I intended to return to serve them the yomtov meal.”

“When I arrived, I was surprised to see that they had not yet begun the seder. As soon as the Rebbetzin saw me, she exclaimed, “Shalom! Where did you go? My husband is waiting for you to start the seder.”

“I was shocked. It had not occurred to me that the Rebbe would wait for me before beginning his seder.

“The Rebbe asked me, “Which part of the seder are you up to?”

“Upon hearing my response the Rebbe showed me where I could find matzah and instructed me to prepare for myself all the other items necessary for the traditional seder plate. After quickly complying, I joined the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin at their seder table.”

A half a year later a similar story happened. A small Sukka had been built for the Rebbe and Rebbetzin in a narrow area behind the Rebbe’s library. Due to its size R’ Sholom Ber figured it wouldn’t be proper for him to join them for the meal.

“I served the Rebbe and Rebbetzin the first course and then waited outside the Sukka. When I returned a while later to bring the second course, the Rebbetzin turned to me a said ‘My husband is waiting for you’. I then realized that just like by the Seder they did not begin eating their sedua. I tried to excuse myself by saying that the Sukka was small and I can eat later. The Rebbe then turned to me and said ‘Can you ever listen to what you are told?’ After that I started eating with them always.”

On Chof Beis Shevat 5748, the Rebbetzin had felt ill was brought to the hospital. While there, she turned to R’ Sholom Ber and asked for a glass of water. After reciting the bracha and drinking a bit of the water, she turned to him and said “G-d should be mechaye you like you were mechaye me right now.” She passed away moments later.

Every time the Rebbe distributed dollars, kuntreisim or a tanya, the Rebbe would give him double what he gave everyone. The Rebbe would often give him confidential items to be delivered to Rabbi Hadokov.

Since Gimmel Tammuz, he was responsible for overseeing the Rebbe’s room in 770 Eastern Parkway. His memories of his work for the Rebbe and Rebbetzin were collected in the booklet called ‘Bakodesh Penima.’

He is survived by his children, Levi Yitzchok and Chanie.

He is also survived by his siblings, Yitzchok Gansburg, Mendel Gansburg, Chaya Sara Zarchi, and Rivky Majeski of Crown Heights.

Levaya will be held today, at 770 Eastern Parkway at 1:00 PM. Burial at 2:00 PM

Baruch Dayan Haemes.