Rabbi Chananya Sinai Dovid “Chesed“ Halberstam, who served as a devoted Mashbak to the Rebbe and Rebbetzin, and the father of Ari Halberstam Hy”d, passed away on Tuesday, Yud Tes Kislev.

He was 74 years old.

R’ Chesed was born in Eretz Yisroel on 23 Menachem Av 5711, to his father Harav Meir Halberstam, the Rebbe of Tchakava in Bnei Brak, a descendant of Divrei Chaim of Sanz. He was named after his paternal grandfather, the Rebbe of Zhmigrad.

In his youth, he became close to Chabad through his older brother, R’ Chaim Boruch, who served as a personal attendant. In 5730, he came to learn in the central Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva at 770.

After his brother married, R’ Chesed took over his role serving at the Yom Tov meals in the Frierdiker Rebbe’s home. Later, he joined the Rebbe’s household staff, which became his primary work.

Through his work in the Rebbe’s home, he had regular contact with Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka a”h, who showed special warmth to his family, particularly their son Ari Halberstam.

Once, the Rebbe heard the Rebbetzin referring to him as “bochurchik.” The Rebbe then said to the Rebbetzin: “He’s a descendant of the Sanzer Rebbe, and you call him ‘bochurchik? Rabbi Halberstam!” From that day onward, she always called him Rabbi Halberstam, despite his young age.

His son, Ari Halberstam, hy”d, was murdered by a Lebanese terrorist on the Brooklyn Bridge while returning from Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan. Ari was riding in the van of bochurim accompanying the Rebbe. The murder shocked the entire Chabad community and the city of New York.

He is survived by his wife Baila and his children, Sara Gutnick – Melbourne, Australia; Chanie Apfelbaum – Crown Heights; R’ Mendy Halberstam – Hollywood Lakes, Florida; and R’ Shea Halberstam – Cleveland, Ohio; and grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings: Harav Chaim Boruch Halberstam, longtime mashbak, director of WLCC and member of 770’s Bedek Habayis, and Rabbi Shmuel Halberstam, director of the worldwide Mifal Hashas.

The levaya will pass 770 at 1:30 on the way to kevura near the Ohel.

Boruch dayan haemes