Leib Groner

Who is Leib Groner?

Rabbi Yehuda Leib Groner was a secretary of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson for over 40 years.

Following Rabbi Schneerson's death there was a press report in which he expressed opposition to Yudel Krinsky, the sole executor of Rabbi Schneerson's will and a political opponent.

Groner was instrumental in the care of the Rebbe during his final year when he was no longer able to communicate effectively. The manner of his care was a source of great controversy within Chabad with some recommending his removal to a specialist hospital and others demanding he stay put at 770 Eastern Parkway. Groner led the latter camp, while Krinsky led the former. The controversy led to the resignation of one of Schneerson's doctors Dr. Eli Rosen.

He was a witness in 1988 to the signing of Rabbi Schneerson's secular will - a will that gave all the power over the organizational structures of Chabad to his primary rival Krinsky. Groner was seen as part of the messianist wing - even going so far as adorn his car with messianist bumper-stickers. That Groner - despite his years of service - was not given any responsibility in the will was seen as a blow to his standing.