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Merrick, Long Island

2025-04-21T22:50:25Z

BinRemark:

'''Chabad of Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh''' is a Chabad-Lubavitch center serving the Jewish communities of '''Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh''', located on the South Shore of Long Island, New York. Under the leadership of '''Rabbi Shimon Kramer''' and '''Chanie Kramer''', the Chabad House has become a vibrant hub of Jewish outreach, education, holiday programming, and community building. While it does not host regular Shabbat ''minyanim'', Chabad of Merrick has become an essential presence in the area’s Jewish life.

== Founding and Background ==
Chabad of Merrick was founded in the early 2000s when Rabbi and Mrs. Kramer arrived in Merrick as ''[[Shlichus|shluchim]]'' of the Rebbe. Merrick, while home to a significant Jewish population, had many families that were not yet connected to regular Jewish observance or education. Seeing the opportunity to fulfill the Rebbe’s call to reach every Jew, the Kramers began offering home-based programs, classes, and holiday events.

From the outset, their approach was personal, inclusive, and consistent — offering [[Mivtza Torah|Torah]] with warmth, ''[[Mivtza Ahavas Yisroel|ahavas Yisrael]]'', and a genuine desire to uplift every Jew.

== Activities and Programming ==
Chabad of Merrick offers a wide range of programs and services, tailored to the needs of the community.

=== Hebrew School ===
One of the centerpieces of Chabad of Merrick’s work is its '''Hebrew School''', which meets weekly during the school year and attracts dozens of children from Merrick and nearby towns. The curriculum focuses on:

* Hebrew reading and writing (using the Aleph Champ program)
* Jewish holidays and traditions
* Torah stories and Jewish history
* Mitzvah education
* Hands-on learning, including crafts, baking, and experiential activities

The Hebrew School is known for being engaging, warm, and accessible, especially for families who are not affiliated with other Jewish institutions.

=== Holiday Programs ===
Chabad of Merrick is most visible to the public during the '''Jewish holidays''', when it hosts well-attended programs that bring the wider community together. Some of the highlights include:

* '''Public Menorah Lightings''' at the Merrick LIRR station and other central locations, attended by hundreds of participants, along with local officials and media coverage.
* '''Purim Celebrations''' featuring Megillah readings, themed costume parties, Purim carnivals for children, ''mishloach manos'' campaigns, and festive meals.
* '''Passover Model Matzah Bakery''' where children learn how matzah is made from scratch.
* '''Community Seders''' that welcome Jews from all backgrounds to experience a meaningful and joyous Pesach.
* '''Lag B’Omer Picnics''', games, and activities at local parks.
* '''Sukkah Mobile''' tours to local homes, schools, and shopping centers for people to make a brachah on the ''lulav and esrog''.
* '''Shofar in the Park''' events around Rosh Hashanah, with accessible shofar blowings for all ages.
* '''Yom Kippur educational experiences''' for children and families.
* '''Simchas Torah parties''', dancing, and treats for kids.
* '''Tu B’Shevat Seders''', nature activities, and Jewish environmental programming.
* '''Shavuos Ice Cream Parties''' and the reading of the Aseres Hadibros.

=== Youth and Teens ===

* '''CTeen Merrick''' offers local teens the chance to get involved in Jewish programming, volunteer work, and social events with Jewish content. The chapter participates in national and international CTeen Shabbatons and is active year-round.
* '''Children’s Events''' throughout the year include Jewish holiday clubs, Mommy & Me programs, craft workshops, puppet shows, and hands-on learning experiences.
* '''Bat Mitzvah Club''' for pre-teen girls exploring Jewish identity, character-building, and life values in a fun, relaxed setting.

=== Adult Education and Engagement ===
Chabad of Merrick offers '''Torah classes and workshops''' for adults at various levels:

* Weekly classes on topics such as Torah portions, Jewish holidays, Jewish philosophy, and current issues through a Torah lens.
* Women's learning events and small-group learning.
* Private one-on-one learning with Rabbi or Rebbetzin Kramer, either in person or online.
* Seasonal lecture series and guest speakers.

=== Mitzvah Campaigns and Outreach ===
Chabad of Merrick is active in various '''Mivtzoim''', bringing mitzvah opportunities directly to the community:

* '''Tefillin visits''' to local professionals, stores, and homes.
* '''Shabbos candle distribution''' to women and girls.
* '''Mezuzah checks''' and installations throughout the area.
* '''Holiday packages''' distributed before Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah, and Pesach.
* '''Chanukah gift drives''' and toy collections for families in need.

=== Lifecycle and Personal Support ===
Rabbi and Rebbetzin Kramer are deeply involved in '''pastoral work''', providing:

* Jewish counseling and guidance
* Hospital and home visits
* Arrangements for baby naming, bris milah, bar/bat mitzvahs, and weddings
* Shiva visits, Kaddish arrangements, and support for those mourning

They often serve as the only rabbinic connection for families in times of joy and difficulty alike.

=== Community Events and Social Life ===
In addition to religious and educational programming, Chabad of Merrick is known for its '''welcoming community atmosphere''':

* '''Shabbat Dinners and Holiday Meals''' (by invitation or RSVP), especially around major holidays or themed community events
* '''Women's Nights Out''' with themes like painting, challah baking, or inspirational speakers
* '''Family Fun Days''', concerts, and activities at parks and community centers

== Facilities ==
The current Chabad House serves as the main center of operations, hosting classes, programs, Hebrew School, and events. As the community continues to grow, Chabad of Merrick is planning to expand and upgrade its facilities to meet increasing demand.

== Regional Collaboration ==
Chabad of Merrick partners with other Chabad centers across Long Island and participates in joint programming such as:

* The '''Great Long Island Challah Bake'''
* '''Long Island CTeen gatherings'''
* '''Regional shluchim meetings'''
* '''Joint community-wide events''' for Chanukah and other holidays

== Impact and Vision ==
Chabad of Merrick has played a major role in revitalizing Jewish life in the area. Through personal connections, meaningful programming, and unwavering dedication, the Kramers have brought Torah, mitzvos, and a sense of belonging to thousands of Jews who may otherwise have little Jewish involvement.

The Rebbe’s vision continues to guide their work, as they reach more families each year and expand the scope of their activities with warmth and joy.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chabad Of Merrick}}

Merrick, Long Island

2025-04-21T22:48:24Z

BinRemark: New page

'''Chabad of Merrick''' is a Chabad-Lubavitch center serving the Jewish communities of '''Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh''', located on the South Shore of Long Island, New York. Under the leadership of '''Rabbi Shimon Kramer''' and '''Chanie Kramer''', the Chabad House has become a vibrant hub of Jewish outreach, education, holiday programming, and community building. While it does not host regular Shabbat ''minyanim'', Chabad of Merrick has become an essential presence in the area’s Jewish life.

== Founding and Background ==
Chabad of Merrick was founded in the early 2000s when Rabbi and Mrs. Kramer arrived in Merrick as ''[[Shlichus|shluchim]]'' of the Rebbe. Merrick, while home to a significant Jewish population, had many families that were not yet connected to regular Jewish observance or education. Seeing the opportunity to fulfill the Rebbe’s call to reach every Jew, the Kramers began offering home-based programs, classes, and holiday events.

From the outset, their approach was personal, inclusive, and consistent — offering [[Mivtza Torah|Torah]] with warmth, ''[[Mivtza Ahavas Yisroel|ahavas Yisrael]]'', and a genuine desire to uplift every Jew.

== Activities and Programming ==
Chabad of Merrick offers a wide range of programs and services, tailored to the needs of the community.

=== Hebrew School ===
One of the centerpieces of Chabad of Merrick’s work is its '''Hebrew School''', which meets weekly during the school year and attracts dozens of children from Merrick and nearby towns. The curriculum focuses on:

* Hebrew reading and writing (using the Aleph Champ program)
* Jewish holidays and traditions
* Torah stories and Jewish history
* Mitzvah education
* Hands-on learning, including crafts, baking, and experiential activities

The Hebrew School is known for being engaging, warm, and accessible, especially for families who are not affiliated with other Jewish institutions.

=== Holiday Programs ===
Chabad of Merrick is most visible to the public during the '''Jewish holidays''', when it hosts well-attended programs that bring the wider community together. Some of the highlights include:

* '''Public Menorah Lightings''' at the Merrick LIRR station and other central locations, attended by hundreds of participants, along with local officials and media coverage.
* '''Purim Celebrations''' featuring Megillah readings, themed costume parties, Purim carnivals for children, ''mishloach manos'' campaigns, and festive meals.
* '''Passover Model Matzah Bakery''' where children learn how matzah is made from scratch.
* '''Community Seders''' that welcome Jews from all backgrounds to experience a meaningful and joyous Pesach.
* '''Lag B’Omer Picnics''', games, and activities at local parks.
* '''Sukkah Mobile''' tours to local homes, schools, and shopping centers for people to make a brachah on the ''lulav and esrog''.
* '''Shofar in the Park''' events around Rosh Hashanah, with accessible shofar blowings for all ages.
* '''Yom Kippur educational experiences''' for children and families.
* '''Simchas Torah parties''', dancing, and treats for kids.
* '''Tu B’Shevat Seders''', nature activities, and Jewish environmental programming.
* '''Shavuos Ice Cream Parties''' and the reading of the Aseres Hadibros.

=== Youth and Teens ===

* '''CTeen Merrick''' offers local teens the chance to get involved in Jewish programming, volunteer work, and social events with Jewish content. The chapter participates in national and international CTeen Shabbatons and is active year-round.
* '''Children’s Events''' throughout the year include Jewish holiday clubs, Mommy & Me programs, craft workshops, puppet shows, and hands-on learning experiences.
* '''Bat Mitzvah Club''' for pre-teen girls exploring Jewish identity, character-building, and life values in a fun, relaxed setting.

=== Adult Education and Engagement ===
Chabad of Merrick offers '''Torah classes and workshops''' for adults at various levels:

* Weekly classes on topics such as Torah portions, Jewish holidays, Jewish philosophy, and current issues through a Torah lens.
* Women's learning events and small-group learning.
* Private one-on-one learning with Rabbi or Rebbetzin Kramer, either in person or online.
* Seasonal lecture series and guest speakers.

=== Mitzvah Campaigns and Outreach ===
Chabad of Merrick is active in various '''Mivtzoim''', bringing mitzvah opportunities directly to the community:

* '''Tefillin visits''' to local professionals, stores, and homes.
* '''Shabbos candle distribution''' to women and girls.
* '''Mezuzah checks''' and installations throughout the area.
* '''Holiday packages''' distributed before Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah, and Pesach.
* '''Chanukah gift drives''' and toy collections for families in need.

=== Lifecycle and Personal Support ===
Rabbi and Rebbetzin Kramer are deeply involved in '''pastoral work''', providing:

* Jewish counseling and guidance
* Hospital and home visits
* Arrangements for baby naming, bris milah, bar/bat mitzvahs, and weddings
* Shiva visits, Kaddish arrangements, and support for those mourning

They often serve as the only rabbinic connection for families in times of joy and difficulty alike.

=== Community Events and Social Life ===
In addition to religious and educational programming, Chabad of Merrick is known for its '''welcoming community atmosphere''':

* '''Shabbat Dinners and Holiday Meals''' (by invitation or RSVP), especially around major holidays or themed community events
* '''Women's Nights Out''' with themes like painting, challah baking, or inspirational speakers
* '''Family Fun Days''', concerts, and activities at parks and community centers

== Facilities ==
The current Chabad House serves as the main center of operations, hosting classes, programs, Hebrew School, and events. As the community continues to grow, Chabad of Merrick is planning to expand and upgrade its facilities to meet increasing demand.

== Regional Collaboration ==
Chabad of Merrick partners with other Chabad centers across Long Island and participates in joint programming such as:

* The '''Great Long Island Challah Bake'''
* '''Long Island CTeen gatherings'''
* '''Regional shluchim meetings'''
* '''Joint community-wide events''' for Chanukah and other holidays

== Impact and Vision ==
Chabad of Merrick has played a major role in revitalizing Jewish life in the area. Through personal connections, meaningful programming, and unwavering dedication, the Kramers have brought Torah, mitzvos, and a sense of belonging to thousands of Jews who may otherwise have little Jewish involvement.

The Rebbe’s vision continues to guide their work, as they reach more families each year and expand the scope of their activities with warmth and joy.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chabad Of Merrick}}

Chaim Baruch Halberstam

2025-04-21T22:21:13Z

BinRemark: Spelling correction

{{DISPLAYTITLE:R. Chaim Baruch Halberstam}}

Rabbi '''Chaim Baruch Halberstam''' (born [[5708]]) is one of those responsible for the Vaad [[Bedek Habayis|Bedek HaBayis]] at [[770 Eastern Parkway|Beis Chayenu – 770]]. He assisted for several years as a [[Mashbak]] in the [[Rebbe's House|home]] of the [[The Rebbe|Rebbe]] and the [[Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson|Rebbetzin]]. He founded the "Broadcasting Room" and [[WLCC]] – the [[WLCC|Chabad Communications Center]] – which operated the video recording and broadcast system that documented the [[Rebbe's Farbrengen|Rebbe’s farbrengens]] throughout the years. In recent years, he sold the entire archive to [[Jem - Jewish educational Media|JEM]].
[[File:Dollars, children, 11 Tishrei 5752.png|thumb|Distribution of dollars on 11 Tishrei 5752 for children under bar mitzvah age only. From left to right: the Rebbe, his secretaries Rabbi Yehuda Leib Groner and Rabbi Binyamin Klein. On the far right stands the photographer, R. Chaim Baruch Halberstam, with the regular camera and a video camera.]]

== Life History ==
Born in Eretz Yisroel on [[3 Cheshvan]] [[5708]] (1948) to his father Rabbi Meir Halberstam, the Rebbe of Tshechov, a descendant of Rabbi Chaim Halberstam, founder of the [[Sanz Chassidus|Sanz]] Chassidic dynasty, and to Tzivia Rachel Halberstam.

In his youth, he became close to Chabad Chassidus and enrolled in Yeshivas [[Tomchei Temimim, Lod|Tomchei Temimim in Lod]]. In 5726 (1966), he came to study at the [[Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim 770|central Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva at 770]]. On the [[Rosh Hashanah|eve of Rosh Hashanah]] [[5727]], he was asked by R. [[Amram Malka]] (who served as [[Mashbak]] in the Rebbe's home) to help with holiday preparations. When the Rebbetzin, [[Rebbetzin Nechama Dina Schneerson (Wife of Rebbe Rayatz)|Nechama Dina]], saw him in her home, she asked for his name. After reading the note, she told Chaim Baruch that they were related and invited him to have breakfast at her home. From then on, Chaim Baruch became like a member of the household and assisted the Rebbetzin regularly. This also gave him the merit to serve as a Mashbak during the [[Meals in the Home of the Frierdiker Rebbe|holiday meals that the Rebbe would hold in the home of the Frierdiker Rebbe]].

The Rebbetzin and her sister would praise him for every bit of help he provided in the Rebbe’s home, and the Rebbetzin even referred to him as “the Rav, son of a Rav.”

He married Mindy in [[5730]] (1970). After the wedding, the Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka gave him a pair of silver candlesticks and a silver fruit basket. In honor of his wedding, the Rebbetzin sent him a congratulatory telegram to Italy, where the wedding took place.

For a time after his marriage, he made a living operating a restaurant called “Ess Un Bentch” ("Eat And Bentch) near [[770 Eastern Parkway|770]], together with his eventual partner in [[WLCC]], R. Shalom Ber Heber. At one point, when his father entered [[yechidus]] with the Rebbe, he expressed concern that his son was involved in the restaurant business, saying it was not fitting for the Halberstam family, descendants of the [[Divrei Chaim]]. The Rebbe responded with surprise: “What’s the problem? Didn’t our grandfather also have a restaurant?” His father did not understand the Rebbe’s meaning, as he knew of no such precedent in the lineage. The Rebbe immediately clarified: “Avraham Avinu had a restaurant—he hosted guests and served food to all who came.”

In [[5730]] (1970), he was among the organizers of the [[WLCC#First live broadcast|first live broadcast]] of a [[Rebbe’s farbrengens|farbrengen]] of the Rebbe. Over the years, he developed and expanded the broadcasting system from 770. At that time, he founded the Communications Room and [[WLCC]], which operated the video and broadcast system for many years, recording the Rebbe’s farbrengens. Eventually, the system expanded to include video cameras in 770, documenting thousands of hours in the Rebbe’s presence. R. Chaim Baruch also filmed everyone who passed by during the distribution of dollars on Sundays and other special occasions, both in video and still images. Once, when R. Chaim Baruch went [[770|upstairs in 770]] carrying a camera, the Rebbe saw him and remarked (paraphrased): “Here too? Not enough downstairs?...”
[[File:Bottle of Chaim Baruch.png|thumb|The Rebbe presents R. Chaim Baruch with the Smirnoff bottle he had taken from him while he was under the influence.]]
On the night of [[Simchat torah|Simchat Torah]] [[5743]] (1982), Chaim Baruch became intoxicated from a large bottle of Smirnoff he was holding. He approached the Rebbe’s platform and asked for another pour. The Rebbe attempted to take the bottle from his hands, but in his drunkenness, Chaim Baruch pulled it back. One of the chassidim present, R. Chaim Blachman, helped the Rebbe retrieve the bottle. The next day, during the farbrengen, the Rebbe came down with the bottle beside him. During the distribution of [[Kos Shel Bracha|kos shel bracha]], when Chaim Baruch passed by, the Rebbe handed him the bottle and said with a smile, “Don’t drink it all by yourself — share it with everyone…”

During the Seforim affair that led to the [[Chabad holidays|Chabad holiday]] — 5 Tevet — in the year [[5745]] (1985), he worked alongside R. [[Yitzchok Wilhelm]] and R. [[Yitzchok Springer]] in trying to uncover who was responsible for the disappearance of seforim stolen from the [[Chabad library]]. After R. Chaim Baruch installed a hidden camera in the library ceiling, the thief was exposed.

In the late 5760s (2000s), he sold his entire archive of video footage and photographs to [[Jem - Jewish educational Media|JEM]] (Jewish Educational Media), comprising thousands of photos and hours of video.

In recent years, he transformed the "Broadcasting room" into an active Chabad House for the many visitors to Chabad headquarters, offering building tours, explanations about its development, and the opportunity to perform mitzvos like putting on [[Mivtza Tefillin|tefillin]].

He is a member of the Vaad of the Keren [[Bedek Habayis|Bedek HaBayis]] of 770.

In recent years, he purchased a home in Queens and moved to live near the [[Ohel]], where he spends Shabbos and Yomim Tovim.

== His Family ==

* His younger brother, R. [[Chesed Halberstam]], served as the [[Mashbak]] of the Rebbe.
* Another brother, Rabbi Shmuel Halberstam, serves as the director of the international Mifal HaShas.
* His brother-in-law is Rabbi Chaim Freed.
* His son-in-law, Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Hershel Gourarie, is a shochet u'boidek and the director of Camp [[Pardes Chana]] in Montreal, Canada.
* His son-in-law, Rabbi Shimon Kramer, is a shliach in [[Merrick, Long Island]].
* His son-in-law, Rabbi Eliyahu Shifrin, is a shliach in Little Neck, Queens.

Chaim Baruch Halberstam

2025-04-21T22:19:44Z

BinRemark: Created new page translated from the Hebrew page on Chabadpedia.

{{DISPLAYTITLE:R. Chaim Baruch Halberstam}}

Rabbi '''Chaim Baruch Halberstam''' (born [[5708]]) is one of those responsible for the Vaad [[Bedek Habayis|Bedek HaBayis]] at [[770 Eastern Parkway|Beis Chayenu – 770]]. He assisted for several years as a [[Mashbak]] in the [[Rebbe's House|home]] of the [[The Rebbe|Rebbe]] and the [[Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson|Rebbetzin]]. He founded the "Broadcasting Room" and [[WLCC]] – the [[WLCC|Chabad Communications Center]] – which operated the video recording and broadcast system that documented the [[Rebbe's Farbrengen|Rebbe’s farbrengens]] throughout the years. In recent years, he sold the entire archive to [[Jem - Jewish educational Media|JEM]].
[[File:Dollars, children, 11 Tishrei 5752.png|thumb|Distribution of dollars on 11 Tishrei 5752 for children under bar mitzvah age only. From left to right: the Rebbe, his secretaries Rabbi Yehuda Leib Groner and Rabbi Binyamin Klein. On the far right stands the photographer, R. Chaim Baruch Halberstam, with the regular camera and a video camera.]]

== Life History ==
Born in Eretz Yisroel on [[3 Cheshvan]] [[5708]] (1948) to his father Rabbi Meir Halberstam, the Rebbe of Tshechov, a descendant of Rabbi Chaim Halberstam, founder of the [[Sanz Chassidus|Sanz]] Chassidic dynasty, and to Tzivia Rachel Halberstam.

In his youth, he became close to Chabad Chassidus and enrolled in Yeshivas [[Tomchei Temimim, Lod|Tomchei Temimim in Lod]]. In 5726 (1966), he came to study at the [[Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim 770|central Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva at 770]]. On the [[Rosh Hashanah|eve of Rosh Hashanah]] [[5727]], he was asked by R. [[Amram Malka]] (who served as [[Mashbak]] in the Rebbe's home) to help with holiday preparations. When the Rebbetzin, [[Rebbetzin Nechama Dina Schneerson (Wife of Rebbe Rayatz)|Nechama Dina]], saw him in her home, she asked for his name. After reading the note, she told Chaim Baruch that they were related and invited him to have breakfast at her home. From then on, Chaim Baruch became like a member of the household and assisted the Rebbetzin regularly. This also gave him the merit to serve as a Mashbak during the [[Meals in the Home of the Frierdiker Rebbe|holiday meals that the Rebbe would hold in the home of the Frierdiker Rebbe]].

The Rebbetzin and her sister would praise him for every bit of help he provided in the Rebbe’s home, and the Rebbetzin even referred to him as “the Rav, son of a Rav.”

He married Mindy in [[5730]] (1970). After the wedding, the Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka gave him a pair of silver candlesticks and a silver fruit basket. In honor of his wedding, the Rebbetzin sent him a congratulatory telegram to Italy, where the wedding took place.

For a time after his marriage, he made a living operating a restaurant called “Ess Un Bentch” ("Eat And Bentch) near [[770 Eastern Parkway|770]], together with his eventual partner in [[WLCC]], R. Shalom Ber Heber. At one point, when his father entered [[yechidus]] with the Rebbe, he expressed concern that his son was involved in the restaurant business, saying it was not fitting for the Halberstam family, descendants of the [[Divrei Chaim]]. The Rebbe responded with surprise: “What’s the problem? Didn’t our grandfather also have a restaurant?” His father did not understand the Rebbe’s meaning, as he knew of no such precedent in the lineage. The Rebbe immediately clarified: “Avraham Avinu had a restaurant—he hosted guests and served food to all who came.”

In [[5730]] (1970), he was among the organizers of the [[WLCC#First live broadcast|first live broadcast]] of a [[Rebbe’s farbrengens|farbrengen]] of the Rebbe. Over the years, he developed and expanded the broadcasting system from 770. At that time, he founded the Communications Room and [[WLCC]], which operated the video and broadcast system for many years, recording the Rebbe’s farbrengens. Eventually, the system expanded to include video cameras in 770, documenting thousands of hours in the Rebbe’s presence. R. Chaim Baruch also filmed everyone who passed by during the distribution of dollars on Sundays and other special occasions, both in video and still images. Once, when R. Chaim Baruch went [[770|upstairs in 770]] carrying a camera, the Rebbe saw him and remarked (paraphrased): “Here too? Not enough downstairs?...”
[[File:Bottle of Chaim Baruch.png|thumb|The Rebbe presents R. Chaim Baruch with the Smirnoff bottle he had taken from him while he was under the influence.]]
On the night of [[Simchat torah|Simchat Torah]] [[5743]] (1982), Chaim Baruch became intoxicated from a large bottle of Smirnoff he was holding. He approached the Rebbe’s platform and asked for another pour. The Rebbe attempted to take the bottle from his hands, but in his drunkenness, Chaim Baruch pulled it back. One of the chassidim present, R. Chaim Blachman, helped the Rebbe retrieve the bottle. The next day, during the farbrengen, the Rebbe came down with the bottle beside him. During the distribution of [[Kos Shel Bracha|kos shel bracha]], when Chaim Baruch passed by, the Rebbe handed him the bottle and said with a smile, “Don’t drink it all by yourself — share it with everyone…”

During the Seforim affair that led to the [[Chabad holidays|Chabad holiday]] — 5 Tevet — in the year [[5745]] (1985), he worked alongside R. [[Yitzchok Wilhelm]] and R. [[Yitzchok Springer]] in trying to uncover who was responsible for the disappearance of seforim stolen from the [[Chabad library]]. After R. Chaim Baruch installed a hidden camera in the library ceiling, the thief was exposed.

In the late 5760s (2000s), he sold his entire archive of video footage and photographs to [[Jem - Jewish educational Media|JEM]] (Jewish Educational Media), comprising thousands of photos and hours of video.

In recent years, he transformed the "Broadcasting room" into an active Chabad House for the many visitors to Chabad headquarters, offering building tours, explanations about its development, and the opportunity to perform mitzvos like putting on [[Mivtza Tefillin|tefillin]].

He is a member of the Vaad of the Keren [[Bedek Habayis|Bedek HaBayis]] of 770.

In recent years, he purchased a home in Queens and moved to live near the [[Ohel]], where he spends Shabbos and Yomim Tovim.

== His Family ==

* His younger brother, R. [[Chesed Halberstam]], served as the [[Mashbak]] of the Rebbe.
* Another brother, Rabbi Shmuel Halberstam, serves as the director of the international Mifal HaShas.
* His brother-in-law is Rabbi Chaim Freed.
* His son-in-law, Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Hershel Gourarie, is a shochet u'boidek and the director of Camp [[Pardes Chana]] in Montreal, Canada.
* His son-in-law, Rabbi Shimon Kraimer, is a shliach in [[Merrick, Long Island]].
* His son-in-law, Rabbi Eliyahu Shifrin, is a shliach in Little Neck, Queens.

File:Bottle of Chaim Baruch.png

2025-04-21T21:53:38Z

BinRemark:

The Rebbe presents R. Chaim Baruch with the Smirnoff bottle he had taken from him while he was under the influence.

File:Dollars, children, 11 Tishrei 5752.png

2025-04-21T20:28:43Z

BinRemark:

Distribution of dollars on 11 Tishrei 5752 for children under bar mitzvah age only. From left to right: the Rebbe, his secretaries Rabbi Yehuda Leib Groner and Rabbi Binyamin Klein. On the far right stands the photographer, R. Chaim Baruch Halberstam, with the regular camera and a video camera.