Wedding Teshura Uncovers Identity of Rebbe’s Unknown Uncle
A Teshura published for the Zaklikovsky - Shemtov wedding included a first-time photograph and historical details about Rabbi Zusia Kazachkov, the Rebbe’s uncle by marriage, whose story has scarcely appeared in Chabad literature.
by COLlive Reporter · COLliveBy COLlive reporter
A Teshura published for the wedding of Mendel Zaklikovsky of Monroe, NJ, and Mussie Shemtov of Stamford, CT, has revealed what appears to be the first known photograph and newly uncovered details about Rabbi Zusia (Zosim) Kazatchkov, an uncle of the Rebbe by marriage whose existence has remained virtually absent from Chabad historical literature.
Rabbi Zusia was married to Mrs. Radzia Sima Schneerson-Kazatchzkov, the eldest sister of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, the Rebbe’s father, making him the Rebbe’s paternal uncle by marriage.
According to the article, the identification of his first name came from his great-granddaughter, who preserved family testimony passed down from her grandmother, Chaya Rima, one of Rabbi Zusia’s daughters (and is part of the Zaklikovsky’s Chabad community in NJ).
Until now, no known references to Rabbi Zusia himself had appeared in published Chabad sources, and little information had been available regarding his immediate family.
More documentation exists regarding his wife, Mrs. Radzia Sima Schneerson-Kazatchkov (5637 – 5684 / 1877 – 1924). She was the eldest sister among the children of Rabbi Baruch Shneur Schneerson, including Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, father of the Rebbe, along with Rabbi Shalom Shlomo and Rabbi Shmuel.
Her name appears in several historical sources and family records. In a letter dated 7 Kislev 5708, the Rebbe included corrections to the work Toldos Mishpachas Harav MiLadi and referred to “Mrs. Radia Kazatchkov of Dobrianka.” Additional mentions appear in the records of Rabbi Baruch Shneur documenting conversations with the Rebbe Rashab in which he discussed matters concerning his daughter Radzia Sima and sought blessings for her success, including for her business endeavors.
The Teshura noted that Radzia was likely named after earlier generations of the Schneerson family, preserving family naming traditions.
The family maintained a long-standing connection to Podobranka across at least four generations. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, son of Rabbi Baruch Shalom and grandson of the Tzemach Tzedek, served there as rabbi. His son, Rabbi Baruch Shneur, also lived there, followed by his daughter Radzia Sima and her husband Rabbi Zusia, who raised their family there.
According to the research published this week, the family remained in Podobranka until the pogroms of 1921, when they fled to the nearby city of Gomel.
The newly published photograph and accompanying research offer a rare glimpse into a little-known branch of the Rebbe’s paternal family and preserve details that had until now remained largely undocumented.
The newly discovered photo and article were published in honor of the wedding of NJ Shluchim Rabbi Eliezer and Chanie Zaklikovsky’s son Mendel to Mussie, daughter of Rabbi Moshe and Leah Shemtov, Stamford, CT.
We thank them for their permission to republish it on COLlive, and wish them a hearty Mazel Tov!
Never Miss a Headline!
Sign up for the COLlive Daily News Roundup and never miss a story
Opt In
- I would like to receive the collive newsletter