Menachem Mendel Futerfas - Revision history

M.robin at 10:39, 1 April 2026

2026-04-01T10:39:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:39, 1 April 2026
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	{{Infobox		{{Infobox
	\| name = Menachem Mendel Futerfas		\| name = Menachem Mendel Futerfas
	\| image = [[file:מענדל פוטרפס.jpg~~\|thumb~~\| At a Farbrengen]]		\| image = [[file:מענדל פוטרפס.jpg\| At a Farbrengen]]
	\| description =		\| description =
	\| alias = Reb Mendel		\| alias = Reb Mendel
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	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

			[[Category:5755 deaths]]
			[[Category:5668 births]]
	[[Category: Chabad Mashpiem]]		[[Category: Chabad Mashpiem]]
	[[he:מנחם מענדל פוטרפס]]		[[he:מנחם מענדל פוטרפס]]

Tachlis: /* Footnotes */

2026-01-25T04:44:50Z

Footnotes

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:44, 25 January 2026
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	==Footnotes==		==Footnotes==
			{{reflist}}

			[[Category: Chabad Mashpiem]]
	[[he:מנחם מענדל פוטרפס]]		[[he:מנחם מענדל פוטרפס]]

ZalmanR at 02:19, 11 August 2025

2025-08-11T02:19:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:19, 10 August 2025
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	'''Rabbi Menachem Mendel Futerfas''' (also known as: Reb Mendel. 20 Tishrei 1906 - 4 Tammuz 1995) was a chossid and mekushar to our Rebbeim, a man of mesiras nefesh who established underground branches of [[Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim\|Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim]] behind the Iron Curtain. From 1973, under the Rebbe's direction, he served as the head mashpia at the central Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad and as a shadar abroad to inspire spiritually and raise funds. He served as a board member of Beis Rivka and the Bucharian Yeshiva institutions in Kfar Chabad. Together with Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi and Rabbi Bentzion Vishetsky, he founded the Yiddish Cheder in Kfar Chabad.		'''Rabbi Menachem Mendel Futerfas''' (also known as: Reb Mendel. 20 Tishrei 1906 - 4 Tammuz 1995) was a chossid and mekushar to our Rebbeim, a man of mesiras nefesh who established underground branches of [[Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim\|Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim]] behind the Iron Curtain. From 1973, under the Rebbe's direction, he served as the head mashpia at the central Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad and as a shadar abroad to inspire spiritually and raise funds. He served as a board member of Beis Rivka and the Bucharian Yeshiva institutions in Kfar Chabad. Together with Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi and Rabbi Bentzion Vishetsky, he founded the Yiddish Cheder in Kfar Chabad.
			[[File:פוטרפס.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|right\|Reb Mendel receiving a dollar from the Rebbe]]
	== Early Life ==		== Early Life ==
	Reb Mendel was born on 20 Tishrei 1907 in the town of Pleshnitz in White Russia, to his father Reb Menachem Mendel and his mother Maryasha Badna (who passed away on 5 Menachem Av 1958) - daughter of the Segalovitz family and her mother from the Kugel family. He was the fourth child after two daughters and one brother. His father passed away shortly before his birth during a typhus epidemic, and his mother named him after his father. Being fatherless, Reb Mendel grew up with his grandfather, the chossid Reb Chaim Futerfas in Kharkov, who was one of the shapers of his personality and from whom he received many chassidic stories. Reb Mendel spent his childhood with his grandmother Rachel Leah from Nevel, who was the niece of the famous chossid Reb Chanoch Hendel Kugel. Many stories circulate about her chassidic conduct and enhancement of mitzvos. In 1915, when her grandson turned seven, she brought him with her on her trip to the Rebbe. The pair were granted an audience with the [[The Rebbe Rashab\|Rebbe Rashab]]. The Rebbe gave the young Mendel a blessing for fear of heaven and long life. From then on, their trips became a more regular practice. Almost every year, she would take him with her on her trips to the Rebbe. In Tishrei 1920, when he turned 12, was the last time he merited to be with the Rebbe Rashab.		Reb Mendel was born on 20 Tishrei 1907 in the town of Pleshnitz in White Russia, to his father Reb Menachem Mendel and his mother Maryasha Badna (who passed away on 5 Menachem Av 1958) - daughter of the Segalovitz family and her mother from the Kugel family. He was the fourth child after two daughters and one brother. His father passed away shortly before his birth during a typhus epidemic, and his mother named him after his father. Being fatherless, Reb Mendel grew up with his grandfather, the chossid Reb Chaim Futerfas in Kharkov, who was one of the shapers of his personality and from whom he received many chassidic stories. Reb Mendel spent his childhood with his grandmother Rachel Leah from Nevel, who was the niece of the famous chossid Reb Chanoch Hendel Kugel. Many stories circulate about her chassidic conduct and enhancement of mitzvos. In 1915, when her grandson turned seven, she brought him with her on her trip to the Rebbe. The pair were granted an audience with the [[The Rebbe Rashab\|Rebbe Rashab]]. The Rebbe gave the young Mendel a blessing for fear of heaven and long life. From then on, their trips became a more regular practice. Almost every year, she would take him with her on her trips to the Rebbe. In Tishrei 1920, when he turned 12, was the last time he merited to be with the Rebbe Rashab.
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	Years later, the mashpia described his memories from those days: Every Thursday night was entirely dedicated to learning. There were students who diligently studied Gemara and others who studied Chassidus; he himself would dedicate this night to studying Gemara.		Years later, the mashpia described his memories from those days: Every Thursday night was entirely dedicated to learning. There were students who diligently studied Gemara and others who studied Chassidus; he himself would dedicate this night to studying Gemara.

			[[File:ר' מענדלPictureFileName.jpg \|250px\|thumb\|right\|Reb Mendel by the grave of his mentor R' Zalman Moshe]]

	He especially loved the many farbrengens where the best mashpiim of that generation would farbreng, such as [[Reb Zalman Moshe Hitzchaki\|Rabbi Zalman Moshe Hayitzchaki]], Rabbi Yitzchak Horowitz (Itche der Matmid), Rabbi Yechezkel (Chatche) Feigin, and others.		He especially loved the many farbrengens where the best mashpiim of that generation would farbreng, such as [[Reb Zalman Moshe Hitzchaki\|Rabbi Zalman Moshe Hayitzchaki]], Rabbi Yitzchak Horowitz (Itche der Matmid), Rabbi Yechezkel (Chatche) Feigin, and others.
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	It later became clear that the person who arranged their tickets was an undercover KGB agent who informed the authorities about the nine people planning to cross the border. The police arrested them all. The detainees were transferred to the secret police headquarters in Lvov. Initially, those arrested in this operation and other detainees from that period were held at the secret police headquarters in Lvov, later some were transferred to Kharkov.		It later became clear that the person who arranged their tickets was an undercover KGB agent who informed the authorities about the nine people planning to cross the border. The police arrested them all. The detainees were transferred to the secret police headquarters in Lvov. Initially, those arrested in this operation and other detainees from that period were held at the secret police headquarters in Lvov, later some were transferred to Kharkov.
			[[File:מענדל פוטרפס תמונה תיק החקירה.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|right\|Mugshot]]
	=== Siberian Exile and the Lvov Case ===		=== Siberian Exile and the Lvov Case ===
	After prolonged interrogations and terrible torture, the trial began where R' Mendel was sentenced to 10 years of exile and hard labor in work camps and was exiled to Siberia.		After prolonged interrogations and terrible torture, the trial began where R' Mendel was sentenced to 10 years of exile and hard labor in work camps and was exiled to Siberia.
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	=== From Samarkand to London ===		=== From Samarkand to London ===
	In 1964, he received permission to leave Russia and immigrated from Samarkand to London where his son Reb Berel Futerfas lived. Within a short time, he became one of the prominent askanim and mashpiim in the local Chabad community and was involved in establishing pure Torah educational institutions there.		In 1964, he received permission to leave Russia and immigrated from Samarkand to London where his son Reb Berel Futerfas lived. Within a short time, he became one of the prominent askanim and mashpiim in the local Chabad community and was involved in establishing pure Torah educational institutions there.
			[[File:תשכד.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|right\|Reb Mendel stands by the Rebbe at a farbrengen]]
	== Mashpia in Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad ==		== Mashpia in Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad ==
	On 19 Iyar 1971, Rabbi Shlomo Chaim Keselman, mashpia of Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad, passed away. About a month and a half later, the Rebbe's secretariat told Reb Mendel that the Rebbe was asking if he could come to 770 for 12-13 Tammuz. Reb Mendel arrived at 770 before 12-13 Tammuz, and during yechidus the Rebbe announced the proposal that he be appointed as mashpia of Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad. The Rebbe instructed him to travel to Eretz Hakodesh and visit Chabad institutions and holy places, and regarding settling in Eretz Hakodesh, the Rebbe said they would discuss it the following year. As the Rebbe instructed, around 12-13 Tammuz 1972, Reb Mendel came to the Rebbe and during yechidus, the Rebbe instructed him to serve as the permanent mashpia in Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad.		On 19 Iyar 1971, Rabbi Shlomo Chaim Keselman, mashpia of Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad, passed away. About a month and a half later, the Rebbe's secretariat told Reb Mendel that the Rebbe was asking if he could come to 770 for 12-13 Tammuz. Reb Mendel arrived at 770 before 12-13 Tammuz, and during yechidus the Rebbe announced the proposal that he be appointed as mashpia of Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad. The Rebbe instructed him to travel to Eretz Hakodesh and visit Chabad institutions and holy places, and regarding settling in Eretz Hakodesh, the Rebbe said they would discuss it the following year. As the Rebbe instructed, around 12-13 Tammuz 1972, Reb Mendel came to the Rebbe and during yechidus, the Rebbe instructed him to serve as the permanent mashpia in Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad.
			[[File:ר מענדל תשרי נב.gif\|250px\|thumb\|right\|Reb Mendel in the courtyard of 770]]
	With his appointment to the position in the 1973 school year, he wrote a new chapter in the history of Tomchei Tmimim yeshivos in Eretz Hakodesh. He was distinguished by his educational approach and became a revered mashpia for tmimim and Anash throughout Eretz Hakodesh. In farbrengens, he dedicated significant time to the topic of hiskashrus to the Rebbe, complete mesiras nefesh for the Rebbe, and traveling to the Rebbe - topics that were not the focus of farbrengens in Chabad yeshivos in Eretz Hakodesh. In his farbrengens, he wove stories and vivid descriptions from his time in Siberia, deriving lessons about the kochos that someone who has no choice, like a prisoner, invests, to the kochos that chassidim and tmimim must invest to fulfill the Rebbe's ratzon. His farbrengens gained a good reputation, and Anash, tmimim, and many mekuravim flocked to his farbrengens, which were usually held in the zal of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad. Even when he came to Beis Chayeinu, he would farbreng for long hours with a large crowd of tmimim.		With his appointment to the position in the 1973 school year, he wrote a new chapter in the history of Tomchei Tmimim yeshivos in Eretz Hakodesh. He was distinguished by his educational approach and became a revered mashpia for tmimim and Anash throughout Eretz Hakodesh. In farbrengens, he dedicated significant time to the topic of hiskashrus to the Rebbe, complete mesiras nefesh for the Rebbe, and traveling to the Rebbe - topics that were not the focus of farbrengens in Chabad yeshivos in Eretz Hakodesh. In his farbrengens, he wove stories and vivid descriptions from his time in Siberia, deriving lessons about the kochos that someone who has no choice, like a prisoner, invests, to the kochos that chassidim and tmimim must invest to fulfill the Rebbe's ratzon. His farbrengens gained a good reputation, and Anash, tmimim, and many mekuravim flocked to his farbrengens, which were usually held in the zal of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad. Even when he came to Beis Chayeinu, he would farbreng for long hours with a large crowd of tmimim.

	He dedicated many hours to one-on-one conversations with tmimim to influence and elevate them spiritually.		He dedicated many hours to one-on-one conversations with tmimim to influence and elevate them spiritually.
			[[File:מאיר בליז'ינסקי.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|right\|Reb Mendel farbrenging with R' Meir Blizinksi]]
	== For the Benefit of the Community ==		== For the Benefit of the Community ==
	In parallel with his role as a Mashpia, he continued, following the Rebbe's instructions, in his position as a Shadar (emissary fundraiser) which he would fulfill during the months of Elul - Kislev. In this capacity, he would travel to the United States for fundraising with the Shadar Rabbi Shmuel Dovid Reitzik.		In parallel with his role as a Mashpia, he continued, following the Rebbe's instructions, in his position as a Shadar (emissary fundraiser) which he would fulfill during the months of Elul - Kislev. In this capacity, he would travel to the United States for fundraising with the Shadar Rabbi Shmuel Dovid Reitzik.
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	He was also among those who worked extensively for the Rebbe's shluchim to the Holy Land.		He was also among those who worked extensively for the Rebbe's shluchim to the Holy Land.

	After 27 Adar and 3 Tammuz		==After 27 Adar and 3 Tammuz==

	Following 27 Adar and 3 Tammuz, against the backdrop of the concealment that appeared then and enveloped the Chassidic community, Reb Mendel's Chassidic personality and his firm faith and hiskashrus shone forth.		Following 27 Adar and 3 Tammuz, against the backdrop of the concealment that appeared then and enveloped the Chassidic community, Reb Mendel's Chassidic personality and his firm faith and hiskashrus shone forth.
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	I'll translate this document while keeping Judaic terms intact and organizing it with headings.		I'll translate this document while keeping Judaic terms intact and organizing it with headings.
			[[File:6426e5b8892f5 1680270776 news main gallery.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|right\|Reb Mendel during a Farbrengen in Kfar Chabad]]
	=== Traveling to the Rebbe for Tishrei and Kvutza ===		=== Traveling to the Rebbe for Tishrei and Kvutza ===
	Before Tishrei 1993, the first month of holidays after 27 Adar, Reb Mendel farbrenged with the Tmimim and Anash in the yeshiva in Kfar for about five hours, with his words being interrupted by crying and prayers that the obstacles should be removed. Along with this, he emphasized that from our side we must "make vessels" - travel to the Rebbe as we were accustomed to every year, and the "vessels" themselves will "draw down light" and hasten the Rebbe's revelation. Reb Mendel's words were written down by his student Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Ginzburg and published for all Anash in the 'Opinions' section of the Kfar Chabad weekly and stirred reactions.		Before Tishrei 1993, the first month of holidays after 27 Adar, Reb Mendel farbrenged with the Tmimim and Anash in the yeshiva in Kfar for about five hours, with his words being interrupted by crying and prayers that the obstacles should be removed. Along with this, he emphasized that from our side we must "make vessels" - travel to the Rebbe as we were accustomed to every year, and the "vessels" themselves will "draw down light" and hasten the Rebbe's revelation. Reb Mendel's words were written down by his student Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Ginzburg and published for all Anash in the 'Opinions' section of the Kfar Chabad weekly and stirred reactions.

ZalmanR at 02:02, 11 August 2025

2025-08-11T02:02:44Z

Show changes

ZalmanR: /* Early Life */

2025-08-11T01:55:53Z

Early Life

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:55, 10 August 2025
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	== Early Life ==		== Early Life ==
	Reb Mendel was born on 20 Tishrei 1907 in the town of Pleshnitz in White Russia, to his father Reb Menachem Mendel and his mother Maryasha Badna (who passed away on 5 Menachem Av 1958) - daughter of the Segalovitz family and her mother from the Kugel family. He was the fourth child after two daughters and one brother. His father passed away shortly before his birth during a typhus epidemic, and his mother named him after his father. Being fatherless, Reb Mendel grew up with his grandfather, the chossid Reb Chaim Futerfas in Kharkov, who was one of the shapers of his personality and from whom he received many chassidic stories. Reb Mendel spent his childhood with his grandmother Rachel-Leah from Nevel, who was the niece of the famous chossid Reb Chanoch Hendel Kugel. Many stories circulate about her chassidic conduct and enhancement of mitzvos.		Reb Mendel was born on 20 Tishrei 1907 in the town of Pleshnitz in White Russia, to his father Reb Menachem Mendel and his mother Maryasha Badna (who passed away on 5 Menachem Av 1958) - daughter of the Segalovitz family and her mother from the Kugel family. He was the fourth child after two daughters and one brother. His father passed away shortly before his birth during a typhus epidemic, and his mother named him after his father. Being fatherless, Reb Mendel grew up with his grandfather, the chossid Reb Chaim Futerfas in Kharkov, who was one of the shapers of his personality and from whom he received many chassidic stories. Reb Mendel spent his childhood with his grandmother Rachel Leah from Nevel, who was the niece of the famous chossid Reb Chanoch Hendel Kugel. Many stories circulate about her chassidic conduct and enhancement of mitzvos. In 1915, when her grandson turned seven, she brought him with her on her trip to the Rebbe. The pair were granted an audience with the [[The Rebbe Rashab\|Rebbe Rashab]]. The Rebbe gave the young Mendel a blessing for fear of heaven and long life. From then on, their trips became a more regular practice. Almost every year, she would take him with her on her trips to the Rebbe. In Tishrei 1920, when he turned 12, was the last time he merited to be with the Rebbe Rashab.

	Grandmother Rachel Leah was a childhood friend of Rebbetzin Shterna Sarah, wife of the Rebbe Rashab. When visiting Lubavitch, she would visit the Rebbetzin's home, where they would discuss Chabad stories and chassidic customs. In 1915, when her grandson turned seven, she brought him with her on her trip to the Rebbe. ~~On this trip, he merited to have his first yechidus, following his grandmother's request to the Rebbetzin to ask her husband,~~ the Rebbe Rashab~~, to receive him for yechidus~~. ~~After the holidays, she indeed entered her husband's room with the child and said: "He is named after his father, he is Rachel Leah's grandson, receive him for yechidus and bless him!"~~ The Rebbe gave ~~him~~ a blessing for ~~yiras shamayim~~ and long life.

	From then on, ~~this~~ became a more regular practice. Almost every year, she would take him with her on her trips to the Rebbe. In Tishrei 1920, when he turned 12, was the last time he merited to be with the Rebbe Rashab.

	== His Yeshiva Studies ==		== His Yeshiva Studies ==
	At the end of 1920, he was accepted to Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Kremenchug where he studied until 1924. That year, the Soviet secret police discovered the yeshiva and he was forced to flee. From 1925, he studied in underground yeshivas in Kharkov, Vitebsk, and Nevel until 1929, when these yeshivas were also closed, and the many students were forced to disperse among various underground yeshivas.		At the end of 1920, he was accepted to Yeshivas [[Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim\|Tomchei Tmimim]] in [[Kremenchug]] where he studied until 1924. That year, the Soviet secret police discovered the yeshiva and he was forced to flee. From 1925, he studied in underground yeshivas in [[Kharkov]], [[Vitebsk]], and [[Nevel]] until 1929, when these yeshivas were also closed, and the many students were forced to disperse among various underground yeshivas.

	Years later, the mashpia described his memories from those days: Every Thursday night was entirely dedicated to learning. There were students who diligently studied Gemara and others who studied Chassidus; he himself would dedicate this night to studying Gemara.		Years later, the mashpia described his memories from those days: Every Thursday night was entirely dedicated to learning. There were students who diligently studied Gemara and others who studied Chassidus; he himself would dedicate this night to studying Gemara.
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	== Mashgiach in Tomchei Temimim ==		== Mashgiach in Tomchei Temimim ==
	In 1930, he was ~~called to serve~~ as a Mashgiach and Mashpia for the ~~Temimim~~ students in the underground yeshiva in Yekatrinoslav. In his memoirs from that period, he notes the great reverence that the yeshiva bochurim had for the city's Rav, ~~HaRav HaGaon Rabbi~~ Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, the Rebbe's father.		In 1930, he was appointed as Mashgiach and Mashpia for the students in the underground yeshiva in [[Yekatrinoslav]]. In his memoirs from that period, he notes the great reverence that the yeshiva bochurim had for the city's Rav, [[Levi Yitzchak Schneerson\|Rav Levi Yitzchak Schneerson]], the Rebbe's father. That same year, he also served as a Mashgiach in Odessa.

	That same year, he also served as a Mashgiach in Odessa.

	== "The Karalevitz Suggestion is Correct" ==		== "The Karalevitz Suggestion is Correct" ==
	Reb Mendel traveled to his mother's home in Kharkov and began arranging shidduchim for his two older sisters, aiming to match them with the finest among the Temimim. His efforts were successful, and shortly after, his eldest sister married ~~Rav~~ Ben Zion Shem Tov, and his younger sister married ~~Rav~~ Yehoshua Shneur Zalman Serebransky.		Reb Mendel traveled to his mother's home in Kharkov and began arranging shidduchim for his two older sisters, aiming to match them with the finest among the Temimim. His efforts were successful, and shortly after, his eldest sister married [[Benzion Shem Tov\|Ben Zion Shem Tov]], and his younger sister married Yehoshua Shneur Zalman Serebransky.

	During this period, respectable shidduchim were suggested for him as well. He compiled several proposals and reported them to the Frierdiker Rebbe, who was then in Poland, requesting his guidance and bracha. The Rebbe's response was: "The Karalevitz suggestion is correct" - referring to Rav Ben Zion Robinson, who lived in Karalevitz and had suggested his daughter to Reb Mendel.		During this period, respectable shidduchim were suggested for him as well. He compiled several proposals and reported them to the [[The Rebbe Rayatz\|Frierdiker Rebbe]], who was then in Poland, requesting his guidance and bracha. The Rebbe's response was: "The Karalevitz suggestion is correct" - referring to Rav Ben Zion Robinson, who lived in Karalevitz and had suggested his daughter to Reb Mendel.

	He therefore traveled to Karalevitz, arriving before Shabbos Kodesh. After davening, he participated in a farbrengen where he took mashke liberally, resulting in him falling under the table and falling asleep. When he awoke, still under the table, it was after midnight on Motzei Shabbos, and he suddenly heard Reb Ben Zion telling his wife: "It seems this bochur is an 'emesdiker chassidisher bochur' (a true chassidic young man), for he came 'to be seen,' and nevertheless took mashke, farbrenged, and is now where he is... This is a sign that he is a true chassidic bochur. We must make every effort to have him stay here and complete the shidduch with us."		He therefore traveled to Karalevitz, arriving before Shabbos Kodesh. After davening, he participated in a farbrengen where he took mashke liberally, resulting in him falling under the table and falling asleep. When he awoke, still under the table, it was after midnight on Motzei Shabbos, and he suddenly heard Reb Ben Zion telling his wife: "It seems this bochur is an 'emesdiker chassidisher bochur' (a true chassidic young man), for he came 'to be seen,' and nevertheless took mashke, farbrenged, and is now where he is... This is a sign that he is a true chassidic bochur. We must make every effort to have him stay here and complete the shidduch with us."

ZalmanR: /* His Yeshiva Studies */

2025-08-11T01:46:28Z

His Yeshiva Studies

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:46, 10 August 2025
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	'''Rabbi Menachem Mendel Futerfas''' (also known as: Reb Mendel. 20 Tishrei 1906 - 4 Tammuz 1995) was a chossid and mekushar to our Rebbeim, a man of mesiras nefesh who established underground branches of [[Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim\|Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim]] behind the Iron Curtain. From 1973, under the Rebbe's direction, he served as the head mashpia at the central Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad and as a shadar abroad to inspire spiritually and raise funds. He served as a board member of Beis Rivka and the Bucharian Yeshiva institutions in Kfar Chabad. Together with Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi and Rabbi Bentzion Vishetsky, he founded the Yiddish Cheder in Kfar Chabad.		'''Rabbi Menachem Mendel Futerfas''' (also known as: Reb Mendel. 20 Tishrei 1906 - 4 Tammuz 1995) was a chossid and mekushar to our Rebbeim, a man of mesiras nefesh who established underground branches of [[Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim\|Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim]] behind the Iron Curtain. From 1973, under the Rebbe's direction, he served as the head mashpia at the central Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad and as a shadar abroad to inspire spiritually and raise funds. He served as a board member of Beis Rivka and the Bucharian Yeshiva institutions in Kfar Chabad. Together with Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi and Rabbi Bentzion Vishetsky, he founded the Yiddish Cheder in Kfar Chabad.

	== Life ~~History~~ ==		== Early Life ==
	Reb Mendel was born on 20 Tishrei 1907 in the town of Pleshnitz in White Russia, to his father Reb Menachem Mendel and his mother Maryasha Badna (who passed away on 5 Menachem Av 1958) - daughter of the Segalovitz family and her mother from the Kugel family. He was the fourth child after two daughters and one brother. His father passed away shortly before his birth during a typhus epidemic, and his mother named him after his father. Being fatherless, Reb Mendel grew up with his grandfather, the chossid Reb Chaim Futerfas in Kharkov, who was one of the shapers of his personality and from whom he received many chassidic stories. Reb Mendel spent his childhood with his grandmother Rachel-Leah from Nevel, who was the niece of the famous chossid Reb Chanoch Hendel Kugel. Many stories circulate about her chassidic conduct and enhancement of mitzvos.		Reb Mendel was born on 20 Tishrei 1907 in the town of Pleshnitz in White Russia, to his father Reb Menachem Mendel and his mother Maryasha Badna (who passed away on 5 Menachem Av 1958) - daughter of the Segalovitz family and her mother from the Kugel family. He was the fourth child after two daughters and one brother. His father passed away shortly before his birth during a typhus epidemic, and his mother named him after his father. Being fatherless, Reb Mendel grew up with his grandfather, the chossid Reb Chaim Futerfas in Kharkov, who was one of the shapers of his personality and from whom he received many chassidic stories. Reb Mendel spent his childhood with his grandmother Rachel-Leah from Nevel, who was the niece of the famous chossid Reb Chanoch Hendel Kugel. Many stories circulate about her chassidic conduct and enhancement of mitzvos.

ZalmanR: /* For Tomchei Temimim and Pidyon Shvuyim */

2025-08-11T01:45:09Z

For Tomchei Temimim and Pidyon Shvuyim

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:45, 10 August 2025
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	Indeed, the shidduch came to fruition in a good and successful hour, and the wedding took place in the kallah's town on Tuesday, 10 Tammuz 1933.		Indeed, the shidduch came to fruition in a good and successful hour, and the wedding took place in the kallah's town on Tuesday, 10 Tammuz 1933.

	== For ~~[[Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim\|~~Tomchei Temimim]] and Pidyon Shvuyim ==		== For Tomchei Temimim and Pidyon Shvuyim ==
	After his wedding, he stayed briefly with his mother in Kharkov, and then traveled with his wife to the city of Yegurovsk (a city approximately 100 kilometers from Moscow). Although he temporarily withdrew from his yeshiva activities for family matters, the administrators of the nationwide network of underground Tomchei Temimim yeshivas throughout Russia already recognized his talents and dedication, seeing him as most suitable for working to save the yeshivas. From a financial perspective - supporting the families of prisoners who risked their lives for Torah and mitzvos, maintaining the underground yeshivas, funding the constant relocations of the yeshivas, as well as significant amounts paid as bribes - placed a heavy financial burden on the organizers, and he was chosen to be one of those tasked with obtaining the necessary funding.		After his wedding, he stayed briefly with his mother in Kharkov, and then traveled with his wife to the city of Yegurovsk (a city approximately 100 kilometers from Moscow). Although he temporarily withdrew from his yeshiva activities for family matters, the administrators of the nationwide network of underground Tomchei Temimim yeshivas throughout Russia already recognized his talents and dedication, seeing him as most suitable for working to save the yeshivas. From a financial perspective - supporting the families of prisoners who risked their lives for Torah and mitzvos, maintaining the underground yeshivas, funding the constant relocations of the yeshivas, as well as significant amounts paid as bribes - placed a heavy financial burden on the organizers, and he was chosen to be one of those tasked with obtaining the necessary funding.

ZalmanR at 01:44, 11 August 2025

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			{{Infobox
			\| name = Menachem Mendel Futerfas
			\| image = [[file:מענדל פוטרפס.jpg\|thumb\| At a Farbrengen]]
			\| description =
			\| alias = Reb Mendel
			\| birth_date = 20th of Tishrei 5667
			\| birth_place =Plyeshchanitsy, Belarus
			\| passing_date =4th of Tammuz 5755
			\| passing_place = London, England
			\| education = Tomchei Temimim
			}}

	~~[[File:מענדל פוטרפס.jpg\|thumb\|right\| Reb Mendel at a farbrengen]]~~		'''Rabbi Menachem Mendel Futerfas''' (also known as: Reb Mendel. 20 Tishrei 1906 - 4 Tammuz 1995) was a chossid and mekushar to our Rebbeim, a man of mesiras nefesh who established underground branches of [[Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim\|Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim]] behind the Iron Curtain. From 1973, under the Rebbe's direction, he served as the head mashpia at the central Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad and as a shadar abroad to inspire spiritually and raise funds. He served as a board member of Beis Rivka and the Bucharian Yeshiva institutions in Kfar Chabad. Together with Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi and Rabbi Bentzion Vishetsky, he founded the Yiddish Cheder in Kfar Chabad.
	'''Rabbi Menachem Mendel Futerfas''' (also known as: Reb Mendel. 20 Tishrei ~~1908~~ - 4 Tammuz 1995) was a chossid and mekushar to our Rebbeim, a man of mesiras nefesh who established underground branches of [[Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim\|Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim]] behind the Iron Curtain. From 1973, under the Rebbe's direction, he served as the head mashpia at the central Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad and as a shadar abroad to inspire spiritually and raise funds. He served as a board member of Beis Rivka and the Bucharian Yeshiva institutions in Kfar Chabad. Together with Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi and Rabbi Bentzion Vishetsky, he founded the Yiddish Cheder in Kfar Chabad.

	== Life History ==		== Life History ==

ZalmanR: Text replacement - "Poterfas" to "Futerfas"

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Text replacement - "Poterfas" to "Futerfas"

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	His father, Rabbi Menachem Mendel - passed away on 25 Nissan 1906. His mother, Mrs. Mariasha Badna - passed away on 5 Menachem Av 1958.		His father, Rabbi Menachem Mendel - passed away on 25 Nissan 1906. His mother, Mrs. Mariasha Badna - passed away on 5 Menachem Av 1958.

	His grandfather was Rabbi Chaim ~~Poterfas~~.		His grandfather was Rabbi Chaim Futerfas.

	His wife was Mrs. Leah, daughter of R' Ben Zion Robinson - passed away on 5 Kislev 2003, buried in London cemetery.		His wife was Mrs. Leah, daughter of R' Ben Zion Robinson - passed away on 5 Kislev 2003, buried in London cemetery.
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	* His daughter, Mrs. Dabrusha, wife of Rabbi Chaim Shmuel Menachem Mendel Liberov. She was killed in a car accident on 8 Elul 1971, leaving 11 orphans. R' Mendel and his wife devoted themselves to raising her children.		* His daughter, Mrs. Dabrusha, wife of Rabbi Chaim Shmuel Menachem Mendel Liberov. She was killed in a car accident on 8 Elul 1971, leaving 11 orphans. R' Mendel and his wife devoted themselves to raising her children.
	* His son, Rabbi Shalom Dov Ber (Berel) ~~Poterfas~~ - formerly a board member of Chabad institutions in London, moved to Crown Heights in 2008.		* His son, Rabbi Shalom Dov Ber (Berel) Futerfas - formerly a board member of Chabad institutions in London, moved to Crown Heights in 2008.
	* His son, Leibel - passed away in childhood.		* His son, Leibel - passed away in childhood.
	* His son, Avraham - passed away in childhood.		* His son, Avraham - passed away in childhood.

ZalmanR: /* External Links */

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External Links

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	==External Links==		==External Links==
	[https://~~anash~~.org/~~soviet~~-~~file~~-~~on-chassidims-daring-escape-reveals-dramatic-chronicle/~~ Soviet File on Chassidim’s Daring Escape Reveals Dramatic Chronicle] - Anash.org		[https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/419531/jewish/Tightrope-of-Life.htm Soviet File on Chassidim’s Daring Escape Reveals Dramatic Chronicle] - Anash.org

	[https://www.chabad.org/calendar/view/day_cdo/aid/4370101/jewish/Passing-of-R-Mendel-Futerfas.htm Passing of R. Mendel Futerfas] - Chabad.org		[https://www.chabad.org/calendar/view/day_cdo/aid/4370101/jewish/Passing-of-R-Mendel-Futerfas.htm Passing of R. Mendel Futerfas] - Chabad.org
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	[https://anash.org/podcaster-explores-the-story-of-reb-mendel-futerfas/ Podcaster Explores the Story of Reb Mendel Futerfas]-Anash.org \| Jewish History Soundbites		[https://anash.org/podcaster-explores-the-story-of-reb-mendel-futerfas/ Podcaster Explores the Story of Reb Mendel Futerfas]-Anash.org \| Jewish History Soundbites

			[https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/419531/jewish/Tightrope-of-Life.htm Tightrope of Life] - Chabad.org \| Article by Moshe Bryski

	==Footnotes==		==Footnotes==

	[[he:מנחם מענדל פוטרפס]]		[[he:מנחם מענדל פוטרפס]]