What is a Chasid?

Nosson Deitsch tragically passed away this year on Lag B'Omer, May 2. To the hundreds of young people who called him their close friend and the thousands of people he met through his years in yeshiva and at his siblings' Chabad Houses, he was the ultimate example of a Chasid of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. We share what friends wrote about this young man whose life the Rebbe inspired and whose life inspired so many.
To read more visit www.RememberingNosson.com

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by Chaim Bortunk
The greatness of Nosson was his smile, his warmth, his love, and his caring nature. Nosson left me with something that I will never forget, his friendship. Did he need to run over to me with a huge smile the first time we met? Did he need to greet me with a warm, shining glow and ask, "Hey, what's your name, and how are you doing"? Did he need to give me the time of day when he really didn't have a clue who I was?

Nosson made it a point to make people feel like they belonged, like they were connected, like they had a purpose! Not because he had anything to gain by doing it, but because this was the only way he knew how to act! His hardships, his pain, his suffering didn't stop his illuminating smile; it didn't stop his will or his drive to make everyone feel like they were something.

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by Adam Cohen
I met Nosson one day as he wandered through my office building looking for Jews to put tefilin on. I was happy to meet with him because I had began a process of very serious introspection and religious study.

Nosson was very excited to help. We talked regularly. He would never miss an opportunity to come by when he was in town. I benefitted greatly from my conversations with him. He was always willing to help me when I needed help.

On more difficult days, I would pray to G-d saying "This is too hard for me" or "If You want me to do this then please send help." Invariably, those were the days that Nosson showed up in my office. He helped me develop the awareness that G-d controls all things, answers our prayers, and helps us to achieve things we think are impossible.

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by Mendy Tzfasman
When we were about 15 years old, we were very into memorizing Tanya (the basic book of Chabad-Chasidic philosophy which is comprised of 53 chapters). A typical questions amongst all of us was, "How much have you memorized?" Nosson never told anyone. At a certain point we realized that according to our calculations Nosson had memorized all 53 chapters!

Nosson was totally non-judgmental; you could always speak openly with him. He never said a bad word or put anyone down.

It was a fact to Nosson that he was going on Shlichus (to be an emissary of the Rebbe). He used to tell me about his plans for the future. I remember him telling me that he'd bring me to his Chabad House. "You'll come - you'll see everything will be gevaldik!"

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by Darrin Moses
Last Chanuka I went to Los Angeles and spent time with Nosson. There was a farbrengen (gathering) in honor of a student's birthday. While we were learning together, a student came up to Nosson and said, "Let's go to the farbrengen. You can learn later. It's a special night." I thought Nosson would suggest to continue later or even over the phone. His response: "You are right! It's a very special night - I'm learning with my good friend Darrin who always inspires me and we are going to finish and then join you, G-d willing." Nosson could have easily rescheduled the time with me so that he wouldn't miss the inspiration and camaraderie of the farbrengen. But he chose to learn with a Jew who is just barely beginning his journey. That's true love of a fellow Jew.

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by Leibelovitch
During Nosson's years in the yeshiva in Staten Island, his schedule was a full one, yet he'd have time for everyone, as if no one or nothing else existed. Whatever he did, whether davening (praying), learning, farbrengens, sports or socializing, he was there 100%. Nosson exemplified how one should celebrate life. Nosson had a special enthusiasm in studying about Moshiach and the Redemption. He lived every day and throughout each day.

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by Meir Fellig
This year I had the privilege to be Nosson's "partner" on Fridays when we went out to encourage men to put on tefilin. Every Friday, Nosson would wake up all pumped up and excited to go. We would go into people's offices and Nosson would take a cup of coffee, sit down, and make himself at home. The people we visited loved it. One major thing I learned from Nosson was that he wasn't embarrassed to do anything as long as he knew it was the right thing.

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by Yaakov Shemesh
Nosson introduced me to Chabad, he showed me what a true Chasid is - someone who cares for every Jew, who does everything for the sake of heaven, who shows a warm face to everyone, who has emuna (faith) in difficult times, who loves studying and teaching Torah and Chasidut, and much more. Nosson and I met in the Chabad Yeshiva in Staten Island around nine years ago. I studied with him every week.

I slept over his house one Shabbat; we had such a great time. I remember on the way to shul Friday night he recited parts of Tanya by heart and taught it to me, just so as not to waste time.

His warmth and kindness, representative of the Rebbe, will always remain in our minds.

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by Velvel Lipskier
Last year, our students asked that we bring some senior students to the yeshiva to liven things up: "Bring Nosson Deitsch. He will make this a happening place." Nosson was a true example of bringing together heaven and earth. He was very religious, didn't waste any time, was very approachable, fun-loving and life-loving, always with an inspiring word or interesting story. My most vivid memory of him is every morning sitting at his place, earbuds in his ears, listening to classes by Chabad-Lubavitch scholars on his beloved Tanya. I know that he was truly connected to the Rebbe, writing letters to the Rebbe on a weekly basis.

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by Levi Diskin
Nosson was very popular in school; people flocked to him yet he found it his mission to reach out to everyone to make them feel good. When I came in fourth grade, I didn't know anyone. He immediately helped me, making sure that I was included in class projects. He was able at such a young age to care about someone else, though it meant relinquishing his popularity. When the other children would look down at him for spending time with "the nerdy group" he didn't mind; making another happy was his priority. His signature saying: "You are awesome. I love you man. You are the best."