Editing Peretz Mochkin (section)

==== Moving to Leningrad ====
During the fifth year of his mission in Simferopol, the position of city rabbi became vacant. One of the candidates for the position was a rabbi from Ukraine whose surname was Berger, a successful preacher and captivating speaker—but a bitter and fierce opponent. Such a person, R' Peretz understood, could be a serious stumbling block to the dissemination of Torah and Chassidus. R' Peretz therefore openly opposed his candidacy, and as was his habit, he did so in a loud and clear voice, without hiding or concealing himself. The flames of controversy erupted in full force, and unfortunately, the side supporting Rabbi Berger prevailed. Things reached such a point that one "enlightened" intellectual published in the newspaper "Stary Krim" that "Mochkin, a student of Schneersohn, attacked the rabbi (Berger) with insolent and insulting words."

When Berger was appointed as rabbi in Simferopol, a situation arose where R' Peretz could not remain there. Additionally, the slaughterhouse where R' Peretz served as a shochet was closed during that period. From all sides, there was no choice left, and at the beginning of 5691 (1931), R' Peretz relocated from Simferopol to Leningrad.

During World War II, R' Peretz and his family moved to Tashkent. There, he provided help and assistance to the war refugees who settled there.

During this period behind the Iron Curtain, his underground codename among the Chassidim was 'Achizerach.'