Yoel Kahan (February 14, 1930 – July 15, 2021) was a senior Chabad rabbi who worked for the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson.[1]
Yoel Kahan | |
|---|---|
 Kahan (left) in 2006 | |
| Born | February 14, 1930 Moscow, Soviet Union |
| Died | July 15, 2021 (aged 91) |
| Occupation | Rabbi |
| Known for | Choizer of the Lubavitcher Rebbe |
Early life
editHe was born in Moscow, on February 14, 1930.[2] He was the youngest of four children born to Refoel Nachman and Rivkah (Davidson) Kahan.[3] His father studied in the original Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim, in the town of Lubavitch, White Russia and wrote Shemu'os VeSippurim a multi-volume compilation of accounts and anecdotes culled from the traditions handed down by Chassidim of earlier generations and his own experiences.
In 1935 Kahan emigrated to Mandatory Palestine together with his family, and studied in Yeshiva Achai Temimim in Tel Aviv under Rabbi Chaim Shaul Brook. During his teen years he also studied privately with the Rabbi Moshe Gourarie. He also knew and was influenced by Rabbi Nochum Goldshmidt and to a lesser degree, by Rabbi Shlomo Chaim Kesselman.[4][5]
New York
editIn 1950 Kahan went to New York to study at the central Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York.
In 1954 he married Leah Butman.[6]
For decades Kahan served as the main choizer, repeater for Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the seventh rebbe of Chabad.[7] He listened to Schneerson's talks and then, after consultation with colleagues, repeated them to Schneerson's Hasidim to transcribe them for print.[8]
Following Schneerson's death, he continued to serve as the senior Mashpia (spiritual guide) in the central Lubavitcher yeshiva at 770 Eastern Parkway.[9] He was referred to familiarly amongst Chabad Chasidim as Reb Yoel.[10]
Death
editWorks
edit- Biurim U'Pninim on Tanya (HaMa'or She'baTorah)
- Sefer Ha'Erchim (main editor and compiler - Kehot)
- Nos'im BaChassidut (Eishel-Kfar Chabad)
- Mahutam Shel Yisroel (Heichal Menachem)
- Shiurim BeTorat Chabad (Ma'ayanotecha)
- HaModaim B'Chassidut (Ma'ayanotecha)
- Sugyot B'Chassidut (Ma'ayanotecha)
- Shiurim Al Sha'ar Yichud V'Ha'Emuna (Ma'ayanotecha)
- Nos'im BaYahadut (tape series)
- Machshevet haChassidut (The philosophy of Chassidut, 2 volumes)
References
edit- ^ a b "Rabbi Yoel Kahn, leading student of Lubavitcher Rebbe, passes away". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 16 July 2021. Retrieved 2021-07-16.
- ^ "Rav Yoel Kahan zt"l". Matzav.com. July 15, 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- ^ Berger, Joseph (26 July 2021). "Rabbi Yoel Kahan, Oral Scribe for the Grand Rabbi, Dies at 91". The New York Times. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
- ^ "Reb Yoel Celebrates 90". Anash.org. 10 February 2020. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
- ^ "Rabbi Yoel Kahn, 91, Oral Scribe and Leading Disciple of the Rebbe". Chabad.org News. 15 July 2021.
- ^ Scarr, Cindy (2021-07-20). "The Sweetest Taste". Mishpacha Magazine. Retrieved 2021-07-21.
- ^ The empty chair, Neta Sela, Yediot Aharonot, February 7, 2007.
- ^ Margolin, Dovid (10 October 2019). "The Heart and Soul of the Rebbe's Teachings, in English". Chabad.org News. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
- ^ "Rabbi Yoel Kahn, Hasidic scholar who preserved Lubavitcher rebbe's words, dies at 91". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 16 July 2021. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
- ^ "Petira Of Hagaon HaRav Yoel Kahan ZT"L, Chief "Choizer" Of The Lubavitcher Rebbe". The Yeshiva World. 16 July 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- ^ "Reb Yoel Kahn, 91, AH". Anash.org. 15 July 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2021.