Ira Kleigman, 66, OBM

Mr. Ira Kleigman, an active member of Chabad of Marine Park, Brooklyn and Shamash of the Chabad Shul there, passed away on Friday, 24 Elul, 5777.

He was 66 and had been injured in a car accident 6 months ago.

Mr. Kleigman was very dedicated to Chabad of Marine Park, led by Rabbi Levi Hendel.

For the past ten years, he contributed tremendously to the Chabad center, serving as the Shul’s Shamash and was a pillar of the Chabad House.

When Ira first began attending the shul, he was not observant, however with the help of Rabbi Levi Hendel, he kept growing in his Judaism. He soon took on the responsibility of being the first one to open the doors at 6 am and close the doors at the end of the day.

Ira was so dedicated to the Shul, that although he lived far from its location, he always made an effort to make it there, regardless of the weather or how tired he was.

Ira was hit by a car half a year ago and suffered major brain damage, which led to his untimely passing last week.

“He was a person who would always greet you with a smile, and with warmth,” a fellow Chabad of Marine Park member told COLlive. “He was a staple of the shul, and it will not be the same without him. He made an effort to reach out to everyone who walked in through the doors. He was such a simple, humble human being who made such an impact on the shul.”

He is survived by his sister.

The levaya took place Friday in Marine Park.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.