Among Chassidim Podcast: When Lubavitch Moved to the Hospital in 1994 with Rabbi Moshe Stiefel

In this episode, Rabbi Moshe Stiefel, a shliach in Holland, shares memories of growing up in Atlanta, GA, and his early visits to the Rebbe, followed by more frequent visits after his family moved to Montreal. He vividly describes the feelings and experiences of those special moments in the Rebbe’s presence.

He goes on to recount his years learning in Oholei Torah in Crown Heights, from 5750 to 5752, when seeing the Rebbe became part of his everyday life. During this time, he became part of a small group of bochurim who made it their mission never to miss an opportunity to be in the Rebbe’s presence. He shares fascinating and unique anecdotes, including moments he personally witnessed during those years.

Rabbi Stiefel also reflects on the tumultuous period following Chof Zayin Adar 5752, and later, when the Rebbe was hospitalized in Manhattan in 5754, describing how he managed to secure a place to stay nearby. He continues with his memories of the days immediately following Gimmel Tammuz, when he and others stayed at the Ohel, determined to remain as close to the Rebbe as possible.

Throughout this heartfelt, farbrengen-style conversation, Rabbi Stiefel shares personal memories and reflections on what it means to be connected to the Rebbe, and the deep desire of a chossid to always be in the Rebbe’s presence.