Background
He is the son of Refoel Nachman (Folle) Kahn, author of Shemu"os VeSippurim.
He is the son of Refoel Nachman (Folle) Kahn, author of Shemu"os VeSippurim.
His father Refoel Nachman Kahan, studied in the original Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim, in the town of Lubavitch, White Russia and authored Shemu"os VeSippurim an authoritative and multi-volume compilation of historical accounts and anecdotes, culled from the traditions handed down by reliable Chassidim of earlier generations and his own experiences.
He served in this role from the beginning of the Rebbe"s leadership in 1950 until his death in 1994. Today he continues to serve as the senior Mashpia in the central Lubavitcher yeshiva at 770 Eastern Parkway. He has no children. He was born in the Soviet Union, on 16 Shevat, 5690 which corresponds to February 14, 1930.
At a young age he emigrated to the Land of Israel together with his family, and studied in Yeshiva "Achai Temimim" in Tel Aviv under the tutelage of the famous Mashpia Rabbi Chaim Shaul Brook.
He also knew and was influenced by Rabbi Nochum Goldshmidt and to a lesser degree, by Rabbi Shlomo Chaim Kesselman. Arrival in New York
In 1950 Kahan traveled to New York in order to continue his studies at the central Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New New York
However, when he finally arrived in New York by sea it was too late, the man who was to became known as "the Previous Rebbe" had already died. Foreign decades Kahan served as Schneerson"s main choizer, repeater.
He would listen to the talks and then, after consultation with colleagues, repeat the talks to the Hasidim.