Reb Yechezkel (Chatche) Feigin was a top talmid in Tomchei Temimim in Lubavitch, and was from the group of bochurim sent by the Rebbe Rashab in 5672 (1911) to establish the yeshiva Toras Emes in Chevron. He married the daughter of Reb Yehuda Leib Tzeitlin of Zhuravitz, and then served as mashpia in various branches of Tomchei Tmimim in Russia. Eventually he became the menahel of all branches of Tomchei Tmimim. In 5687 (1927), he became the Frierdike Rebbe’s personal secretary and gabai. From then on Reb Chatche was always at his side — in Russia, Riga and Poland. He was also in charge of fundraising for maimad (support for the Rebbe and his activities). He was killed al kidush Hashem on 9-10 Tammuz 5701 (1941) in Riga.
During one farbrengen, a bochur complained to R. Chatche, “If only you knew what type of issues I have...”
R. Chatche told him, “You’re mistaken. You’re simply arrogant and want to feel special. You’re not so foolish to think that you have outstanding talents, so you imagine that you have unique problems. But your motive is the same: to feel different. You need to come to terms with the fact that you have neither outstanding talents nor outstanding issues – you’re just like everyone else...”
R. Chatche’s depth was noticeable even in his capacity as secretary. His letters to anash regarding maamad flowed with chassidishe hergeshim and Chabad exposition on the nature and value of providing for the Rebbe.
In one letter he elaborates upon the prime importance of supporting the wellbeing of the Rebbe and the yeshiva bochurim even over more critical projects to save Yiddishkeit. He quotes the Alter Rebbe's explanation on why the first Beis HaMikdash would have been spared had they learned Torah properly, though they transgressed the worst aveiros: as long as the head is healthy, the body can be saved. So too, as long as some Jews serve Hashem and study Torah in its pristine form, klal Yisroel can be healed.
For a full biography and a selection of his writings, see: A Man of Mind and Action – The Life and Writings of Reb Chatche Feigin in Perspectives Digest, Issue 14.
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