Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Chitrik (born 12th of Av, 1927 – passed 2nd of Tevet, 2012) was a devoted Chassid and emissary of the Rebbe. He initially served as a shliach (emissary) in South America and later became the president of the Friends of Eastern European Refugees organization in Crown Heights. On Shemini Atzeret 5731 (1970), the Rebbe appointed him as the "ba’al habayit" (head) of Brazil. Despite his family's settlement in Antwerp, Belgium, his heart was set on traveling to the Rebbe in New York.

The Rebbe Rayatz (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn) provided him and his friend Azriel Chaikin with entry visas, enabling them to travel on a ship transporting thousands of soldiers returning from Europe to the United States. In the U.S., Rabbi Chitrik enrolled in the central Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim, was granted private audiences with the Rebbe Rayatz, and was among those who dug the Rebbe Rayatz’s holy grave under the instructions of the Rebbe.

In 1951, Rabbi Chitrik married Rivka, the youngest daughter of Rabbi Chaim Eliezer Karasik. The Rebbe himself officiated at their wedding, served as the sandek (the one who holds the baby) at the brit (circumcision) of their son, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak, on Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5712 (1951), and even delivered a talk at the brit’s celebration.

His Mission

Even before his wedding, the Rebbe instructed Rabbi Chitrik to embark on his mission to Brazil and convinced his in-laws to support this endeavor. However, the trip was delayed for several months due to the need for passports and entry permits. Rabbi Chitrik became the first shliach sent by the Rebbe following his assumption of leadership.

Initially, Rabbi Chitrik resided in São Paulo, where he revitalized and managed the "Beit Chinuch" school, growing its enrollment to 400 students. Due to certain challenges, he had to leave the school and relocated to Rio de Janeiro, where he continued his mission on behalf of the Rebbe.

Rabbi Chitrik also wrote columns for two newspapers in Brazil, incorporating teachings from the Tanya and Chassidus. He regularly sent these newspapers to the Rebbe, receiving feedback and directives concerning his writings.

After eight years of serving the Rebbe’s mission in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the Chitrik family had to return to New York in the latter part of 1960.

Back in New York, Rabbi Chitrik settled in the Crown Heights neighborhood, close to 770, and experienced success in his business endeavors. He had a permanent place on the bench behind the Rebbe’s seat at farbrengens (Chassidic gatherings). Throughout his 50 years in Crown Heights, he was blessed with a close relationship with the Rebbe, engaged in broad communal activities, and regularly reported to the Rebbe, receiving detailed guidance and responses.

Rabbi Chitrik passed away on the 2nd of Tevet, 2012. May his memory be for a blessing.

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