Rabbi Moshe Aharon Geisinsky
Born in Tashan village near Kiev to Rabbi Ben Zion Geysinskiy, a shochet and Rachmastrivka chassid, and Chaya Rachel, a descendant of the Shpoler Zeide.
Influenced by his father's chesed and his grandfather Rabbi Yitzchak Geysinskiy, the Tolna chassid and rabbi of Irlovitz. After his father's arrest by the KGB and mother's early passing, he found solace in Torah study.
Studied at Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva in Kiev from 1934 until its closure by authorities. Continued learning in underground branches in Zhitomir, Berditchev and Poltava until 1937, helping establish branches in other cities.
War Years and Immigration
During WWII, fled to Samarkand where he taught young students. His family in Kiev perished in Babi Yar. Married Rivka Dina (Riva) Steingart, granddaughter of Rabbi Meir Simcha Chen.
Left Russia in 1946 with forged Polish papers. Initially planned to go to Israel but followed the Frierdiker Rebbe's advice against it. Taught in DP camps in Germany, appointed by the Klausenberger Rebbe to head a yeshiva branch.
Life in America
Arrived in America in 1950, becoming one of the first to connect with the Rebbe after the Frierdiker Rebbe's passing. Served unofficially as the Rebbe's shliach in Cleveland before moving to New York in 1953.
Received special attention from the Rebbe, likely because his father had served the Rebbe's father. Worked at Ezra printing press, declining higher-paying offers to continue printing chassidic texts. Served as rabbi of a nearby synagogue, giving regular Torah classes.
Character and Expertise
Known for his exceptional memory, Torah scholarship, scientific knowledge, and skilled craftsmanship. Maintained extensive Torah correspondence with prominent rabbis. Served as regular chazan and Torah reader.
passing and Family
Before his passing in 1991, he received the Rebbe's blessing to fast on Yom Kippur despite health concerns, and succeeded in serving as chazan that year. He is buried near the Frierdiker Rebbe's ohel in Queens, New York.
Siblings who perished in the Holocaust:
- Shalom Dovid Geysinskiy
- Pessia Mirel Geysinskiy
- Bila Dvora Geysinskiy
Children:
- Rabbi Elchanan Geysinskiy - prominent Crown Heights resident
- Rabbi Shalom Dovid Geysinskiy - Rosh Mesivta at Ohalei Torah, rabbi of Beis Shimshon in Crown Heights
- Rabbi Ben Zion Geysinskiy - Rebbe's shliach in Maryland
- Mrs. Chaya Rachel Butman
- Mrs. Peissy Leah Minkowitz
- Mrs. Chana Lipsker
Son-in-law:
- Rabbi Shmuel Menachem Mendel Butman
Books:
Ish HaPele" - Biography and stories of the Shpoler Zeide, published by Machon Zecher Naftali Jerusalem 1987 (co-editor)