He was born to Rabbi Yehoshua Shneur Zalman Serebryanski and Mrs. Bracha in Kharkov in 1929 (5689). He studied in underground chederim in Soviet Russia, where he was educated with mesirus nefesh (self-sacrifice) for spreading Torah and Judaism.

Between 1941 and 1949, he studied at Tomchei Temimim yeshivas in Samarkand, refugee camps in Austria, and Brunoy.

In his youth, following World War II, his family left the Soviet Union through Lvov as part of the "Great Escape."

In 1948, his father and family were sent to Australia by the Rebbe Rayatz to revive Jewish life there.

After marrying his wife, Esther, they set out on a mission from the Rebbe to Australia, where Rabbi Chaim founded the PRI organization to support Russian immigrants.

After many years of service in Australia, they returned to Crown Heights, where he served as a mashpia in the community and was one of the leading figures in strengthening the neighborhood, upholding the honor of the rabbis, and spreading the message of the Redemption. He was a member of the spiritual committee of Ohr Menachem educational institutions in Crown Heights.

He passed away at the age of 85 on the 6th of Nisan, 2015 (5775). His funeral passed by 770, and he was buried in the Montefiore Cemetery near the Ohel.

חבדפדיה

These are the letters from the Rebbe to Rabbi Shneur Zalman Yehoshua Serbransky presently available on Torah Recordings,

• Letter #623
• Letter #655
• Letter #709
• Letter #761
• Letter #2328
• Letter #2681
• Letter #2727
• Letter #2772
• Letter #2920
• Letter #2956
• Letter #3093
• Letter #3333
• Letter #4055
• Letter #4456
• Letter #4609
• Letter #4631
• Letter #4876
• Letter #4986
• Letter #5483
• Letter #5961
• Letter #6148
• Letter #9088
• Letter #9109
• Letter #9210
• Letter #9344

• Summary Report: Letters from the Rebbe to Rabbi Yehoshua Shneor Zalman Serbransky

  The Rebbe's correspondence with Rabbi Serbransky reflects a relationship of trust, encouragement, and guidance, particularly in the development and strengthening of Chabad institutions in Australia. The letters reveal the Rebbe’s deep involvement in addressing both spiritual and practical matters, demonstrating his unwavering support for Rabbi Serbransky’s efforts.

  Key Themes and Guidance:

  1. Educational Challenges:

     • Tardy Students: The Rebbe emphasizes balancing discipline with understanding individual circumstances. Practical solutions, such as flexible schedules for those traveling long distances, are suggested while maintaining order and inclusivity in the yeshiva.
     • Diverse Skill Levels: The Rebbe advises finding a middle ground to accommodate varied abilities within small classes, recognizing this as a common challenge in education.

  2. Building Chabad in Australia:

     • Spread of Chassidus: The Rebbe underscores the necessity of teaching Chassidus in Australia, extending beyond Chabad circles to all Jewish residents.
     • Yeshiva Development: Rabbi Serbransky is repeatedly encouraged to expand the yeshiva in both quantity and quality. The Rebbe addresses doubts and stresses the divine providence that placed Rabbi Serbransky in Australia, assuring him of the strength to succeed.
     • Facilities and Resources: The Rebbe supports acquiring a proper building for the yeshiva and suggests that it serve as a central hub for Torah, prayer, and community gatherings.

  3. Engagement and Leadership:

     • Involvement of Community Members: The Rebbe frequently advises involving local Chassidim and ensuring collective participation in strengthening the yeshiva.
     • Influence on Parents and Students: The Rebbe highlights the importance of influencing families to support Torah education and encouraging students to engage in deeper study, particularly of Chassidus.
     • Connection with Global Chabad Initiatives: The Rebbe advises leveraging global resources and maintaining communication with Chassidim worldwide to enhance local efforts.

  4. Optimism and Faith:

     • The Rebbe encourages unwavering optimism despite challenges, citing past successes as proof of Hashem’s blessings. He often reminds Rabbi Serbransky of the importance of persistence and trust in divine guidance, emphasizing the famous adage of the Rebbe Maharash: "L'chatchila ariber" (go over obstacles from the outset).

  5. Community Unity:

     • The Rebbe stresses the importance of fostering unity within the Jewish community while maintaining the unique identity and practices of Chabad. He advises inclusivity in recruiting students while ensuring that the yeshiva adheres to its spiritual principles.

  Relationship with the Rebbe:

  The letters reflect a close and dynamic relationship characterized by mutual respect and a shared mission. The Rebbe consistently provides detailed advice, encouragement, and spiritual insights while expressing confidence in Rabbi Serbransky’s leadership and capabilities. This relationship highlights the Rebbe’s vision of empowering his emissaries to become transformative leaders in their communities.

  These letters collectively provide a blueprint for community building, spiritual education, and overcoming challenges with faith and determination.

• Letter #2681
  Date: 28th of Iyar, 1954 (כ"ח אייר, תשי"ד)
  Summary: The Rebbe addresses Rabbi Serbransky's doubts regarding the progress of the yeshiva in Australia. Despite challenges, the Rebbe emphasizes that success is achievable with perseverance, highlighting the divine providence that brought him to Australia.

• Letter #2727
  Date: 10th of Sivan, 1954 (יו"ד סיון, תשי"ד)
  Summary: The Rebbe stresses the importance of growing the yeshiva both in size and quality. He encourages Rabbi Serbransky to overcome doubts and continue with the work, emphasizing that all necessary resources are already provided by Hashem.

• Letter #2772
  Date: 29th of Sivan, 1954 (כ"ט סיון, תשי"ד)
  Summary: The Rebbe continues to encourage Rabbi Serbransky to build the yeshiva in Australia, pointing to past successes as proof that it is possible. He also advises that the yeshiva should focus on both the quantity and quality of education.

• Letter #2920
  Date: 8th of Elul, 1954 (ח' אלול, תשי"ד)
  Summary: The Rebbe offers advice on how to handle students and teachers in the yeshiva, emphasizing that while it is essential to be flexible, maintaining order is also crucial. The Rebbe discusses how to deal with students from varying backgrounds and skill levels.

• Letter #2956
  Date: 25th of Elul, 1954 (כ"ה אלול, תשי"ד)
  Summary: The Rebbe affirms that the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov should spread everywhere, including Australia, and that Chassidus should be taught not only to Chabad Chassidim but also to the general Jewish community.

• Letter #3093
  Date: 11th of Kislev, 1955 (י"א כסלו, תשט"ו)
  Summary: The Rebbe addresses practical matters regarding the yeshiva’s work, including the importance of having students participate in prayer and Torah study. He also discusses how to deepen the teaching of Chassidus and engage students in learning it with enthusiasm.

• Letter #3333
  Date: 8th of Adar, 1955 (ח' אדר, תשט"ו)
  Summary: The Rebbe reassures Rabbi Serbransky about his position in Australia, stressing that divine providence has placed him in the right place to succeed. The Rebbe encourages him to continue his work with confidence, reminding him that all necessary strength and resources are already in place.

• Letter #4055
  Date: 25th of Tevet, 1956 (כ"ה טבת, תשט"ז)
  Summary: The Rebbe discusses managing tardy students and the challenges of addressing differing skill levels within a class. He advises Rabbi Serbransky to maintain discipline while avoiding alienating students, and he suggests practical solutions to handle these issues.