Ep. 69: Hei Teves 40 Years | A Bochur's Perspective with Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov

In this episode, Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov of West Bloomfield, Michigan, shares vivid memories of living through the entire saga of the sefarim court case as a bochur- from the summer of 5745 (1985) through 5750 (1990). He recounts the story in compelling detail, from the discovery of the stolen sefarim to the court case, appeals, and subsequent legal battles. More than a historical account, this is a firsthand window into what it felt like to be a bochur during those years: the uncertainty, the pain, the joy, and the growing understanding of what was at stake. Through his recollections, Rabbi Shemtov explores what the case meant to the Rebbe and what these events revealed about the bond between the Rebbe and Chassidim. Along the way, we gain a deeper appreciation for what we are celebrating on Hei Teves—and why its message is so central to our lives as Chassidim in Dor Hashvi’i. At four and a half hours, this episode is an experience to take in at your own pace, over as many sittings as you need. We’re releasing it well ahead of Hei Teves so you have time to immerse yourself in the story and join the growing shturem and anticipation as we approach forty years since Didan Notzach. ______________ 00:00 Introduction: Remembering Hei Teves 04:30 Hearing About the Stolen Seforim 22:20 Tishrei 5746: Overcoming Through Simcha 37:03 The Rebbetzin’s Historic Deposition 51:30 Why the Seforim Battle Mattered 1:20:53 Inside the Seforim Court Case 1:43:01 The Rebbe’s Response: Expand Lubavitch 2:14:09 Hei Teves: The Victory News Arrives 2:26:45 Seven Days of Unforgettable Dancing 2:32:25 Sending Names to the Rebbe 2:54:24 The Appeal: The Battle Continues 3:32:13 Flying From Australia for the Victory 3:49:49 Witnessing the Seforim Return 4:15:13 Recovering Treasures and Final Settlement 4:23:40 What Hei Teves Means for Us Today