Mr. Melvin Waxman, a businessman, noted philanthropist and a pillar of the Cleveland Jewish community, passed away on Thursday, Shmini Atzeres – 22 Tishrei, 5785.
He was 90.
Mr. Waxman was the CEO of Waxman Industries and a resident of University Heights, Ohio. He was a pillar of the Cleveland Jewish Community, a founder of the Cleveland Chabad community and of the Waxman Chabad Center, and former President of the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland.
He was renowned as a philanthropist and a strong supporter of Chabad institutions around the world and their efforts to spread Yiddishkeit. He was a donor to the Machane Yisroel fund which donated to the Rebbe in the 1980’s.
Mel was extremely involved with the Chabad institutions in China. When the lease of the Shanghai Chabad Center was ending, he led the effort in his shul that Shabbos to raise funds for them to buy their own property.
He pledged 100K, and another noted philanthropist there asked if he was seriously going to give the funds, thereafter matching his pledge. They raised 250K that Shabbos and Chabad Shanghai was able to put a down payment on the property.
He is survived by his children Larry Waxman, Karen Polonsky, Sharon Waxman and Mitchell Waxman, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Armond Waxman, Louise Waxman and Judy Robins.
He was predeceased by his wife Marcia Waxman (née Paris).
The levaya will take place today, Sunday, October 27 The 25th of Tishrei at 1 PM at the Waxman Chabad Center, 2479 S Green Road, Beachwood, OH.
The Kevurah (burial) will take place at The Bet Olam Cemetery, 25796 Chagrin Blvd, Beachwood, OH
Shiva will take place at the Waxman home: 4411 University Parkway, University Hts.
Family will be accepting visitors: Sunday: 6:00 – 9:30 pm, Monday through Friday: 8:00 – 11:00 am and 6:00 – 9:30 pm
Services: Shacharit: 8:00 am, Mincha: 6:10 pm
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes: Moshe Ben Yehoshua Halevi.
Meeting the Rebbe at a Farbrengen on Yud Alef Nissan, 1982
Mr Mel Waxman togther with his devoted wife Marcia devoted their lives to supporting Chabad . Their vision enabled the Cleveland Jewish communiy to be enriched by the inclusive warmth and wisdom of the Rebbe’ s teachings and of Chassidus. They were true pioneers in an area devoid of Torah awareness. Today,its a given that Torah observance is flourishing. This is in great part to the unyielding determination and efforts of Mel Waxman. He lived and breathed it., showing the way to future leaders by his energtic example of serving the Jewish people and Hashem.
Mel and Marcia were gracious, generous and genuine people. They set the standard for us to follow.