A chossid of the Rebbe Maharash, Rebbe Rashab, and Frierdiker Rebbe, R. Yehoshua Eliyahu Volosov was a generous baal tzedakah beyond his means who was moser nefesh to keep the Kharkov shul and mikvah open under Communism.
The Chossid Who Wouldn’t Let the Rebbe Rashab Think Chassidus
R. Shneur Zalman Slonim, a grandson of Rebbetzin Menucha Rochel, joined the Rebbe Rashab and his family on a trip to the Crimea. Before leaving, he was told not to let the Rebbe think Chassidus, which he did with a clever trick.
He Soaked the Tanya with His Tears and Passed Away
At first a successful businessman, after losing his fortune R. Avremke Zhebiner became a respected chassidishe rov. Known for being R. Groinem‘s mashpia, he didn’t leave this world before tearfully parting with the Tanya.
He Rescued His Boys Before It Was Too Late
Overtaken with financial difficulty, R. Nochum Yitzchok Pinson overlooked his children’s chinuch and they slowly became influenced by modernity. When it hit him, he enrolled his sons – ages 10 and 12 – at a branch of Tomchei Temimim 500 km away from home, where they became outstanding chassidim.
The Chassidic “Traitor” Thrown Out by His Wife
A talmid of Tomchei Temimim, R. Fallik Gurary, brother of the Rashag, went on to become a gvir and askan like his father. Despite being arrested and exiled to Siberia for his activities, he and his wife remained committed to raising their children with a staunch dedication to Yiddishkeit and Chassidus.
The Chossid Who Became the Rebbe Rashab’s “Son-in-Law”
A son of Rebbetzin Menucha Rochel, R. Mordechai Dov Ber Slonim lived in Chevron and resembled his grandfather, the Mitteler Rebbe. After showing up at the Rebbe Maharash‘s home at 2 am, he became very close to the young Rebbe Rashab, earning the nickname “son-in-law.”
The Wealthy Chossid Who Slept on a Bench
A chossid of stature and a wealthy man, R. Hirshel Gurary donned four pairs of tefillin and was a son-in-law of the Radziner Rebbe. When he was seen sleeping on a bench to attend the Frierdiker Rebbe‘s daughter’s chassuna, he inspired a Mirrer talmid in the way of Chassidus.
“I Won’t Take Any Money From You”
Renowned for his hospitality and generosity, R. Mordechai Elinson of Kharkov hosted many regularly. Under Communism, he ran a cheder and ensured that the melamdim and the learning was al taharas hakodesh.