The Jewish community of Moscow bid farewell to the beloved shamash of the Marina Roscha Central shul, R’ Zvi Hirsch Gershoy, known to all as “Grisha.”
For over two decades, he faithfully fulfilled his role each and every day in service of the sanctity of the shul, earning the admiration of hundreds and thousands of mispalelim and those learning Torah there. He was known by all— young and old—for his dedication and love. He would often be seen using every free minute to study Torah and personally gave lessons to newcomers, becoming a source of both physical and spiritual support.
The levaya began in the courtyard of the central shul, where Russia’s Chief Rabbi Rabbi Berel Lazar, paid tribute to his dedication to Torah and devotion to his sacred work. Rabbi Lazar’s voice choked with tears multiple times, and all those present wept with him, struggling to part from the man who was a foundational pillar of the shul. Remarkably, only about a month and a half ago, he was still faithfully attending his duties and even prepared many arrangements for the upcoming yom tov of Pesach.
In a sign of great honor, he passed away on the very day of his 77th birthday. Huge crowds accompanied him to his final resting place at the Vostryakovo New Jewish Cemetery, where he was eulogized by the director of the Jewish community in Moscow, Rabbi Mordechai Weisberg. On behalf of the entire kehilla and the staff, the head gabbai, Rabbi Shieye Deutsch, asked mechila from Reb Grisha, should he have been treated at any time in a manner not befitting his honor.
Rabbi Lazar announced that the hospitality room that Reb Grisha had overseen since its inception would now be named in his memory, assuring that his name and legacy would remain a part of the Shul. Additional initiatives would be established for the benefit of his noble soul.
After the kevura, many found it difficult to leave the gravesite of a man so dearly loved by all. He greeted everyone with a warm smile and never turned anyone away, even during busy times or when approached with matters beyond his official duties. With his great heart, he reached people of all personalities, and with his sense of humor, he comforted the distressed and welcomed new guests. Fluent in many languages, he communicated easily with all and was always immersed in service of the community. A man of utmost integrity, who handled large sums of money with perfect honesty, he was meticulous, trustworthy down to the last cent, and impressively organized. It is no wonder that his fellow gabboim and congregants are in deep mourning over his loss.
As the deceased left no children, the head gabbai called upon the public to learn and daven for the elevation of his neshama: Zvi Hirsch ben Yisroel. The division of Mishnayos in his memory is currently being organized among the many mispalelim.
Photo credit: Levi Nazarov
