R’ Boruch Sholom Kahan z”l

R’ Boruch Sholom Kahan z”l, a distinguished Chabad chossid known for his lifelong devotion to Torah and avodah, was niftar at the age of 91.

Born in Kharkov in 5694, he grew up in a home steeped in mesirus nefesh. His family’s unwavering faith under Soviet oppression shaped his character from the youngest age. When he was just two, they settled in Tel Aviv, where he was among the early students of the pioneering Chabad schools that were emerging at the time. There, he absorbed the chassidishe warmth and fiery inspiration of mashpi’im such as Reb Chaim Shaul Brook, Reb Shlomo Chaim Kesselman, and Reb Zalman Moshe Hayitzchaki.

A first cousin of Rav Yoel Kahn, the renowned choizer, R’ Boruch Sholom shared with him the same deep commitment to preserving and transmitting Chassidus. That dedication would define his life’s mission.

In 5717, braving the harsh winter seas, he undertook a difficult voyage to America to meet the Rebbe. That journey marked the start of a lifelong bond — filled with yechidusen, personal guidance, and profound exposure to the Rebbe’s formative years of leadership.

Gifted with a mastery of the typewriter he had learned as a young bochur, R’ Boruch Sholom became instrumental in preparing the weekly edited sichos that formed the foundation of Likkutei Sichos. His precise transcriptions captured the Rebbe’s words with clarity and faithfulness, preserving them for generations to come.

He also safeguarded rare reshimos of the Frierdiker Rebbe and created transcripts and recordings that remain invaluable today. His discreet recording of Purim 5718 preserved the opening hours of that farbrengen—material that, remarkably, the Rebbe later requested to hear.

In 5720, he relocated to New Haven, Connecticut, to serve as a shochet. Years later, in 5736, he joined the plastic factory of Reb Dovid Deitsch, where he worked with diligence and integrity. Throughout those years, his passion for mivtzoim never waned.

R’ Boruch Sholom became one of the earliest pioneers of mitzvah tanks outside New York, spreading Yiddishkeit with energy and joy. His work on college campuses, particularly at Yale University, left an enduring impact—bringing Jewish identity and pride to countless students, many of whom eventually returned to a life of Torah and mitzvos.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Devorah, and their daughter, Mrs. Sara Dubov of Wimbledon, England, along with grandchildren who continue his legacy of light and dedication.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}