Rabbi Aharon Eliezer Tzeitlin
Rabbi Aaron Eliezer tzeitlin (1953-2015) was one of the Rebbe's emissaries to the Holy Land, a Chassidic mentor in Tzfat, and chairman of the Chabad preschool network in Tzfat.
Life History[edit | edit source]
Born in Montreal, Canada on the 8th of Tishrei 5714 (1953) to his father, the Chassidic mentor Rabbi Yehoshua Heschel tzeitlin and his mother Mrs. Rivka. At his bris, he was named after his grandfather, Rabbi Aaron Eliezer tzeitlin.
In his youth, he studied at the Tomchei Tmimim Yeshivas in Montreal - where he was a student of Rabbi Menachem Zev Greenglass - and at Tomchei Tmimim 770.
In 1975, he was sent by the Rebbe with a group of students to Australia, and in 1976 was chosen by the Rebbe to be among the group of emissaries sent to Tzfat.
In 1978, he married his wife Ita Ruth (daughter of Rabbi Mordechai Tzvi Greenwald) in Kfar Chabad.
Upon arriving in Tzfat, he was appointed as a Chassidic mentor, board member (though he resigned in 1996), and director of the Chabad preschool network, which today includes 34 preschools and 1500 children.
In previous years, he would bring groups of his supporters from Tzfat to 770 and brought dozens of Chassidim closer to the Rebbe. He later led the group of girls from the Holy Land who travel annually on the 22nd of Shevat to the Rebbe.
In 2015, he fell ill with 'the terrible disease'. Chabad Chassidim worldwide increased their prayers and good deeds in his merit, and even dedicated gatherings for his sake. Indeed, in his final days there was an improvement in his condition; but sadly, on Thursday the 2nd of Cheshvan 5776, he returned his pure soul to its Maker at age 62. His funeral procession left from 770 to the Montefiore Cemetery in New York where he was buried with honor.
Family[edit | edit source]
Sons-in-law:
- Rabbi Yona Eidelkopf
- Rabbi Mendy Wolsov
Sons:
- Menachem Mendel tzeitlin, Tzfat
- Levi Yitzchak tzeitlin, Kiryat Motzkin
- Yehoshua Heschel tzeitlin, Crown Heights
His Books[edit | edit source]
- "L'Chaim U'livracha" (For Life and Blessing) - A collection of Chassidic gatherings from his teachings, published by 'L'Dorot', 2024.
Additional Reading[edit | edit source]
- "The MLM Album Opens", Kfar Chabad Weekly Issue 1889 page 49