Rabbi Mordechai Berger, speaker, educator, motivator and counselor for over 40 years passed away on Monday, 27 Elul, 5773.
He was 66.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Rabbi Berger graduated from Rabbinical School in 1968 and began his career as the principal of Oholei Torah, Brooklyn, New York. Rabbi Berger continued to touch many as he moved to Montreal, Canada, as the director of the Chabad Jewish Outreach Center at Mcgill University.
In 1976, After inspiring hundreds of souls to be more involved in studying and Jewish practice, Rabbi Berger was hired as the Pulpit rabbi at the Young Israel Synagogue, in Ottawa, the Capitol of Canada. After receiving a blessing from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of blessed memory, Rabbi Berger also became the first Chabad Shliach to Ottawa.
Rabbi Berger and his wife Chaye Leah built a community that drew thousands through the doors of Jewish learning, and mitzvah observance, and touched the lives of countless individuals, many as novices to the beautiful traditions of yiddishkeit, and inspired them to enrich their lives with more meaning.
In Ottawa, Rabbi Berger also founded and directed Maimonides Torah Day School, the first traditional Jewish day school in Ottawa, for over 25 years, founded Camp Gan Israel of Ottawa, and Yeshivas Ateres Menachem, a unique High School Program which combined Torah study together with vocational studies.
In 2007, Yeshiva College of Melbourne, Australia recruited Rabbi Berger to their school of over 650 students to apply his knowledge and experience as Educator and Principal of their pre-school and kindergarten through high school.
Rabbi Berger was a noted speaker, lecturing around the world on topics ranging from chinuch and parenting to Chassidus.
He is survived by his wife, Chaye Leah, and children Mindy Chein – Ottawa, Rabbi Yanky Berger – Australia, Dinie Berger – Crown Heights, Shternie Kagan – S. Francisco, CA, Nota Berger – Los Angeles, Faiga Smith – Los Angeles, Bassy Mendelsohn – Ottawa, Shneur Berger – Miami, Florida, Dovy Berger – Los Angeles, Elka Baitelman – CA, Levi Berger – CA and Mushka Berger – Ottawa and many grandchildren.
The Levaya will take place today, Monday in Ottawa and will also be in Montreal on Tuesday, leaving from Chesed Shel Emes – 935 Beaumont at 5:00 pm and passing by the Yeshiva at 6405 Westbury at approximately 5:30 pm.
Shiva will be late Tuesday night and Wednesday in Ottawa, 108 Paseo Private.
Email condolences to: [email protected].
Baruch Dayan Haemes.
3 months and I still think about you everyday.
Wish you were here.
68 days and still the tears flow.
You are not alone. Our dear Rabbi Berger will live always in our hearts!
28 days and still crying.
28 days and still crying.
Dear Mrs. Berger & family,
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of Rabbi Berger. Rabbi Berger was both my revered Rav and my dear friend! He was my “Jewish” inspiration in my high school years and beyond! There will always be a place for him in my heart.
Our tefillos are with you. We hope this new year brings goodness and growth to Mrs. Berger and all of her wonderful children. Warmly and Fondly, Mira (Claman) and Peter Juricek
I was in your school. Thank you.
I can speak for myself and probably for the entire city when I say we have lost a giant and did not really appreciate his stature. A kind heart, a great Talmid Chacham, an amazing speaker (I can still remember and repeat his Yom Kippur drasha of 10 years ago), a devoted father and grandfather, a committed Chossid to the ideals of Ahavas Yisroel and Chassidus, a dedicated servant of HKB”H and his dear Rebbe with whom he is now reunited. Please dear kvod HoRav Mordechai Z”L, please dont forget your community remaining here who now have yet another reason… Read more »
We arrived in Ottawa with young children in 1983, just as Ecole Maimonides was developing with full vigour under Rabbi Berger. With warmth and enthusiasm, Rabbi Berger carried the torch for Torah education in Ottawa for a generation. He provided a foundation in this city which then even today supports further pursuit of Torah learning. Ottawa and the broader Jewish community have much for which to be grateful to Rabbi Berger.
We give our deepest sympathies to Mrs. Chaya Leah Berger and the whole family.
Marten and Elaine
forever is not long enough, a week later and I still can’t believe your gone, please Hashem take this pain !
Moahiach NOW !
Motti lovingly showed me the way to return to Yiddishkeit.
He encouraged and nurtured me when I needed it most.
In the process we became lifelong friends.
Motti, I will never forget you. I will forever be indebted to you for directing me to the way of serving Hashem through Torah and Mitzvos as expounded by the Rebbe and his predecessors.
My wife and I send our deepest condolences to Chaya Leah and the entire Berger extended family.
Dear Chaya Laya and family, Rabbi Berger has left his legacy and touched many people in so many beautiful ways. I recall his fabulous presence on the Ottawa radio network on Sunday mornings, and we listened to these radio shows which always taught us something new. I hope that all these memories and so many more bring you continuous comfort. Our sympathies and condolences for this untimely loss. Fondly Merle & Rickey
Rabbi Berger was our son’s principal and mentor for four years in Ottawa yeshiva, we remember him as a soft spoken and gentle and kind man. we extend our sympathy to his wife Mrs. Berger and his family, may Hashem comfort your family.
I remember talking to your father at McGill University in the early 1970’s where he set up a table outside the student union building representing Chabad. Along with the Ottawa community, we extend our sincere sympathy on the loss of your husband, father and grand father.
I Knew Rabbi Berger as a kind sweet learned man. But reading all these comments makes me sad realizing that his unassuming demeanor allowed me to take knowing such a giant for granted…
What a loss!
May Hashem comfort the entire family
To all my fathers dearest and closest friends, and students
These beautiful insights to my fathers legacy
Are providing us with a huge source of comfort
“Vehachai yiten al libo” let us all learn from these
Beautiful and inspiring and important attributes, and live them!!!!
To carry on my fathers legacy.
A gut genentched yar.
Bassy Mendelsohn, Chabad of Centrepointe
Ottawa, Canada
A great person…he is going to be missed!
There is not much that can be said that hasn’t already been said over and over. I grew up in Ottawa and have many fond memories of Rabbi Berger as both my Principal in Maimonides and as the rav of our shul. I was very saddened to hear the terrible news. I hope that the comments here are some small nechama to his family.
Thinking of you all,
Shifrah Green (Friedman)
Ur so right! He was an elegant orator………a dynamic speaker (& a perfectionist……) so let him go up to the Kisei Hakavod & eloquently beg Hashem to end this Golus Now!
I have very fond and warm memories of Rabbi Berger as my “childhood” Rav for many years. An elegant orator, caring and companionate individual to all, he will be missed by many. Believe it or not, every Rosh Hashanah I recall and miss how Rabbi Berger would speak out the Roshe Teivos of the New Year in his drashas.
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים.
Even though I was only 6 or 7 when Motti was my head counsellor, his very presence in a room shone forth his Huge personality, always extremely professional and loved, he is a true dugma chai .. We love you and will miss you! Ruby fradkin bunk gimmel c.g.i lac desert
Rabbi Berger was a wonderful man and special person that we will miss terribly. He always had a genuine smile on his face and was always full of joy. We feel very fortunate to have known him. I (Meghan) was very fortunate in being able to spend a lot of my childhood playing in the Berger household with Mushky. Our deepest condolences to Chaya Leah and the rest of the family. We wish we could be in Ottawa to attend shiva however, we are away in France. BDE.
Our hearts and prayers are with you at this very trying time. The untimely passing of Motty is a shock to us all!!! May Hashem give you much nachas and only simchas, and the ultimate simcha of Moshiach NOW.
Gershon and Ruchie Grossbaum
My children and I were always moved and inspired by Rabbi Berger’s turn of phrase and ever-present smile. His gentle nature will be missed. We are terribly sorry for his family’s loss. Simi, Max, Jasmine, Shira, Temima and Ahron in Ottawa
Rabbi Berger was such a tremendous influence to my children and myself. It is really thanks to him that I am living a life of Torah and mitzvos and especially that today my husband and I are Chabad. Years ago when Rabbi Berger came to Cleveland to visit I mentioned to Rabbi Berger that my husband and I are “sort of Chabad”. Later my husband said “why did you say that?” I said “because we are sort of – we have not made a full commitment to practicing all of the Chabad minchagim”. After that conversation, my husband decided he… Read more »
I am writing this with an aching heart. I have many memories with your father from birth until very recently. When I close my eyes I can see his glowing face and smile. This past year in Centrepoint I really got to know him, not just as a rabbi, but as a friend. We would talk all the time and he always made me feel good. As I was thinking about moving to a new job and place, I turned to him for advice, he not only gave me amazing advice but he truly cared about my life. He empowered… Read more »
Very sad loss and shocking. My best wishes to the family for a New Year with besorot tovot. May his memory be a blessing and inspiration for you.
Rabbi Berger and his family have been a major part of my life…He will always remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him…my thoughts and prayers are with his family….may they feel peace….
Dear Chaya Leah and dear Berger children, I know that I wrote before but since then I have read the other messages and find that my special friend Rabbi Berger was the special friend of so many others, that he was able to show so many that he cared deeply and personally about them as individuals with challenges and fears in life but also the ability to soar and express themselves as Jews and bnai adam, Rabbi Berger’s greatness is that he showed by the example of his own life that the pleasure in helping others is the greatest treasure… Read more »
בצער רב שמעתי עם בני ג׳רד מנחם קופל על פטירתו הפתאומית של רב , מנהיג שהעמיד אלפי תלמידים שהתייתמו ממחנך , מנהל ששימש דוגמא לפני החג הוא יהיה בע״ה המליץ יושר של כולנו מקום ינחם אתכם עם שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
He and his wife stayed in our house a few months ago as his grandson was bar mitzvah in LA. They were so kind to our kids. my wife and I schmoozed with motti and his wife for many hours as he talked about his life as HC in Montreal camp and his history in Canada etc… Such a loss.
Mendel Schwartz
Rabbi Berger was a special person to whom I owe an enormous debt of gratitude in providing me with a Jewish education. Kind, caring, friendly . He was never too busy to welcome visitors into his home or his synagogue. A tremendous public speaker as well as an inspiring teacher. I am grateful to have seen him several weeks ago at the JCC where with genuine care and interest he congratulated me on entering the teaching profession. Always a smile, and always with a kind word. His positive effect on the community will be felt for years to come. We… Read more »
It hurt my heart to hear this sad news. Shmuel and I have such fond memories of Motty. Especially from the early days in Oholei Torah
Hamokom yinachen eschem bsoich shaar aveyley Tzion veYerusholyim.
L
Kesiva Vechasimah Toivah!
Mindy…I’m reading all the comments and I am amazed to see how many people from all corners of the earth were affected so deeply by your dear father. Mindy and your whole family may you know of no more Tzar.המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שערי אבלי ציון ירושלים!
He will surely be missed! BD”E
send our deepest sympathy to Mrs Hayya Lea and her children, whom we knew intimately as close friends in Ottawa. Rabbi Berger was our respected Rabbi, but also a warm friend. Our children grew together, in our homes, and we shared semahot, lessons, discussions and many invitations to their home. We were full of admiration for Rabbi Berger`s energy, accomplishments, and deep concern for klal Israel. We were amazed witnesses to his success in rescuing many young and not so young souls, and bring them back from the sewers, first to his family home, and through his example, his loving… Read more »
Chaya Leah, I so fondly remember our friendship back in Tzach so many years ago. We got engaged the same time, went to each other’s chasanas and enjoyed our young years together. I have often looked back on those years with nostalgia. They were good times.
I wish you and your entire family only simchos and good things from now on. Be strong. Motty a”h was a wonderful person which you know better than any of us.
Hamakom yenachem eschem bsoch shaar avelei Tzion V’Yerushalayim
Rabbi Berger was very special. He was great with children. When he left as Principal of Oholei Torah we were heart broken. Many years have passed but he remains forever in our hearts! BDE Hamokem yenachem eschem betoch aveiley Zion veYerusholaim
As a Bochur in 770 I worked for him in day camp and then spent many shabbosim at his home while he was in New York.Over the years we met many times in 770,and later on reconnecting when he lived in LA. My most precious memory will always be his smile and a positive outlook in life,like the time we were at 770 for hakofos the last time we saw the Rebbe for Hakofos.We spent many hours standing next to each other and talking and giving chizuk.May his memory be treasured by his family and by all of us,until very… Read more »
My condolences to the entire Berger family.
Hamokom yinachen eschem bsoich shar avaylay tzion veyerushalayim
A gut gebentched yor
You have no idea what a tremendous chesed you are doing when writing in these beautiful messages. They are such a source of nechama and chizuk for the whole mishpocha. Thank you .
Dear Chaye Leah and family,
What a tragic loss. You have our hearfelt condolences at this terrible time.
Rabbi Berger was an inspiration to all of us…warm, caring, compassionate, tolerant, and a wonderful speaker. He was instrumental in making us a shomer Shabbat family. We will always remember and are very thankful for all those Shabbats that you hosted us until we could move to the Young Israel area.
We will all miss him.
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
Avi and Vicky Rosenberg
Ottawa
Rabbi Berger will be missed by the Kimmel Family. We celebrated many simchas, we mourned together, and now his memory will be a blessing to all.
We are devastated by this loss. Motty was my first roommate in Yeshiva in Montreal back in 1968. We worked together in Gan Yisroel in Canada for a few years. We wish the entire family strength, courage and true nechoma. May the New Year bring you new brochos in all you require.
Rabbi Yossy Goldman
Johannesburg, South Africa
Our hearts go out to Chaye Leah and the entire family.
We have many fond memories of this good man from our years in Ottawa.
Dr. Karen and Pam Hofmann
Edmonton, AB
We are very saddened by the loss of our student at Touro University Worldwide, Rabbi Mordecai Berger, and sending our condolences to the great family.
Rabbi Berger was not only an outstanding student in our Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology but he was also a role model and inspiration to other students in his outstanding desire to learn for intrinsic values of learning. His contributions in his studies benefited from a life time commitment to learning and to service.
We all shall miss him.
Boruch Dayan Emes
Professor Yoram Neumann, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Touro University Worldwide
Jacob,
Mr. Marier and myself were truly sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Please allow me, on behalf of both of us to extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family as you struggle through this period of shock and grief.
We know you will find support in your family, and friends, .
Sincerely,
Paul Risman
Baruch Dayan Haemes
Hamokom yinachem eschem b’soch she’ar avaylay tzion
viyrushalayim.
Baruch Rubinstein
What a shocking and terrible loss for the Ottawa community and your family. In truth, there has been no difference between the two as your family, and father in particular, has been so involved in so many different ways.
We will remember him as a teacher and leader, one who always welcomed others and some insightful and good hearted commentary to make.
We send our most heartfelt condolences at this terrible time. May you be comforted with the mourners of Jersualem and Zion.
Arnold, Froma and Eliana Rose
Rabbi Berger was our dear friend and Rabbi for almost 40 years and he touched the lives of all of our family in a very meaningful way. Even though in the last 16 years we live 10s of thousands of kilometres apart we kept in touch and whenever we spoke or were together it was like we were never apart. We shall miss him.
Tom and Brenda Caplan and family
We wish the family long life and happy memories. There’s no need to say “may his memory be a blessing”. We know it will be.
Tragic loss. He was a great community leader and a extrordinary communicator. His oration was outstanding and he used that wonderul talent to share beautiful divrei torah and inspire many. His family should know only happiness and good health going forward and may his memory always serve as a source of joy and inspiration.
Rabbi Berger moved back to Ottawa last summer (2012). I only had the privilege of knowing him for a short time, but his kindness and eloquence were readily apparent to me soon after we met. May his memory be blessed.
Dear Berger Family, My mind cannot even comprehend the magnitude of this terrible loss. I grew up in Rabbi Berger’s shul and school and had shabbat parties in your home, and regardless of how much time passes, those formative years in Ottawa were always punctuated by the formidable presence of the force that was Rabbi Berger, Z”L. Rabbi Berger’s love for all and complete and total lack of judgment poured from his smile and shining eyes. In the school he created, Maimonides, we learned to love being Jewish and each other regardless of background or levels of observance. He enriched… Read more »
Such a tragic loss to the world in general and the city of Ottawa in particular. I was greatly influenced by him as a teenager when he was my head counselor in Gan Yisroel Montreal and even more later in life when I had the zechus to be both connected to him as a mechutan, and to become a father-in-law to his incredible daughter Bassy. To the entire Berger/Gerlitzky family in all corners of the planet, המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבילי ציון וירושלים
Moshiach Now!!!
So very sorry to hear. BDE HaMokom Yenachem Eschem BSoich Shaar Aveilei Tzion Virushalayim. May all K’Y be spared such terrible news from now on. Vihikitzu viraninu shochnai offor vhu bsochum
My heart goes out to you , we are all with you , broken, crushed.
What a husband , what a father.. an example for all!
May Motti be a mailitz yosher for ganz klal yisroel – may the final day come and may we all see MOSHIACH NOW! with our dear uncle of course MIYAD !
Please go straight to the Kisei Hakavod & DEMAND from Hashem to send us Moahiach this instant! We cant stay in this Golus for even 1 more second ! Dayenu!
Compassionate, warm, positive, knowledgeable, friendly, outgoing, humble, concerned — not just about his students, but about anyone and everyone he knew! The number of tributes posted indicates the love and affection we held for him! Leibel Estrin
To the entire Berger Famiy , Words can not begin to describe the tremendous amount of Hakoras Hatov to your father. As a young Yeshiva student in Elul 1994 , arrving to Yeshiva for the first time , shortly after Gimmel Taamuz , in what ws a very hard and confusing time for all Bochurim , especially those just starting Yeshiva for the first time , your faher made the transition smooth and simple. Tov Latzadik Tiv Lishchenoi – as your next door neighbors on Switzer Ave , the entireBerger family made us all feel so welcome, and cared for… Read more »
My sincere condolences to the Berger family on the untimely passing of dear Rabbi Berger Z”L. I’ll forever remember him for his kindness and wisdom, his will to help at the most difficult time for my family.
Avry Weinfeld
I will miss my colleague and chaver, Rav Berger, who influenced so many to yiddishkeit through his different vistas of education, pulpit and outreach. Chaval al de-avdin velo mishtakchin.
The rain falls because the cloud can no longer handle the weight. The tears fall because the heart can no longer handle the pain.
I will keep looking for you in my dreams.
Through the year, I had the opportunity to interact with him as a colleague, a friend, a relative, a parent in my school.
Never encountered such a well balanced individual, with valuable advice, hakaras hatov and pleasant encouragement. I have learnt a lot fro him, on a personal and professional level.
May his family be comforted and follow on his foot steps.
To the entire family
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
The above testimonials show what a giant Rabbi Berger was. He brought us to Ottawa as shluchim and for those two memorable years, rooted a lifetime of friendships that have kept us bonded for over 30 years.
Chaye Leah, my dear friend, may the Aibershter comfort you with the knowledge that then entry to the New Year should herald Moshaich and bring us all together in Jerusalem with Moshiach Tzidkenu!!
this is insane!!!!! we need moshiach!!!!
may hashem ease your pain!!!
Rabbi Schochet, Mrs Block, Rabbi Berger – Hashem Yirachem! Moshiach really is coming! Be ready!!!
I remember spending wonderful Shabbosim in Ottawa at the Berger home on Robin Lane when I was a counselor in Camp Gan Israel of Ottawa in 1981!
Rabbi Berger A”H was a tzaddik and my heart goes out to his Aishes Chayil and his wonderful children……..
Hamakom Yenachem Eschem Besoch She’ar Avlei Tzion Veyerushalayim!
Simi (Ben-Tovim) Feigen (formerly from Montreal)
Los Angeles, CA
Rabbi berger, was a tremendous man in all aspects. He will be greatly missed. And we are so sad to hear such tragic news. Baruch Dayen Emes. The Melbourne community.
Dinie,
So sorry to hear about your loss. May you and your family be comforted in the knowledge that your father touched so many in such profound ways.
May he be a meilitz yosher on behalf of klal Yisrael in general and your family in particular, and may you and your family know no more sorrow.
KVT
Yehudis Leiter
Dear Chaye Leah
So numbed by the shocking news. Our thoughts are with you. May Hashem give you strength.
HaMakom yenachem eschem betoch sha’ar aveilei Tzion v’Yerushalayim.
Miriam and The Women’s Well
I would like to add that his devotion to the children in the schools he taught will no doubt be a great aliyas haneshomeh. Shimon Cowen
Dear Mindy and the Berger Family,
I read now about this tragedy on a list in Israel.
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember going to school with Mindy and I know my Ottawa family was touched by Rabbi Berger and has the greatest praise for him. Hamakom yinachem etchem betoch sha’ar av’lei Tsion v’Yerushalayim and may the family know no more sorry.
Gila Green
To the entire Berger family,
I have such great memories of Elka and I sitting in the Berger home ! Rabbi Berger always had a kind word, a warm smile and something nice to say, The most non judgemental person and someone with true ahavas yisroel. He raised such a warm and close family who are each such amazing ,positive people! I can’t believe I am writing this – what a sad day! May you all continue doing the amazing work your father started ,,,, Hamokom yinachem eshem !! With love, M
Chesed Shel Emes is @ 5:00.Passing Lubavitch Yeshiva around 5:40
Hashem, Why? don’t tell us why! But Moshiach should have come already! And whatever good ideas you have in mind for before, can we swap them for an immediate Geulah! And go straight to all the goodies of Moshiach times? The birth pangs of Moshiach are looooong over done! We have merited a full and complete redemption NOW! With not hesitation! You can do it Hashem! It’s in your hands now! We Love you! And you love us! So Please give us what we all need. Moshiach Now!!!
Uncle Motty was my nices uncle, ALWAYS with a very nice warmly, and genuine friendly smile! Every time he met me, he was very interested to know every thing that was going on with me, like some one who REALLY CARED! I cannot recall him, EVER being upset, or anything like that… He always gave off the impretion that b”h everything is fine, and good! He was a man with a heart of gold and made a ever lasting good impretion on me. Motty! I really miss you! But, u example will always remain with me. You have b”h great… Read more »
Dear Berger family, It has been almost two decades since I left Ottawa and yet the more time passes, the more I cherish and appreciate the incredible Jewish education I received under Rabbi Berger’s leadership. The core foundations of being a yid, of loving and serving Hashem while tangibly knowing His love for each of us is infinite, were always epitomized by Rabbi Berger. Regardless of background or observance level, a yid was a yid and Rabbi Berger’s love for them and complete and total lack of judgment just poured from his smile and shining eyes. We all quickly learned… Read more »
Your smile and love will forever be remembered by those privileged to know you. We will always love you Uncle Motty
Rabbi Berger was those few that cannot be replaced. what a tragedy.. people loved him because he was as real as it gets.
From principal at Maimonides to Rabbi at Young Israel, we will never forget Rabbi Berger and his caring, kindness, and constant smile. Hamakom yenachem eschem bsoch shaar aveilei tzion vyerushalaim.
Boruch Dayan Emes. ..May all these words comfort a truly special chosed. He influenced so many Yidden in soo many ways.
Dear Chaye Leah and Family Ottawa and we in particular have lost a sweet and humble Teacher and Friend.His efforts in bringing many people back to their roots is his legacy Rabbi Berger gave so many classes in the Shul and in different homes. It was in this environment where Chava and I were to continue our growth and merit having Frum grandchildren and great grandchildren.What an orator he was.His Shabbas Droshas were always our highlight of the week.May you and your entire Family only be healthy and well and be comforted by the Rabbis abundant contributions to Klal Israel.… Read more »
Alysse and I would listen to his radio show back so long ago. Our boys had their first aliyah at Young Israel. His d’vars were very profound and introduced us all to Rashi, Maimonides, Tanya, and Talmud. Alysse was so happy to hear he was back in Ottawa and would be giving classes. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chaye and the family.
I grew up in traditional family but went to Chabad preschool. Chaya Leah was my teacher. Fast foward 24 years later I am frum today and lived in Crown Heights for two years.. My earliest memories of Yidishkite steam from mamonides/Rambam. When Rabbi Berger and Chaya Leah moved back to Ottawa they bought a condo right around the corner from my mother. Whenever I would go to visit my mother we would spend shabbat dinner at Rabbi Bergers and hear his breath taking stories. He brought such onto our family the Kronicks.
As stated above from Melbourne: Rabbi Berger was “A leader with a heart”.
Dear ChayeLeah,
We are devastated at this terrible news! BH Melbourne had the prvilege to experience R’Motty’s special warmth and sincerity. A man with a passion and devotion to chinuch, caring for each and every student , a real Chassidishe mentsch.
We will miss him.
Hamakom Yenachem…
Dov, Dina, Yossi Moshel and family
i will forever remember the wonderful times we had in the 60’s and 70’s. a real mensch and friend
We owe Rabbi Berger so much for being with us through the good times and the difficult times, for the education of our children, and for changing the Jewish landscape of Ottawa. From all the Dienas, HaMakom Yenachem Etchem Btoch Shear Aveilei Tzion ViYerushalayim.
מיוחד שבמיוחדים. תמיד קיבל כל אדם בסבר פנים יפות ומחייכות מכל הלב . מקדש שם חב”ד בכל מקום שהיה. . מוכשד ומרשים באופן דיבורו הלבבי.תמיד יחסר לנו..שנזכה בקרוב ממש לגאולה תיכף ומיד ממש.אמן
A man of real midos tovos, great heart, cocern for everyone. Wherever he went and what ever he did was done with menchlichkeit and warmth. When ever we met, even after not seeng him for a long time, it was like new. Like we just parted yesreday.
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים ואך וב וחסד, בטוב הנראה והנגלה, ימצא אתכם תמיד כל הימים, ובהמשך דרכיו תמצאו ניחומים, ויקיצו וירננו שוכני עפר, והוא, יקירנו, בתוכם, בביאת והתגלות מלך המשיח תיכף ומיד ממש
Moshiach Now!
Hard to believe. Moshiach now. Moshiach now. Moshiach now. No other words.
I worked for Rabbi and Mrs. Berger in their day camp in Ottawa in 1980, and lived in their basement. We lost touch until he moved to L.A. a few years ago and I was able to offer him some assistance with the teen programs he was running. When I met him at CGI Montreal visiting day a few weeks ago, he had the warmest smile and the kindest words of hakoros hatov for the little bit of help that I gave him. He was so sensitive and gentle and a captivating teacher. (I still remember the nucleus of some… Read more »
I will never forget your father. He always called me “Yehudis” and was so welcoming to our family. You were both my best friends in the world and I am so sorry for this immeasurable loss. It is because of your dad that I sent my son to Chabad these past 2 years and is starting Jewish Day school kindergarten (where we all met for the first time in 1978) tomorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you and everyone.
Jodie Katz, Toronto
Mottiy was the best companion and study-mate throughout my Yeshiva years. We were buddies and learning partners. We were part of a large group of students who transferred from Telz Yeshiva Cleveland to Lubavitch 770. Mottiy was so popular and loved by all. He was so genuine. One of my fondest memories was when, in the middle of the night, after deep and committed study, we would hop over to the back of the Kosher Bakery which was two blocks away, and were treated so kindly by the night bakers to fresh and warm treats!! We were roommates who didn’t… Read more »
Bourch Dayan Emes Almost 28 years ago, our lives became richer as our children, one by one, began their Jewish education at Ecole Maimonides. Rabbi Berger was the first person who lead me towards a life filled with more Jewish learning, commitment and fulfilment. He always had a kind word and smile for us. When I bumped into Mindy at the hospital a few weeks ago when her Dad was brought in, I never dreamed it would end like this. We are so very sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing to Chaya Leah, all the children… Read more »
The outpouring of love and memories and sadness in these comments is testimony to a life lived properly, by a man who made a huge difference in the world. I think that all who knew him save a small corner of their hearts where they hold him dear. A fine neshama. A man who tried with every fibre of his being to fulfill the Rebbe’s shlichus. A wonderful friend, teacher, father…. the family should be comforted to know how much we all loved him, and what a great job he did fulfilling his mission in this world. He was the… Read more »
Rabbi Motty Berger & his wife Chaye Leah were a team that took over Ottawa. Never was there so much warmth & kindness & caring for all all Yidden of the city. They worked relentlessly to promote Yiddishkeit with The Rebbe’s blessing. They touched so many lives. He will be sorely missed. Hashem grant Chaye Leah & their children strength to carry on with his work. He’s at a farbrengen with his beloved Rebbe & Rabbi Garlitsky OBM right now.
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבילי ציון וירושלים
He was a good man!
This community has lost a valuable man, our condolences to the whole family. We have very fond memories of him
Dear Chaya Leah and Family; Rabbi Mordecai Berger, a’h was such a major part of our lives, our Rav, teacher, mentor and neighbor for close to 30 years. We have such vivid memories of him walking down Switzer, hat and jacket with such energy and vibrance. What a loss for the Ottawa Jewish Community and for klal Yisrael everywhere. Everyone is in tremendous shock. We will miss him terribly. May he be a mailitz yosher for his family and klal yisrael . May Hashem comfort you during this very difficult time. May all of his tremendous accomplishments continue to grow… Read more »
such a special man,always had a smile
Chaya Leah,
Such terrible news. I have no words. May Hashem comfort you. Remember you both fondly.
CY Dank
We are very sad to hear this news about the wonderful man we met when he first came to Ottawa. He made a very big difference to our Ottawa Jewish Community.
May he rest in peace and may his family be strengthened with his memory and have no more sorrows.
To our daughter-in-law, Bassy, Chaye Leah, and the entire Berger family. Words feel so hollow as we struggle to make sense of this untimely tragedy. Our lives are richer for having known Motty..his warm smile, his passion for Jewish education and his obvious nachas from his children and grandchildren! Motty exuded mentchlichkeit, good humor and keen insight. We shared our simchos because our son became his son, and his daughter became a daughter to us. He will always be Bassy’s beloved father, and an adored Zaidy of our grandchildren…Motty, please, watch over our family! Our hearts are broken…BD”E
Enuf is enuf!! now u took someone very very dear……..Please send moshiach this second!
Condolences to the whole family. We have very fond memories of him
Dear Chaya Leah and family
We are absolutely shocked by this sad news about Rabbi .
We will always remember our beautiful shabboses together in Melbourne .
Our thoughts are with you .
May we merit to see moshiach now and may you and your family be reunited with your beloved husband right now .
Thinking of you during this terribly sad time .
Sending all our love
Michael ,Yael ,Tova ,Gavriel Watts and Marcia xxx
We have lost a gifted teacher, a wonderful Rabbi, and a genuine humanitarian May his family know blessings and solace
Eli & Elaine
Rabin ( St Catharines)
Karen Meir (Jerusalem)
Lauren Weinzweig (Phoenix)
an amazing speaker with a chasidishe heartz to the core…
we will miss you.
Funeral will be in Montreal tomorrow at Chesed shel emes on Beaumont at 5:30 p.m.
My Head counselor (CGI Montreal) and my Principal (Oholei Torah). A real mentch- “Motty Burger”.
His divrei torah were amazing. He’s mix together, history, politics, tanach, hasidic thought, and combine it with heartwarming stories. As a kid I couldn’t wait for Shacharit to end, so we could hear his words. The shul was so quiet you could hear a pin drop as we all listened carefully. He would rally and energize us for Musaf. The mood was especially electric on Yom Tov! The Berger family will be in my thoughts this year on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
I was so very blessed to have you as my dearest friend
forever in my heart and soul,I will feel your smile on my face forever.
How can this be true that you have gone and never coming back.
R Motty Berger.
We need u.
Funeral in Montreal. Passing yeshiva at 5:30.
The world is crying.
We can’t stop crying
Rabbi Berger,
You will be missed.
A parent from Melbourne
where is the funeral and at what time?
Dear Chaya Leah,
Shanie and I just heard. As we look at our 3 daughters and their frum families, and at our accomplishments with Project Derech, and everything else, we know how much is owed to Motty, ob”m, and you.
Hamokom yenachem eschem b’toch shaar avlei yerushalayim. Our hearts go out to you and the children.
With love, Abe and Shanie Aberback
We are so saddened by these news.
Illouze family
I wish the whole family a nechomo. Rabbi Berger was a good man and had profound impact on the people he touched. May his holy Neshomo go before the Kisei Hakovoid and demand Moshiach come immediately – even before Rosh Hashona bizchus the many people whose lives he touched for good.
Let’s not forget his Encounter with Chabad classes he offered at Vanier College and his Jewish Hour on Radio.
His influence was tremendous.
BD”E
Bde so sad. Dovy and Levi and the rest of the family my heart goes out to you. Hamokom yinachen eschem bsoich shar avaylay tzion veyerushalayim
Bourch Dayan Emes, so so sad to hear.
may you carry on with more strength, you and your husband – in continuing the good work that your father left behind. amen. it is a very tragic loss and you should be comforted with all your family.
Deepest condolences to the entire family
I am shocked to the core, hearing the terrible news of the passing of our dear Reb Motty Berger A”H (!). In addition to all previous comments, may it be known that Reb Motty was the best Head Counselor that Gan Yisroel in Montreal ever had! He was the “King” of camp in my opinion. I had the great zechus of being in camp under his unique guidance. This was in the late ’60’s and mid ’70’s. His charismatic leadership was legendary; all those who attended camp in those years can attest to this fact! To say that he will… Read more »
I own my own Car Repair business in and have a frum chabad children family all because of Rabbi Berger’s yeshiva program years ago. May his neshama be bound up with the eternity of God
Please let me know, so I can drive out there before Rosh Hashana
Rabbi Berger was not just our rabbi teacher mentor but above all our dear friend whose memory will be with us always, he touched our hearts and those of our family and friends, we are privileged to have seen him this summer in Ottawa, we cherish the memory of the visit of Rabbi Berger and Chaya Leah to our home in Israel where we took him with great pride to meet the rav of our community, the Kalson’s Neve Aliza, Shomron, ISRAEL
Dear Nota,
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים. May you have only happy times and good tidings henceforth.
He frequently came by our city Toronto in the past; R’ Berger had lots of close contacts here and will be sorely missed.
A warm, engaging man who was a significant influence upon me during my high school years in Ottawa in the late 1970s. I am very sorry to hear of his untimely passing.
Rabbi berger built up Oholei Tora, under Harav Teitelbaum.
Nichumim to his Rebbetzin and to the Cheinfamily and to the entire Mishpacha.
to chaya leah and mishpacha- what a loss. we are so saddened to hear this tragic new- HAMOKOM YINACHEM ESCHEM MTOCH SHAAR AVAYLAY TZION V’YERUSHA;AYIM
Wonderful man…….Great Loss
He nurtured every Jew, no matter what age, like his own family.
He led a low key personal life, living in a small bungalow on Switzer Rd. I believe it was… yet the Torah and Mitzvos and Yiddishkeit Rabbi Berger spread, were enormous undertakings. The sidewalks of this city cry out literally missing Mottie’s everyday presence. Whoa to us Jews. Whow.
Hamokom yinachem eschem b’soch she’ar avaylay tzion
viyrushalayim.
Rabbi and Mrs. Moshe Feller
yes! his sister is Gitty she lives now in Yerushalayim!
I was in Crown Heights around Gimmel Tamuz, saw Rabbi Berger among the crowd at “770”… you could spot his ever-smiling shining face a mile away. Dear Lord: Enough is Enough. 3 weeks ago it was Immanuel, now Mordechai. Ad Mosai Ad Mosai. We are crying bitterly, so may these tears wash up the last remnants of golus speedily.
Remember him from Ateres Menachem… He was an incredible educator, changing hundreds of lives… I will deeply miss him and his gentle friendliness… May the family be comforted among the mourners of Zion…
Only knew him from his relatively short stay in L.A. Always had a smile and a warm welcome. Not one for blowing his own trumpet. I shall miss im. B.DH.
the scary thing is how quick it happened. I was with his grandson in camp when he came to farbreng for us. then a week and half later we hear the sad knew he sick and …
baruch dayen emes
as masoi
BDE to a true tzaddik.
Though thick and thin, Mordechai struggled for years to keep the boy’s yeshiva afloat. Every boy who spent their years in Ottawa Yeshiva are carrying their most precious memories with them for the rest of their life!!! I truly believe that when Mordechai had to leave for Australia, a piece of his heart was torn out that the boys yeshiva was no more.
What a wonderful man.
Nechama to the wife and entire mishpacha.
Rabbi Berger was a mentsch. A gentle soul. A chosid among the simple folks of Ottawa and worldwide! Touching lives with his friendliness and sincerity to Jewish values to remote Ontario towns, Napanee, Carlton, Quebec and beyond.
So sad to hear. Ad Mosai
hamakom yenachem otchem betoch shar avlei tzion yerushalayim.
where is mashiach???
we him to reveal himself already!!!
chaya laya and family.
so so so sorry.
no words
Such a shock and great loss to the Community. May your sorrow be dimmed by joyous memories.
He was very good to me and my children. I will always remember his being there for us. May the family be comforted by G-d himself .
Rabbi Berger, how can you no longer be with us? So vibrant and warm a person, so full of life, it is hard to accept. You are and were not only our rabbi for years, but you were a dear friend. You touched so many people, our parents loved you. We love you, Chaya Leah and the family. Barbara & Lorne Brown of Beit Shemesh Israel
Hamokom yenachaim …….
I was a bochur and a teenager when Motty connected with me. He made an impression on me, like no other could, or did, in all the years since.
He was the real thing … sweet, kind and a guy you could look up to and learn from.
Motty! …the world and I, will surely miss you!!!
To his entire family: Hamokoim Yinachem Eschem B’soich Shaar Aveilei Tzion V’Yerusholoim
So very saddened! My son’s years at his Yeshiva- Yeshiva Ateres Menachem (YAM) were definitely the best years of his whole academic career. A very big loss…
I knew a gitty berger from cleveland related to the rabbi a’h
Few people know the profound effect he had on Jewish life in Ottawa and on so many individual Jews. His warm personality and genuine Ahavas Yisroel drew so many to a Torah lifestyle. The world has dimmed a little.
This is not to be believed!!! what a special & respectful mentsh!
Hashem!!!!! AD MOSAI!!!!!! The world will not be the same without Motty……..Hashem we need Moshiach this second!!!
What a huge loss!!! Very special person! Led by example , a real
Mentsch. Will be sorely missed
Thank to him I’m on shlichus today!!
BDE
We had tremendous respect for him. Boruch Dayan emes
Completely and utterly shocked
So tragic,no words
Bde! He knew how to speak from the heart and to the soul, and the world is a smaller place without him.
We will miss you dearly!
a good, good, smart and talented man who touched countless people in his too short life. a terrible tragedy
BDE may the family be comforted by G-d Himself.
BDE may the family be comforted by G-d Himself.
R. Motty’s inspiration and values will endure to those who were Zocheh to have come to know his leadership, chesed, and misiras nefesh. R. M. Kamensky
A very friendly person