Footage Shows the Rebbe Moments After a Sudden Fire at 770
When a sudden fire broke out in the 770 office of Mazkir Rabbi Leibel Groner exactly 29 years ago, one bochur ran over with his camera to document the firefighters and what the Rebbe did following it.
Exactly 29 years ago, on Chof Teves 5752 (1991), a sudden fire broke out at 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights.
As the firefighters battled the flames in the office of mazkir Rabbi Leibel Groner, the time for Mincha was approaching.
Yossi Malamud, a bochur whose parents live just doors away from 770, rushed over with his handheld video camera to document these chaotic moments.
As the main Shul filled with heavy smoke, Mincha was held in the small Zal. Yossi stood on a table right near the Rebbe’s place, capturing these unique moments on camera.
Ironically, exactly nine years prior to this occurrence, on Chof Teves 5743 (1983), a fire broke out in the offices above 770. The Rebbe spoke of this at the Shabbos Farbrengen, saying this was a clear sign from heaven that the Crown Heights Mikvah should be repaired. The Rebbe then temporarily sold 770, and used the funds to pay for the Mikvah repairs.
VIDEO: Mincha with the Rebbe begins at about 5 minutes:
