Chaim Groisman, administrator of the Chabad-Lubavitch schools in Caracas, Venezuela, whose connection to Chabad-Lubavitch began in 1984 with a noted correspondence with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, passed away last week in his sleep. He was 74 years old.

Originally from Curaçao, Groisman’s desperate search for advice in educating his young son is detailed in “A Jew in Curaçao” by his son, Eli Groisman, which can be read here.

A subsequent letter from the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—to Chaim Groisman has been noted as an exemplar of the Rebbe’s approach to the importance of each individual, which has always served as a model for Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries around the world.

A few years after meeting with Chabad emissaries personally dispatched by the Rebbe, Groisman moved to Caracas, where he became a part of the Chabad community, frequently serving as a chazzan (cantor) in the local synagogue and studying with students at the local yeshivah, where he served as menahel gashmi (secular administrator).

He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.