Dear Rebbetzin Raichik and the entire Raichik Family,

I join the Khal Adas Chassidim worldwide in mourning the loss of your dear husband, father and brother. Indeed this is a great loss to you. However this is really a great loss to each and every one of us Chassidim. Not only because of the impact and the special position he had in Tzeirei Agudas Chabad enabling Hafotzas Hamayanos in Eretz Yisroel, which is a top priority by the Rebbe and therefore is a top priority by every single Chassid, but also because of the unique, special, different, and extraordinary Chassidishe traits that Yossi possessed.

He was the example of a true Chassid. He was real, genuine, and true. There was no facade, no impression. Everything with him was face value. What you saw, you got. What was on the in was on the out. This came across in all aspects of his life. He was true as a father, true as a friend, true as a Chassid, true as an employer and true as an employee. And in everything that went along with it.

Continued in the Extended Article.

Yossi was unique. He was able to talk and communicate with each on their level, whether it was Reb Yoel at a Chassidishe Farbrengen discussing hiskashrus or with Rosh Yeshivas, actors, doctors, professors or just ordinary people. He was able to impact and was beloved by everyone because he was true.

Yossi had a special chein about him. He was always a special attraction. When he walked into a room, no matter how many people were there, one would feel his presence in a very positive way.

Yossi worked very hard. But he worked very smart, patiently, and calculated, He had a unique ability to see the forest and, at the same time, see the tree. He was focused on the goal and went for it.

Yossi was not a fundraiser. He was a Tofeyach al Mnas Lehatfiach, He was able to touch people to the core of their Neshoma, and involve them.

To me personally, Yossi was a good friend for 40+ years. We spent a lot of time together in the good old days. He had the power of life. He never lost the child in him. He was cute, lively, happy, passionate and forgiving. He always lived the moment. Yes indeed he had difficult times and it was not easy for him. But he accomplished everything with his own 2 hands. He never received anything on a silver platter.

The difficulty of building an institution from scratch, as he has, is obvious. He was a class act. Single-handedly and successfully, he built this institution as a brand name.Indeed, we are all in awe of his accomplishments.

Yossi was not a shove over. He was a man of principles and was outspoken on issues. But he had a unique way of speaking out. He never hurt people.

He was in the world, knew the world, and yet remained out of the world. He mingled with the top, the rich and famous. Nevertheless, there was not a tint of arrogance. And he did it as a job – an achrayus,

His life, his home, his will, and his real passion was in Kfar Chabad with the Rebbe, Chassidim and Chassidishkeit.

Yossi was great listener. Indeed he was everyone’s personal friend. In my opinion, he was the most popular and beloved person in Lubavitch, He mingled with the highest rollers. Nevertheless it was totally not seen on him — not in terms of money or seeking honor. He was quiet. He was understated and always portrayed himself as the simple person from the back. He really lived a simple life on all levels.

There are no words to be Menachem this tragic loss, and certainly not to the family. However, perhaps the pain can be a little easier (or maybe harder) as you know how greatly he touched so many, and that literally thousands of people share the pain with you.

Hamokom Yenachem Eschem Besoch Shaar Avaylay Tzion BiYerushalayim.

From now you should have only Simchas.

The Duchman Family