BDE: Rabbi Chananya Sinai Dovid “Chesed” Halberstam, 74, OBM
With great sadness we report the passing of Harav Chananya Sinai Dovid Halberstam OBM, known affectionately across the Chabad community as “Chesed Halberstam”, a beloved chossid and devoted helper of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin. He passed away on Monday evening, the 19th of Kislev, 5786.
He was 74 years old.
Rabbi Halberstam was born in Eretz Yisroel on 23 Menachem Av 5711 (1951) to his father, Harav Rabbi Meir Halberstam, the Admor of Tchekva–Bnei Brak, a direct descendant of Rabbi Chaim of Sanz, founder of the Sanz dynasty. He was named for his grandfather, the Admor of Zhmigrad.
In his youth, Rabbi Chesed was drawn close to Chabad through his older brother, Rabbi Chaim Boruch Halberstam, today a longtime Mashbak, WLCC director, and member of the Vaad Bedek HaBayis of 770.
In 1970 (5730), Rabbi Chesed arrived by the Rebbe to learn in 770. After his marriage, he succeeded his brother in helping in the home of the Frierdiker Rebbe, assisting during Yom Tov seudos and other occasions.
In later years, Rabbi Chesed began serving in the private home of the Rebbe, a role that shaped the rest of his life. Through this position he forged a uniquely close and enduring bond with the Rebbetzin, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka.
He served as her personal driver, and assisted her for many years. The Rebbetzin extended special warmth toward his family, particularly toward his son Ari Halberstam הי״ד, who was considered by her to be like a member of the household.
A well-known anecdote reflects the Rebbe’s esteem:
When the Rebbe once heard the Rebbetzin affectionately refer to the young Chesed Halberstam as “bochur’tsik,” the Rebbe gently remarked, “He is a descendant of the Sanzer Rov — and you call him bochur’tsik? Call him Rabbi Halberstam.”
From that day onward, the Rebbetzin addressed him as “Rabbi Halberstam.”
His son, Ari Halberstam הי״ד, was murdered by a Lebanese terrorist on the Brooklyn Bridge while accompanying the Rebbe’s motorcade returning from Manhattan’s Beth Israel Medical Center.
On various occasions — often on the Rebbetzin’s yahrzeit — Rabbi Chesed would farbreng in 770, sharing firsthand stories that offered rare glimpses into the Rebbetzin’s extraordinary character, conduct, and relationship with the Rebbe.
He is survived by his wife, and children; Rabbi Yehoshua Halberstam, Rabbi Mendel Halberstam, Mrs. Chana Appelbaum, and Mrs. Sarah Gutnick.
He is also survived by his brothers Rabbi Chaim Boruch Halberstam and Rabbi Shmuel Halberstam.
The Levaya will take place today, Tuesday, passing by 770 Eastern Parkway at 1:30pm before continuing on to Montefiore Cemetery in Queens for Kevurah.
Shiva information to be announced.
Boruch Dayan Hoemes
