כה חשון תש"ג - ר' מנחם מענדל הכהן הארענשטיין חתן אדמו"ר הריי"צ נספה בשואה הי"ד

1. Overview of 25 Cheshvan

Today we will discuss the significance of the 25th day of Cheshvan in the year 5703 (1942), during the Holocaust. This date marks a tragic event in Chabad history.

2. Rabbi Menachem Mendel HaKohen Horenstein

On this day, Rabbi Menachem Mendel HaKohen Horenstein, a son-in-law of the Previous Rebbe, was taken to the gas chambers. He was the youngest son-in-law of the Previous Rebbe, who had three daughters: one was married to Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary, another to our Rebbe, and the third to Rabbi Menachem Mendel Horenstein.

3. The Tragedy of His Death

The death of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Horenstein is a profound tragedy for our community. He was taken on the 25th of Cheshvan, and his passing is commemorated as a great loss. His mother was Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, a daughter of the Rebbe Maharash.

4. Family Lineage

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Horenstein descended from both the Tzemach Tzedek and the Rebbe Maharash through his mother. His marriage to Rebbetzin Sheina, the youngest daughter of the Previous Rebbe, took place in 5692 (1932).

5. Escape from Poland

When the Previous Rebbe left Poland during the war, he wished for his daughter and her husband to escape with him. However, because they were Polish citizens, this proved impossible. The obstacles surrounding their escape reflect the challenges faced by so many during this terrible period.

Notes

Rebbetzin Sheina – his wife, who was also killed in Treblinka. See 2 Tishrei – her yahrzeit and 21 Teves – her birth.

Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka – his mother, daughter of the Rebbe Maharash. See 10 Elul – her wedding.

The Previous Rebbe's escape – see 21 Elul 1939 – leaving Otwock and 9 Adar II 5700 – arriving in the United States.

Rebbetzin Chana and Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary – see 11 Sivan – their wedding.