What is a Rebbe? What is a Chassid? Why are Chassidim following their Rebbe? How is it that a Rebbe can dictate the life of his Chassid? Why do Chassidim leave all their comforts and familiar surroundings to go to far away places for life, just to follow the Rebbe's wishes?

A Rebbe and his Chassid – Rabbi Groner goes to Australia

What is a Rebbe? What is a Chassid? Why are Chassidim following their Rebbe? How is it that a Rebbe can dictate the life of his Chassid? Why do Chassidim leave all their comforts and familiar surroundings to go to far away places for life, just to follow the Rebbe’s wishes?

In 1948 Rabbi Yitzchock Groner, O.B.M, left his home and family in Brooklyn for a 50 hour flight to far away Australia at the wish of his Rebbe, the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchock Schneerson to help the Jewish community there. And ten years later he settled in Australia at the request of the present Lubavitcher Rebbe, never to look back, till his last day in the summer of 2008.

In an open hearted conversation, Rabbi Groner tells his tale and answers all of the above questions as it pertains to him personally and how it affects all the Chassidim. What drives them and what makes them do all those things that bring them to Mumbai India, or Vladivostok Russia.

A rare glimpse into the hearts and minds of Lubavitcher Chassidim, and into what makes them tick.

3 Comments

  • CrownHeights

    Thank You Rabbi Katzman for sharing this video.
    We have to emulate Rabbi Groner in being a giant yet humble, powerful but also sensitive. A great lesson.

  • annon

    wow what an inspiration – now thats what i call a TRUE chossid- humble, honest and really sincere!!!! i was very inspired!!!