Support Torah
Recordings

Hilewitz - Alter

הילביץ - אלתר

Alter Hilvitz — Scholar

This summary is drawn from the Rebbe's letters to him (from the late 1940s to about 5720, 1960), which show him to be a Torah scholar and researcher of chassidic history; I did not find a published biography.

What the letters show

Scholarly questions. The Rebbe discussed with him when the study of secular sciences aligns with Torah values according to Tanya (IK 495), nuanced distinctions in halachic sources regarding Asherah and idolatry (IK 1952), subtle points of Talmudic terminology (IK 6870), and clarified that pikuach nefesh refers strictly to matters of life and death, not mere distress (IK 5839).

Documenting Chassidus. The Rebbe valued precise documentation of chassidic teachings and encouraged efforts to collect them (IK 6817).

After the Previous Rebbe's passing. In a letter from 5710 (1950), the Rebbe reflected on the loss and urged Anash to carry on their mission with added light and responsibility (IK 563).

Sources: the Rebbe's letters cited above.

Shiurim in this topic
1952. On Asherah, Idolatry, and the Rambam's Laws על אשרה, עבודה זרה, וחוקי הרמב"ם
›
5839. Pikuach Nefesh Means Danger to Life, Not Suffering, and "the Ways of G-d" in the Rambam's Laws of Character Traits פקוח נפש פירושו סכנת נפשות ולא יסורים, ו"מדרכי ה'" שברמב"ם הלכות דעות
›
6817. The Dates of Chassidic Maamarim and Collecting Information on Them תאריכי מאמרי החסידות ואיסוף ידיעות עליהם
›
6870. Clarification on Dr. Zeira and Halachic Reasoning in Etz HaChaim הבהרה על דר' זירא והנמקה הלכתית בעץ החיים
›
453. Editing and Publication of tzt"z Volumes, Feedback, and Chabad Literature עריכת והוצאת כרכי צ"צ, משוב, וספרות חב"ד
›
495. Learning Secular Wisdom, Rambam's Approach, and Tanya's Perspective לימוד חכמות חיצוניות, גישת הרמב"ם, וגישת התניא
›
516. Klipos Noga, Sparks, and the Laws of Secular and Forbidden Knowledge קליפת נוגה, ניצוצות, ודיני חכמות חול ואסורות
›
563. Thirty Days After Histalkus, Responsibility of Anash, and Yom Kippur Service שלושים יום אחרי ההסתלקות, אחריות אנ"ש, ועבודת יום הכיפורים
›