14 Nissan marks the third Yartzeit of Rabbi Leibel Groner obm, one of the most prominent figures in Lubavitch of the last generation who served as a secretary and was one of the closest people to the Rebbe.
Last year, a newly discovered Maamar about Pesach was printed in Rabbi Groner’s memory, in honor of his second yartzeit.
Rabbi Groner learned in the Central Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch at 770 Eastern Parkway and become an immense Talmid Chacham.
In 1949, the Rebbe asked Rabbi Groner if he would like to assist him in his “spare time.” Rabbi Groner agreed and began working in the Kehot Publication Society, a branch of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch which the Rebbe founded.
In 5711 (1951), when the Rebbe officially assumed leadership of Chabad-Lubavitch at an inaugural farbrengen, the Rebbe asked Rabbi Groner to stand by him in case he would need anything. Rabbi Groner has stood by the Rebbe’s side ever since.
After he got married, Rabbi Groner continued his work in the Rebbe’s secretariat (mazkirus) for over 40 years. He was arguably the most visible mazkir as he stood by the Rebbe during davening, Yechidus and later when the Rebbe distributed dollars to charity on Sundays.
His devotion to the Rebbe and his directives and institutions were reflected in the Rebbe’s comment about him during the distribution of the Tanya on 11 Nissan 5744: “My general.”
Rabbi Groner passed away after Bedikas Chometz at the age of 88 after a battle with coronavirus.
Rabbi Groner A”H was a wonderful man, who was the most loyal to the Rebbe and Lubavitch. He is missed. His neshama should have an aliya.