Chabadpedia - User contributions [en]

Montreal

2025-04-21T17:26:37Z

Leibel Kramer: Links and names

[[File:Montreal770.jpg|thumb|The Shluchim|272x272px]]
'''Montreal''' is [[Canada]]'s second-largest city (after Toronto), located in Quebec. The city has 1.9 million residents, with 3.8 million in the metropolitan area. The city is situated on an island at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers.

The city has a large Chabad community of approximately 700 Anash families, emissaries, synagogues, educational institutions, and Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim.
== The Jewish Community ==
Montreal's Jewish community is one of North America's oldest and largest. Currently, over 100,000 Jews live in the city, including several thousand Israelis. The city has about 20 Jewish schools of various types, including the "Yavneh" school, which was directed by Rabbi Masoud Chai Habib, a Chabad Chassid.

The Jewish communities include a large Moroccan (French-speaking) community, the Tash Hasidic community led by Rabbi Meshulam Feish Lowy with hundreds of his followers in Kiryas Tash (near Montreal), hundreds of Belz, Vizhnitz, [[Satmar Chassidus|Satmar]], and Skver Hasidim in Outremont, the Lithuanian community in De Vimy, and the Sephardic community in Côte St. Luc.

A large Chabad community operates in the city, which developed rapidly since the arrival of Tomchei Tmimim students from Otwock via Shanghai in 1941. Today, most of the Chabad community resides in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood.

== Establishment of the Chabad Community ==
There are no clear details about the establishment and members of the Chabad community in Montreal during its first decades until the arrival of Tomchei Tmimim students from Otwock in 1941.

In the 1880s, Montreal had a synagogue called "Anash Nusach Ha'Ari Community," and they appointed as their rabbi someone who had served as rabbi in several cities in Latvia but was not counted among Chabad - Rabbi Nathan Neta Afroimovich (Afrimovitz).

== The Surviving Students Arrive in Montreal ==
At the community's request, [[The Rebbe Rayatz|the Previous Rebbe]] decided to approach the Canadian government to grant visas to the Tomchei Tmimim students in Shanghai. The Canadian government agreed, and out of eighty visas distributed to all yeshiva students in Shanghai at the time, the yeshiva received nine visas. On the 2nd of Cheshvan 1941, nine students who received visas were sent: Reb Yosef Rodal, [[Reb Aryeh Leib Kramer]], Reb Yosef Menachem Mendel Tennenbaum, Reb [[Menachem Zev Greenglass|Menachem Zev Greenglass]], Reb Moshe Eliyahu Gerlitzky, Reb Yitzchok Hendel, Reb Yosef Weinberg, Reb Yosef Tzvi Kotlarsky, and Reb Shmuel Stein.

They traveled by ship from Shanghai to San Francisco, California, and from there by bus to Montreal.

The day after their arrival, the yeshiva opened, headed by [[Rabbi Yitzchak HaKohen Hendel|Rabbi Yitzchok HaCohen Hendel]]. The students temporarily stayed in the Chabad Nusach Ha'Ari synagogue. As the yeshiva expanded, a larger, more organized space was needed. At that time, those responsible for the yeshiva began planning to purchase a large, magnificent building to accommodate all students comfortably. Until this plan was implemented, the yeshiva was housed in a local orphanage, where they received several rooms to run the yeshiva.

== Historical Development ==
A few days later, on the 9th of Cheshvan, the Previous Rebbe sent a long letter to the Tomchei Tmimim students detailing his holy instructions for their work in the city (Igrot Kodesh Rayatz Vol. 6, p. 48). During Cheshvan, the Previous Rebbe sent the distinguished mashpia Rabbi Shmuel Levitin to help establish the yeshiva in its first steps. Later, the Rebbe instructed to arrange an executive committee for managing Tomchei Tmimim, to be chosen by local Anash. The Rebbe instructed to appoint Mr. Yehuda Albert as head of the committee - apparently a businessman who greatly helped and supported the yeshiva. Rabbi Shmuel Levitin left the yeshiva shortly after the 10th of Kislev 1941, about a month after arriving at the yeshiva. When the yeshiva opened, there were 24 students. A year later, the yeshiva had over two hundred students. The Previous Rebbe sent a letter saying that after the great effort the students were investing, there should have been at least five hundred students.

On the 15th of Kislev 1944, the inauguration of the building purchased for the yeshiva took place, with the participation of Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary (the Rashag), the Previous Rebbe's son-in-law, who came to Montreal specially for the celebration as his personal emissary.

On Sunday, 23rd of Iyar 1962, a new building for the yeshiva was inaugurated (the first building that Chabad built in North America). After Rabbi Peretz Mochkin's passing, the yeshiva expanded into his house. In 2004, a fire broke out in the yeshiva's dormitory building located near the yeshiva building (which also included the Lubavitch synagogue, study hall, and mikvah) at 6405 Westbury. Subsequently, on 26th of Sivan 2007, a new and magnificent building was inaugurated in place of the dormitory building at 6355 Westbury, and the large yeshiva - the "Zal" - moved to the new building.

== Community Development ==
In 1949, the Previous Rebbe sent Rabbi Moshe Chaim saponchinsky to serve as shochet for the community and also as rabbi of the Nusach Ari synagogue.

At the beginning of his leadership, the Rebbe sent three emissaries from Paris, France. In 1951, Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel Zeitlin was sent to serve as mashpia, shochet, and mohel. In 1952, Rabbi Chaim Shneur Zalman Marozov was sent to serve as shochet and mashpia, and Rabbi Peretz Mochkin as mashpia.

Later, Rabbi Leibel Kramer and Rabbi Yosef Rodal were appointed as heads of the institutions and yeshiva, and they established a synagogue and mikvah.

In 1959, Rabbi Yehuda Spotz (who had previously studied in the yeshiva) was sent by the Rebbe to work in the yeshiva and in the Litvish girls' institution 'Beis Yaakov'. That same year, Camp "Gan Israel - Montreal" was founded in the Quebec mountains by Rabbi Reuven Tzvi Yehuda Feigelstock and Rabbi Berel Mochkin.

In 1970, Rabbi Leibel Kramer established the well-known institution "Beit Rivka Montreal" and the summer camp "Pardes Chana" in the mountains, named after Rebbetzin Chana. With the help of Rabbi Shalom Ber Kalmanson (who lived in Montreal at the time), he succeeded in recruiting many students for both institutions.

== The Community Today ==
Today, the community numbers hundreds of families and dozens of institutions. The community is served by:

* Mashpia [[Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Gurary|Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Gurarya]]
* Chairman of Chabad Youth Organization of Canada, Rabbi Sholom Dovber Muchkin
* [[Rabbi Yoel Zusha Zilberstein]], the Rebbe's emissary
* Rabbi David HaCohen Cohen and Rabbi Eliyahu Cohen (of blessed memory), mashpi'im for the French-speaking community
* Rabbi Chaim Shlomo Cohen, mashpia for the Hebrew-speaking community
* Rabbi Avraham Ben Shimon, among the distinguished Anash
* Mashpia Rabbi Shalom Leib Eisenbach (of blessed memory)

== Current Institutions ==
# Russian Speakers' Chabad Center, named after donor R' David and Ida Schottenstein, led by Rabbi Israel Sirota
# Hebrew Speakers' Chabad House and Semicha Institute, directed by Rabbi Chaim Shlomo Cohen and his nephew Rabbi Moshe Scharf
# Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Montreal, headed by Rabbi Aryeh Leib Kaplan, Rabbi Shmuel Kramer, and Rabbi Moshe Abba Stern
# Beis Rivka Girls' Institution, educational director Rabbi Yosef Minkowitz and Rabbi Menachem Mendel Marozov
# Chaya Mushka Seminary for Girls, directed by Rabbi Michael Dahan
# Girls' Seminary in St. Agathe, directed by Rabbi Karlebach
# Or Menachem Yeshiva in Naperville (about an hour's drive south of Montreal), directed by Rabbi Yehuda Meir Dahan
# Mesivta, directed by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Raskin
# Côte St. Luc Chabad House for Moroccan Jews, directed by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Raskin
# Chabad Children's Cheder
# Lubavitch Study Hall and Mikvah for Anash, managed by gabbaim, Rabbi Peretz Matzkin, Rabbi Avraham Gurarya, and others

== External Links ==
* http://www.cgimontreal.com/
* http://www.chabadcsl.com/
* http://www.anash.org/the-nine-arrive-in-montreal/
* https://77012.blogspot.com/2023/04/blog-post_86.html
* https://chabad.info/news/1095936/

[[Category:Canada]]
[[he:מונטריאול]]

Chaim Mordechai Isaac Hodakov

2025-04-21T17:22:50Z

Leibel Kramer: Links

Rabbi '''Chaim Mordechai Isaac Hodakov''' (January 12, 1902 - April 24, 1993) served as the personal secretary to both the [[The Rebbe Rayatz|Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe]] (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn) and [[The Rebbe|the Lubavitcher Rebbe]] (Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn). He held leadership positions in major Chabad organizations worldwide, including [[Machane Yisrael|Machane Israel]] and [[Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch]]. Before the Holocaust, he managed the "Torah and Derech Eretz" educational institutions in Latvia and served as the Jewish Education Commissioner for the Latvian Ministry of Education. In October 1970, the Rebbe appointed him as the spiritual "owner" of Latvia.

== Early Life and Education ==
Born on January 12, 1902 in Beshenkovitz, Belarus to his father Rabbi Shalom Yisrael, a Chabad Chassid, and his mother Chava Treina. At age two, his family moved to Riga, Latvia, where he initially attended a local Jewish school. According to some accounts, at age 10 he began studying at a prestigious private yeshiva in Riga. Another version states that at age 16 he was a high school student who notably maintained his beard.

During his youth, he began spreading Torah and Judaism through Jewish education in Latvia. Reb Mordechai Dubin encouraged him to use his excellent talents for educating Jewish children.

== Distinguished Scholar ==
Despite attending secular high school and only studying Torah in evening classes at "Tiferes Bochurim," he managed to acquire extensive Torah knowledge and became a distinguished scholar. He was also known for his refined character, never speaking ill of others.

== Latvian Minister of Education ==
From age 18, Rabbi Hodakov served as principal of the "Torah and Derech Eretz" school, managing it as an experienced educator. He was appointed to the city's Board of Education and served as the Jewish Education Minister of Latvia, where he encouraged teachers to advance their educational training.

== Leadership in Chabad ==
In 1940, Rabbi Hodakov and his wife escaped Europe during the Holocaust when the Previous Rebbe included them in his journey to America. In [[the United States]], he was appointed by the Previous Rebbe to direct Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, Machane Israel and [[Kehos|Kehot Publishing House]] in 1942. When the Rebbe assumed leadership, Rabbi Hodakov became head of the secretariat and later chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad.

== Founding of Beis Rivkah ==
In 1942, Rabbi Hodakov proposed to the Previous Rebbe to establish a Jewish neighborhood on Eastern Parkway, alongside schools for girls and kindergartens. The Rebbe approved one initiative - establishing a girls' school. This led to the founding of Beis Rivkah institutions in America, managed by Rabbi Hodakov under the leadership of both Rebbes. Following its establishment in America, they worked to establish Beis Rivkah institutions worldwide.

== The Rebbe on the Line ==
There were instances when Rabbi Hodakov would call Chassidim and suddenly the Rebbe's voice would be heard - something considered rare as the Rebbe rarely spoke on the phone. The Rebbe usually spoke quietly and Rabbi Hodakov would repeat each word.

== The Rebbe's Instructions for Israel ==
Rabbi Hodakov had the great privilege of being the constant connection between the Rebbe and Chabad leaders in Israel: Rabbi Efraim Wolf and Rabbi Shlomo Meidanchik. For many years, he frequently called them to relay specific instructions from the Rebbe on both private and public matters.

== Guiding Shluchim and Educators ==
In the early years, there were cases where the Rebbe instructed Rabbi Hodakov to check with young married men if they were interested in becoming shluchim (emissaries) in general or for specific locations. Initially, people thought these were personal initiatives, but over time everyone knew these inquiries came from the Rebbe's direction.

== Character and Conduct ==
The Rebbe would sometimes send people to him with educational questions. In 1995, a book titled "Education and the Educator" was published containing his collected educational directives.

As secretary, Rabbi Hodakov was responsible for scheduling private audiences with the Rebbe. He never shared the Rebbe's response with anyone other than the person who wrote the question, not even with their spouse.

== The Year Book ==
Rabbi Hodakov initiated the publication of a Year Book in 1939. The book collected articles for youth arranged by weekly Torah portions, from the "Ha'ach" bulletin published by the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva between 1911-1914. Additional editions were published in 1942 and 1955.

== Complete Faith in the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach ==
In winter 1993, he would participate in Friday night prayers in the Rebbe's minyan, and afterward join other secretaries on the balcony behind [[the Rebbe]], notably standing out among them in singing and dancing "[[Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu V'Rabbeinu Melech HaMoshiach L'olam Va'ed]]" according to the Rebbe's tempo and encouragement.

He maintained his famous mental clarity until his final moment. Three days before his passing, he signed the salaries for kollel members under his supervision, leaving nothing unfinished. He passed away on Friday night, 3rd of Iyar 5753 (1993), at age 91, and was buried in Montefiore Cemetery in Queens, [[New York City|New York]].

== Family ==
* His wife: Rebbetzin Etel Tzerna Hodakov - passed away on 20 Sivan 5766 (2006). During her life, she translated books and educational materials. Most notably, she translated the book "Der Rebbe" - a historical account of the life and times of [[the Alter Rebbe]] - from German to [[Yiddish]].
* His son: [[Rabbi Shalom Yisrael Hodakov]] - Crown Heights
* His daughter: Mrs. Chaya Rivka Kramer - Crown Heights

== His Books ==
# Collection of Instructions from the Rebbe's Secretariat to the Ohali Yosef Yitzchak Network - Educational directives received from Rabbi Hodakov by principals and teachers of the Ohali Yosef Yitzchak Network. Edited by Rabbi Yechiel Malov.
# Education and the Educator - Collection of educational directives. Published by [[Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch]] in 1995. Compiled by Rabbi Chaim Meir Dayan of [[Kfar Chabad]], edited by Rabbi Alter Eliyahu Friedman of Tzfat.

== Further Reading ==
# Ateret Zekenim - Rabbi Hodakov's activities from Riga to New York following the instructions of Chabad Rebbes. Detailed 90-page overview - history, public service, first-time published letters and rare documents.
# Stories from [[the Rebbe's Room]] - by Menachem Zigelbaum, 2009.
# Mendi Kurtz, "Rabbi Hodakov" from an upcoming book, special edition (30 years since Rabbi Hodakov's passing), "[[Kfar Chabad Magazine|Kfar Chabad]]" weekly magazine, issue 2004, Pesach 5783.
# Zusha Wolf, Yemei Temimim - Documentation of the Rebbe's instructions through Rabbi Hodakov to Rabbi Efraim Wolf.
# The Rebbe's Engine - Instructions from the Rebbe through Rabbi Hodakov to R' Shlomo Meidanchik.
# Yosef Ashkenazi, Otzar HaChassidim - Personalities and Chassidic teachings of Chabad mentors in New York, published by [[Chazak Publications|Chazak]], 2013.
# Mendi Kurtz, "I Miss Them," revelations about Rabbi Hodakov's connection with his students from Riga, "[[Kfar Chabad Magazine|Kfar Chabad]]" weekly magazine, issue 2013.
# A Chassidisher Derher magazine issue #1

[[Category: The Rebbes Secretary's]]
[[he:חיים מרדכי אייזיק חדקוב]]

Chaim Mordechai Isaac Hodakov

2025-04-21T17:18:12Z

Leibel Kramer: Links

Rabbi '''Chaim Mordechai Isaac Hodakov''' (January 12, 1902 - April 24, 1993) served as the personal secretary to both the [[The Rebbe Rayatz|Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe]] (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn) and [[The Rebbe|the Lubavitcher Rebbe]] (Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn). He held leadership positions in major Chabad organizations worldwide, including [[Machane Yisrael|Machane Israel]] and [[Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch]]. Before the Holocaust, he managed the "Torah and Derech Eretz" educational institutions in Latvia and served as the Jewish Education Commissioner for the Latvian Ministry of Education. In October 1970, the Rebbe appointed him as the spiritual "owner" of Latvia.

== Early Life and Education ==
Born on January 12, 1902 in Beshenkovitz, Belarus to his father Rabbi Shalom Yisrael, a Chabad Chassid, and his mother Chava Treina. At age two, his family moved to Riga, Latvia, where he initially attended a local Jewish school. According to some accounts, at age 10 he began studying at a prestigious private yeshiva in Riga. Another version states that at age 16 he was a high school student who notably maintained his beard.

During his youth, he began spreading Torah and Judaism through Jewish education in Latvia. Reb Mordechai Dubin encouraged him to use his excellent talents for educating Jewish children.

== Distinguished Scholar ==
Despite attending secular high school and only studying Torah in evening classes at "Tiferes Bochurim," he managed to acquire extensive Torah knowledge and became a distinguished scholar. He was also known for his refined character, never speaking ill of others.

== Latvian Minister of Education ==
From age 18, Rabbi Hodakov served as principal of the "Torah and Derech Eretz" school, managing it as an experienced educator. He was appointed to the city's Board of Education and served as the Jewish Education Minister of Latvia, where he encouraged teachers to advance their educational training.

== Leadership in Chabad ==
In 1940, Rabbi Hodakov and his wife escaped Europe during the Holocaust when the Previous Rebbe included them in his journey to America. In [[the United States]], he was appointed by the Previous Rebbe to direct Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, Machane Israel and [[Kehos|Kehot Publishing House]] in 1942. When the Rebbe assumed leadership, Rabbi Hodakov became head of the secretariat and later chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad.

== Founding of Beis Rivkah ==
In 1942, Rabbi Hodakov proposed to the Previous Rebbe to establish a Jewish neighborhood on Eastern Parkway, alongside schools for girls and kindergartens. The Rebbe approved one initiative - establishing a girls' school. This led to the founding of Beis Rivkah institutions in America, managed by Rabbi Hodakov under the leadership of both Rebbes. Following its establishment in America, they worked to establish Beis Rivkah institutions worldwide.

== The Rebbe on the Line ==
There were instances when Rabbi Hodakov would call Chassidim and suddenly the Rebbe's voice would be heard - something considered rare as the Rebbe rarely spoke on the phone. The Rebbe usually spoke quietly and Rabbi Hodakov would repeat each word.

== The Rebbe's Instructions for Israel ==
Rabbi Hodakov had the great privilege of being the constant connection between the Rebbe and Chabad leaders in Israel: Rabbi Efraim Wolf and Rabbi Shlomo Meidanchik. For many years, he frequently called them to relay specific instructions from the Rebbe on both private and public matters.

== Guiding Shluchim and Educators ==
In the early years, there were cases where the Rebbe instructed Rabbi Hodakov to check with young married men if they were interested in becoming shluchim (emissaries) in general or for specific locations. Initially, people thought these were personal initiatives, but over time everyone knew these inquiries came from the Rebbe's direction.

== Character and Conduct ==
The Rebbe would sometimes send people to him with educational questions. In 1995, a book titled "Education and the Educator" was published containing his collected educational directives.

As secretary, Rabbi Hodakov was responsible for scheduling private audiences with the Rebbe. He never shared the Rebbe's response with anyone other than the person who wrote the question, not even with their spouse.

== The Year Book ==
Rabbi Hodakov initiated the publication of a Year Book in 1939. The book collected articles for youth arranged by weekly Torah portions, from the "Ha'ach" bulletin published by the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva between 1911-1914. Additional editions were published in 1942 and 1955.

== Complete Faith in the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach ==
In winter 1993, he would participate in Friday night prayers in the Rebbe's minyan, and afterward join other secretaries on the balcony behind [[the Rebbe]], notably standing out among them in singing and dancing "[[Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu V'Rabbeinu Melech HaMoshiach L'olam Va'ed]]" according to the Rebbe's tempo and encouragement.

He maintained his famous mental clarity until his final moment. Three days before his passing, he signed the salaries for kollel members under his supervision, leaving nothing unfinished. He passed away on Friday night, 3rd of Iyar 5753 (1993), at age 91, and was buried in Montefiore Cemetery in Queens, [[New York City|New York]].

== Family ==
* His wife: Rebbetzin Etel Tzerna Hodakov - passed away on 20 Sivan 5766 (2006). During her life, she translated books and educational materials. Most notably, she translated the book "Der Rebbe" - a historical account of the life and times of [[the Alter Rebbe]] - from German to [[Yiddish]].
* His son: [[Rabbi Shalom Yisrael Hodakov]] - Crown Heights
* His daughter: Mrs. Chaya Rivka Kramer - Crown Heights

== His Books ==
# Collection of Instructions from the Rebbe's Secretariat to the Ohali Yosef Yitzchak Network - Educational directives received from Rabbi Hodakov by principals and teachers of the Ohali Yosef Yitzchak Network. Edited by Rabbi Yechiel Malov.
# Education and the Educator - Collection of educational directives. Published by [[Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch]] in 1995. Compiled by Rabbi Chaim Meir Dayan of [[Kfar Chabad]], edited by Rabbi Alter Eliyahu Friedman of Tzfat.

== Further Reading ==
# Ateret Zekenim - Rabbi Hodakov's activities from Riga to New York following the instructions of Chabad Rebbes. Detailed 90-page overview - history, public service, first-time published letters and rare documents.
# Stories from the Rebbe's Room - by Menachem Zigelbaum, 2009.
# Mendi Kurtz, "Rabbi Hodakov" from an upcoming book, special edition (30 years since Rabbi Hodakov's passing), "Kfar Chabad" weekly magazine, issue 2004, Pesach 5783.
# Zusha Wolf, Yemei Temimim - Documentation of the Rebbe's instructions through Rabbi Hodakov to Rabbi Efraim Wolf.
# The Rebbe's Engine - Instructions from the Rebbe through Rabbi Hodakov to R' Shlomo Meidanchik.
# Yosef Ashkenazi, Otzar HaChassidim - Personalities and Chassidic teachings of Chabad mentors in New York, published by Chazak, 2013.
# Mendi Kurtz, "I Miss Them," revelations about Rabbi Hodakov's connection with his students from Riga, "Kfar Chabad" weekly magazine, issue 2013.
# A Chassidisher Derher magazine issue #1

[[Category: The Rebbes Secretary's]]
[[he:חיים מרדכי אייזיק חדקוב]]

Chaim Mordechai Isaac Hodakov

2025-04-21T17:15:37Z

Leibel Kramer: Links

Rabbi '''Chaim Mordechai Isaac Hodakov''' (January 12, 1902 - April 24, 1993) served as the personal secretary to both the [[The Rebbe Rayatz|Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe]] (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn) and [[The Rebbe|the Lubavitcher Rebbe]] (Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn). He held leadership positions in major Chabad organizations worldwide, including [[Machane Yisrael|Machane Israel]] and [[Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch]]. Before the Holocaust, he managed the "Torah and Derech Eretz" educational institutions in Latvia and served as the Jewish Education Commissioner for the Latvian Ministry of Education. In October 1970, the Rebbe appointed him as the spiritual "owner" of Latvia.

== Early Life and Education ==
Born on January 12, 1902 in Beshenkovitz, Belarus to his father Rabbi Shalom Yisrael, a Chabad Chassid, and his mother Chava Treina. At age two, his family moved to Riga, Latvia, where he initially attended a local Jewish school. According to some accounts, at age 10 he began studying at a prestigious private yeshiva in Riga. Another version states that at age 16 he was a high school student who notably maintained his beard.

During his youth, he began spreading Torah and Judaism through Jewish education in Latvia. Reb Mordechai Dubin encouraged him to use his excellent talents for educating Jewish children.

== Distinguished Scholar ==
Despite attending secular high school and only studying Torah in evening classes at "Tiferes Bochurim," he managed to acquire extensive Torah knowledge and became a distinguished scholar. He was also known for his refined character, never speaking ill of others.

== Latvian Minister of Education ==
From age 18, Rabbi Hodakov served as principal of the "Torah and Derech Eretz" school, managing it as an experienced educator. He was appointed to the city's Board of Education and served as the Jewish Education Minister of Latvia, where he encouraged teachers to advance their educational training.

== Leadership in Chabad ==
In 1940, Rabbi Hodakov and his wife escaped Europe during the Holocaust when the Previous Rebbe included them in his journey to America. In [[the United States]], he was appointed by the Previous Rebbe to direct Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, Machane Israel and [[Kehos|Kehot Publishing House]] in 1942. When the Rebbe assumed leadership, Rabbi Hodakov became head of the secretariat and later chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad.

== Founding of Beis Rivkah ==
In 1942, Rabbi Hodakov proposed to the Previous Rebbe to establish a Jewish neighborhood on Eastern Parkway, alongside schools for girls and kindergartens. The Rebbe approved one initiative - establishing a girls' school. This led to the founding of Beis Rivkah institutions in America, managed by Rabbi Hodakov under the leadership of both Rebbes. Following its establishment in America, they worked to establish Beis Rivkah institutions worldwide.

== The Rebbe on the Line ==
There were instances when Rabbi Hodakov would call Chassidim and suddenly the Rebbe's voice would be heard - something considered rare as the Rebbe rarely spoke on the phone. The Rebbe usually spoke quietly and Rabbi Hodakov would repeat each word.

== The Rebbe's Instructions for Israel ==
Rabbi Hodakov had the great privilege of being the constant connection between the Rebbe and Chabad leaders in Israel: Rabbi Efraim Wolf and Rabbi Shlomo Meidanchik. For many years, he frequently called them to relay specific instructions from the Rebbe on both private and public matters.

== Guiding Shluchim and Educators ==
In the early years, there were cases where the Rebbe instructed Rabbi Hodakov to check with young married men if they were interested in becoming shluchim (emissaries) in general or for specific locations. Initially, people thought these were personal initiatives, but over time everyone knew these inquiries came from the Rebbe's direction.

== Character and Conduct ==
The Rebbe would sometimes send people to him with educational questions. In 1995, a book titled "Education and the Educator" was published containing his collected educational directives.

As secretary, Rabbi Hodakov was responsible for scheduling private audiences with the Rebbe. He never shared the Rebbe's response with anyone other than the person who wrote the question, not even with their spouse.

== The Year Book ==
Rabbi Hodakov initiated the publication of a Year Book in 1939. The book collected articles for youth arranged by weekly Torah portions, from the "Ha'ach" bulletin published by the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva between 1911-1914. Additional editions were published in 1942 and 1955.

== Complete Faith in the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach ==
In winter 1993, he would participate in Friday night prayers in the Rebbe's minyan, and afterward join other secretaries on the balcony behind [[the Rebbe]], notably standing out among them in singing and dancing "[[Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu V'Rabbeinu Melech HaMoshiach L'olam Va'ed]]" according to the Rebbe's tempo and encouragement.

He maintained his famous mental clarity until his final moment. Three days before his passing, he signed the salaries for kollel members under his supervision, leaving nothing unfinished. He passed away on Friday night, 3rd of Iyar 5753 (1993), at age 91, and was buried in Montefiore Cemetery in Queens, [[New York City|New York]].

== Family ==
* His wife: Rebbetzin Etel Tzerna Hodakov - passed away on 20 Sivan 5766 (2006). During her life, she translated books and educational materials. Most notably, she translated the book "Der Rebbe" - a historical account of the life and times of [[the Alter Rebbe]] - from German to [[Yiddish]].
* His son: [[Rabbi Shalom Yisrael Hodakov]] - Crown Heights
* His daughter: Mrs. Chaya Rivka Kramer - Crown Heights

== His Books ==
# Collection of Instructions from the Rebbe's Secretariat to the Ohali Yosef Yitzchak Network - Educational directives received from Rabbi Hodakov by principals and teachers of the Ohali Yosef Yitzchak Network. Edited by Rabbi Yechiel Malov.
# Education and the Educator - Collection of educational directives. Published by Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch in 1995. Compiled by Rabbi Chaim Meir Dayan of Kfar Chabad, edited by Rabbi Alter Eliyahu Friedman of Tzfat.

== Further Reading ==
# Ateret Zekenim - Rabbi Hodakov's activities from Riga to New York following the instructions of Chabad Rebbes. Detailed 90-page overview - history, public service, first-time published letters and rare documents.
# Stories from the Rebbe's Room - by Menachem Zigelbaum, 2009.
# Mendi Kurtz, "Rabbi Hodakov" from an upcoming book, special edition (30 years since Rabbi Hodakov's passing), "Kfar Chabad" weekly magazine, issue 2004, Pesach 5783.
# Zusha Wolf, Yemei Temimim - Documentation of the Rebbe's instructions through Rabbi Hodakov to Rabbi Efraim Wolf.
# The Rebbe's Engine - Instructions from the Rebbe through Rabbi Hodakov to R' Shlomo Meidanchik.
# Yosef Ashkenazi, Otzar HaChassidim - Personalities and Chassidic teachings of Chabad mentors in New York, published by Chazak, 2013.
# Mendi Kurtz, "I Miss Them," revelations about Rabbi Hodakov's connection with his students from Riga, "Kfar Chabad" weekly magazine, issue 2013.
# A Chassidisher Derher magazine issue #1

[[Category: The Rebbes Secretary's]]
[[he:חיים מרדכי אייזיק חדקוב]]

Chaim Mordechai Isaac Hodakov

2025-04-21T17:12:07Z

Leibel Kramer: Links

Rabbi '''Chaim Mordechai Isaac Hodakov''' (January 12, 1902 - April 24, 1993) served as the personal secretary to both the [[The Rebbe Rayatz|Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe]] (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn) and [[The Rebbe|the Lubavitcher Rebbe]] (Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn). He held leadership positions in major Chabad organizations worldwide, including [[Machane Yisrael|Machane Israel]] and [[Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch]]. Before the Holocaust, he managed the "Torah and Derech Eretz" educational institutions in Latvia and served as the Jewish Education Commissioner for the Latvian Ministry of Education. In October 1970, the Rebbe appointed him as the spiritual "owner" of Latvia.

== Early Life and Education ==
Born on January 12, 1902 in Beshenkovitz, Belarus to his father Rabbi Shalom Yisrael, a Chabad Chassid, and his mother Chava Treina. At age two, his family moved to Riga, Latvia, where he initially attended a local Jewish school. According to some accounts, at age 10 he began studying at a prestigious private yeshiva in Riga. Another version states that at age 16 he was a high school student who notably maintained his beard.

During his youth, he began spreading Torah and Judaism through Jewish education in Latvia. Reb Mordechai Dubin encouraged him to use his excellent talents for educating Jewish children.

== Distinguished Scholar ==
Despite attending secular high school and only studying Torah in evening classes at "Tiferes Bochurim," he managed to acquire extensive Torah knowledge and became a distinguished scholar. He was also known for his refined character, never speaking ill of others.

== Latvian Minister of Education ==
From age 18, Rabbi Hodakov served as principal of the "Torah and Derech Eretz" school, managing it as an experienced educator. He was appointed to the city's Board of Education and served as the Jewish Education Minister of Latvia, where he encouraged teachers to advance their educational training.

== Leadership in Chabad ==
In 1940, Rabbi Hodakov and his wife escaped Europe during the Holocaust when the Previous Rebbe included them in his journey to America. In [[the United States]], he was appointed by the Previous Rebbe to direct Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, Machane Israel and [[Kehos|Kehot Publishing House]] in 1942. When the Rebbe assumed leadership, Rabbi Hodakov became head of the secretariat and later chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad.

== Founding of Beis Rivkah ==
In 1942, Rabbi Hodakov proposed to the Previous Rebbe to establish a Jewish neighborhood on Eastern Parkway, alongside schools for girls and kindergartens. The Rebbe approved one initiative - establishing a girls' school. This led to the founding of Beis Rivkah institutions in America, managed by Rabbi Hodakov under the leadership of both Rebbes. Following its establishment in America, they worked to establish Beis Rivkah institutions worldwide.

== The Rebbe on the Line ==
There were instances when Rabbi Hodakov would call Chassidim and suddenly the Rebbe's voice would be heard - something considered rare as the Rebbe rarely spoke on the phone. The Rebbe usually spoke quietly and Rabbi Hodakov would repeat each word.

== The Rebbe's Instructions for Israel ==
Rabbi Hodakov had the great privilege of being the constant connection between the Rebbe and Chabad leaders in Israel: Rabbi Efraim Wolf and Rabbi Shlomo Meidanchik. For many years, he frequently called them to relay specific instructions from the Rebbe on both private and public matters.

== Guiding Shluchim and Educators ==
In the early years, there were cases where the Rebbe instructed Rabbi Hodakov to check with young married men if they were interested in becoming shluchim (emissaries) in general or for specific locations. Initially, people thought these were personal initiatives, but over time everyone knew these inquiries came from the Rebbe's direction.

== Character and Conduct ==
The Rebbe would sometimes send people to him with educational questions. In 1995, a book titled "Education and the Educator" was published containing his collected educational directives.

As secretary, Rabbi Hodakov was responsible for scheduling private audiences with the Rebbe. He never shared the Rebbe's response with anyone other than the person who wrote the question, not even with their spouse.

== The Year Book ==
Rabbi Hodakov initiated the publication of a Year Book in 1939. The book collected articles for youth arranged by weekly Torah portions, from the "Ha'ach" bulletin published by the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva between 1911-1914. Additional editions were published in 1942 and 1955.

== Complete Faith in the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach ==
In winter 1993, he would participate in Friday night prayers in the Rebbe's minyan, and afterward join other secretaries on the balcony behind the Rebbe, notably standing out among them in singing and dancing "Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu V'Rabbeinu Melech HaMoshiach L'olam Va'ed" according to the Rebbe's tempo and encouragement.

He maintained his famous mental clarity until his final moment. Three days before his passing, he signed the salaries for kollel members under his supervision, leaving nothing unfinished. He passed away on Friday night, 3rd of Iyar 5753 (1993), at age 91, and was buried in Montefiore Cemetery in Queens, New York.

== Family ==
* His wife: Rebbetzin Etel Tzerna Hodakov - passed away on 20 Sivan 5766 (2006). During her life, she translated books and educational materials. Most notably, she translated the book "Der Rebbe" - a historical account of the life and times of [[the Alter Rebbe]] - from German to [[Yiddish]].
* His son: [[Rabbi Shalom Yisrael Hodakov]] - Crown Heights
* His daughter: Mrs. Chaya Rivka Kramer - Crown Heights

== His Books ==
# Collection of Instructions from the Rebbe's Secretariat to the Ohali Yosef Yitzchak Network - Educational directives received from Rabbi Hodakov by principals and teachers of the Ohali Yosef Yitzchak Network. Edited by Rabbi Yechiel Malov.
# Education and the Educator - Collection of educational directives. Published by Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch in 1995. Compiled by Rabbi Chaim Meir Dayan of Kfar Chabad, edited by Rabbi Alter Eliyahu Friedman of Tzfat.

== Further Reading ==
# Ateret Zekenim - Rabbi Hodakov's activities from Riga to New York following the instructions of Chabad Rebbes. Detailed 90-page overview - history, public service, first-time published letters and rare documents.
# Stories from the Rebbe's Room - by Menachem Zigelbaum, 2009.
# Mendi Kurtz, "Rabbi Hodakov" from an upcoming book, special edition (30 years since Rabbi Hodakov's passing), "Kfar Chabad" weekly magazine, issue 2004, Pesach 5783.
# Zusha Wolf, Yemei Temimim - Documentation of the Rebbe's instructions through Rabbi Hodakov to Rabbi Efraim Wolf.
# The Rebbe's Engine - Instructions from the Rebbe through Rabbi Hodakov to R' Shlomo Meidanchik.
# Yosef Ashkenazi, Otzar HaChassidim - Personalities and Chassidic teachings of Chabad mentors in New York, published by Chazak, 2013.
# Mendi Kurtz, "I Miss Them," revelations about Rabbi Hodakov's connection with his students from Riga, "Kfar Chabad" weekly magazine, issue 2013.
# A Chassidisher Derher magazine issue #1

[[Category: The Rebbes Secretary's]]
[[he:חיים מרדכי אייזיק חדקוב]]

Chaim Mordechai Isaac Hodakov

2025-04-21T17:07:39Z

Leibel Kramer: Added links

Rabbi '''Chaim Mordechai Isaac Hodakov''' (January 12, 1902 - April 24, 1993) served as the personal secretary to both the [[The Rebbe Rayatz|Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe]] (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn) and [[The Rebbe|the Lubavitcher Rebbe]] (Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn). He held leadership positions in major Chabad organizations worldwide, including [[Machane Yisrael|Machane Israel]] and [[Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch]]. Before the Holocaust, he managed the "Torah and Derech Eretz" educational institutions in Latvia and served as the Jewish Education Commissioner for the Latvian Ministry of Education. In October 1970, the Rebbe appointed him as the spiritual "owner" of Latvia.

== Early Life and Education ==
Born on January 12, 1902 in Beshenkovitz, Belarus to his father Rabbi Shalom Yisrael, a Chabad Chassid, and his mother Chava Treina. At age two, his family moved to Riga, Latvia, where he initially attended a local Jewish school. According to some accounts, at age 10 he began studying at a prestigious private yeshiva in Riga. Another version states that at age 16 he was a high school student who notably maintained his beard.

During his youth, he began spreading Torah and Judaism through Jewish education in Latvia. Reb Mordechai Dubin encouraged him to use his excellent talents for educating Jewish children.

== Distinguished Scholar ==
Despite attending secular high school and only studying Torah in evening classes at "Tiferes Bochurim," he managed to acquire extensive Torah knowledge and became a distinguished scholar. He was also known for his refined character, never speaking ill of others.

== Latvian Minister of Education ==
From age 18, Rabbi Hodakov served as principal of the "Torah and Derech Eretz" school, managing it as an experienced educator. He was appointed to the city's Board of Education and served as the Jewish Education Minister of Latvia, where he encouraged teachers to advance their educational training.

== Leadership in Chabad ==
In 1940, Rabbi Hodakov and his wife escaped Europe during the Holocaust when the Previous Rebbe included them in his journey to America. In [[the United States]], he was appointed by the Previous Rebbe to direct Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch, Machane Israel and [[Kehos|Kehot Publishing House]] in 1942. When the Rebbe assumed leadership, Rabbi Hodakov became head of the secretariat and later chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad.

== Founding of Beis Rivkah ==
In 1942, Rabbi Hodakov proposed to the Previous Rebbe to establish a Jewish neighborhood on Eastern Parkway, alongside schools for girls and kindergartens. The Rebbe approved one initiative - establishing a girls' school. This led to the founding of Beis Rivkah institutions in America, managed by Rabbi Hodakov under the leadership of both Rebbes. Following its establishment in America, they worked to establish Beis Rivkah institutions worldwide.

== The Rebbe on the Line ==
There were instances when Rabbi Hodakov would call Chassidim and suddenly the Rebbe's voice would be heard - something considered rare as the Rebbe rarely spoke on the phone. The Rebbe usually spoke quietly and Rabbi Hodakov would repeat each word.

== The Rebbe's Instructions for Israel ==
Rabbi Hodakov had the great privilege of being the constant connection between the Rebbe and Chabad leaders in Israel: Rabbi Efraim Wolf and Rabbi Shlomo Meidanchik. For many years, he frequently called them to relay specific instructions from the Rebbe on both private and public matters.

== Guiding Shluchim and Educators ==
In the early years, there were cases where the Rebbe instructed Rabbi Hodakov to check with young married men if they were interested in becoming shluchim (emissaries) in general or for specific locations. Initially, people thought these were personal initiatives, but over time everyone knew these inquiries came from the Rebbe's direction.

== Character and Conduct ==
The Rebbe would sometimes send people to him with educational questions. In 1995, a book titled "Education and the Educator" was published containing his collected educational directives.

As secretary, Rabbi Hodakov was responsible for scheduling private audiences with the Rebbe. He never shared the Rebbe's response with anyone other than the person who wrote the question, not even with their spouse.

== The Year Book ==
Rabbi Hodakov initiated the publication of a Year Book in 1939. The book collected articles for youth arranged by weekly Torah portions, from the "Ha'ach" bulletin published by the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva between 1911-1914. Additional editions were published in 1942 and 1955.

== Complete Faith in the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach ==
In winter 1993, he would participate in Friday night prayers in the Rebbe's minyan, and afterward join other secretaries on the balcony behind the Rebbe, notably standing out among them in singing and dancing "Yechi Adoneinu Moreinu V'Rabbeinu Melech HaMoshiach L'olam Va'ed" according to the Rebbe's tempo and encouragement.

He maintained his famous mental clarity until his final moment. Three days before his passing, he signed the salaries for kollel members under his supervision, leaving nothing unfinished. He passed away on Friday night, 3rd of Iyar 5753 (1993), at age 91, and was buried in Montefiore Cemetery in Queens, New York.

== Family ==
* His wife: Rebbetzin Etel Tzerna Hodakov - passed away on 20 Sivan 5766 (2006). During her life, she translated books and educational materials. Most notably, she translated the book "Der Rebbe" - a historical account of the life and times of the Alter Rebbe - from German to Yiddish.
* His son: Rabbi Shalom Yisrael Hodakov - Crown Heights
* His daughter: Mrs. Chaya Rivka Kramer - Crown Heights

== His Books ==
# Collection of Instructions from the Rebbe's Secretariat to the Ohali Yosef Yitzchak Network - Educational directives received from Rabbi Hodakov by principals and teachers of the Ohali Yosef Yitzchak Network. Edited by Rabbi Yechiel Malov.
# Education and the Educator - Collection of educational directives. Published by Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch in 1995. Compiled by Rabbi Chaim Meir Dayan of Kfar Chabad, edited by Rabbi Alter Eliyahu Friedman of Tzfat.

== Further Reading ==
# Ateret Zekenim - Rabbi Hodakov's activities from Riga to New York following the instructions of Chabad Rebbes. Detailed 90-page overview - history, public service, first-time published letters and rare documents.
# Stories from the Rebbe's Room - by Menachem Zigelbaum, 2009.
# Mendi Kurtz, "Rabbi Hodakov" from an upcoming book, special edition (30 years since Rabbi Hodakov's passing), "Kfar Chabad" weekly magazine, issue 2004, Pesach 5783.
# Zusha Wolf, Yemei Temimim - Documentation of the Rebbe's instructions through Rabbi Hodakov to Rabbi Efraim Wolf.
# The Rebbe's Engine - Instructions from the Rebbe through Rabbi Hodakov to R' Shlomo Meidanchik.
# Yosef Ashkenazi, Otzar HaChassidim - Personalities and Chassidic teachings of Chabad mentors in New York, published by Chazak, 2013.
# Mendi Kurtz, "I Miss Them," revelations about Rabbi Hodakov's connection with his students from Riga, "Kfar Chabad" weekly magazine, issue 2013.
# A Chassidisher Derher magazine issue #1

[[Category: The Rebbes Secretary's]]
[[he:חיים מרדכי אייזיק חדקוב]]