By COLlive reporter
The family of Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar obm, the influential Shliach of Bal Harbour, Florida, stood up from the Shiva.
Since his passing, his family and community have received condolences from around the Sunshine State and the world.
Among those paying respects was U.S. Senator Rick Scott, who flew in after a vote in Washington, DC. He went directly to the Shiva home and met with Shlucha Chani Lipskar and her family.
He was accompanied by Rabbi Shneur Z. Oirechman, director of Chabad of the Panhandle. Also in attendance were Rabbi Aaron Lipskar – executive director of Aleph Institute, General Consul of Israel Maor Elbaz Starinsky, and Mark Rosenberg – Executive director of Chesed Shel Emes.
Rabbi Lipskar was laid to rest at the Old Montefiore Cemetery in Queens, New York, and a headstone was placed over his grave.
It mentioned some of his accomplishments: building the Landau Yeshiva in South Beach, founding and leading The Shul of Bal Harbour in Surfside, creating the Aleph Institute, and helping military personnel and the incarcerated.
It mentioned how he loved the Rebbe and “loved every Jew and cared for their material and spiritual needs,” as well as having a special affinity for Eretz Yisroel. He was also a guide and spiritual father figure to his community.
It also mentioned two of his favorite sayings: Lechatchila Ariber of the Rebbe Maharash – to go over obstacles instead of being held back by them, and the all-American saying, “get it done.”
Rabbi Lipskar, obm was a giant of a man. Chani, his dear wife stood beside him, equally as strong. They were a power couple and no doubt Chani will continue to move mountains. She is a force to be reckoned with.
..and when i visited several times i had the oppurtunity to go to Bel Harbor Shul…..when i met Rabbi Lipskar..i was so overwhelmed by his simplicity and keen interest in my life…May his memory be a source of blessing and guidance to all….