By COLlive reporter
“Shlichut Lahavat Hachachma” is a new biography about Rabbi Zalman and Faige Lipsker, one of the Shluchim that the Rebbe sent in the late 1950s and early 1960s around the United States.
The book, written by prolific writer Rabbi Zusha Wolff, covers Rabbi Lipsker’s upbringing in Kutaisi, Georgia, under the oppressive Communist regime. Born on Chof Kislev 5699 (1938), Rabbi Lipsker’s family was active in keeping Judaism alive. At the age of 14, he immigrated with his family to the holy land of Israel.
During his formative years, Rabbi Lipsker studied at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York, enjoying special moments with the Rebbe. After his marriage in 1963 (5723) to Mrs. Faige Chaya Lipsker, the couple was invited to become Shluchim.
Rabbi Avraham and Batsheva Shemtov, the Head Shluchim of Philadelphia, offered Rabbi Lipsker to join them on Shlichus. With the Rebbe’s blessing and approval, the Lipskers moved there in 5724 (1964). Initially arriving as a teacher, Rabbi Lipsker and his wife quickly became active in Chabad activities in the city, spreading Judaism, visiting families, and teaching Torah classes.
Over the years, Rabbi and Mrs. Lipsker founded Va’adah L’dovrei Ivrit Chabad, one of the first Chabad Israeli centers in North America. Based out of the Lubavitcher Center in the northeast, it catered to Hebrew speakers around the large city.
For over 60 years, Rabbi and Mrs. Lipsker worked tirelessly to spread Judaism and Chassidus and received extensive instructions and guidance from the Rebbe, which the book covers. They were also involved in running a gemach fund to help the needy in the community.
The 400-page book also includes an exploration of Chabad’s early activities in Philadelphia, dating back to the 1920s during the leadership of the Frierdiker Rebbe. It also provides a comprehensive account of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s landmark visit to Philadelphia in 1930.
The book is currently available in Israel and will be available in the USA in the coming months.
