Today, 19 Iyar, marks the birthday of Ari Halberstam, who was murdered in 1994 in a terror attack on the Brooklyn Bridge at the age of 16.
Ari was named after his paternal grandfather, Aharon Yosef Luria, who was a descendant of the Arizal, Tzadik of Teveria, a saintly man who had thousands of Chassidim. His paternal grandmother was a direct descendant of the Sanzer dynasty.
His namesake passed away after Kiddush Friday night. He prepared his Chassidim in advance of his passing, which was attended by thousands and printed in all the newspapers in Israel.
Ari’s birthday is also the Yartzeit of Baal Tosfos – MaHaRaM of Rothenberg, known for his unparalleled Mesiras Nefesh, and the great Rebbe Menachem Mendel ben Yosef M’Rimanov.
Ari Halberstam was born on Friday night, after Kiddush. His soul was among the holiest, and he had a special bond with the Rebbe, as well as the Rebbe’s wife, that was well-known amongst Lubavitch Chassidim.
Ari had a special connection with the Rebbe and Rebbetzin, who loved him as a son. The Rebbe gave Ari special attention, even cutting his hair at this upshernish – 3 year old haircut, at the Rebbe’s home.
Ari died al Kiddush Hashem while close to the Rebbe as well, shot by a terrorist who was plotting to attack the Rebbe while his motorcade drove from Manhattan to Brooklyn to Lubavitch World Headquarters.
Today, the Mazel of Ari’s birthday is powerful for all. All those who need tefillos answered should think of Ari, Aharon Yosef ben Chananya Sinai Dovid, his Kapitel is 41.
In honor of Ari’s birthday, Hashem should send the greatest miracles with the ultimate מזל גובר, that we will all celebrate together in the truest way, to wish לחיים ולברכה with the purest heartfelt happiness and joy.
I was in 3rd,grade when this terrible tragedy happened. I remember daavening to Hashem so hard that Ari should come down from shanayim and that sossinkin should have a refuah shleimah!
This article and pictures are amazing!
I was born יבדל לחיים ארוכים in the same year as Ari זכרונו לברכה and my friend pointed out to me that 770 was in my passport when I showed it to my friend.
His hair was cut Erev Shavuous. Not on his birthday during sefira.
very special
ת נ צ ב ה
These photos were taken erev shevous 1980 – 5740 in the rebbe’s president street home
i did t know him yet i still feel so choked up and sad , to think he would be turning 40 …please please hashem we need moshiach now !!!
I MISS YOU!!
i remember Ari’s eyes. The most incredibly beautiful eyes i have ever seen. He had the zchus of being a real ‘ben bayis’ at the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s home. no words…