By COLlive reporter
NYPD Deputy Chief Richie Taylor is among the many in New York’s public circles mourning the passing of Rabbi Shmuel Butman OBM, Chairman of the Lubavitch Youth Organization.
“Rabbi Butman was a leader in every sense of the word,” Taylor, the highest-ranking frum police officer in history, told COLlive.com on Tuesday.
“From the City Hall Sukkah to the Largest Menorah in Manhattan, Rabbi Butman built a foundation for thousands of people to come together,” he said.
Over the years, Rabbi Butman filled the role of a liaison for the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. He kept close connections with elected and public officials and invited many of them to meet the Rebbe at 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights.
Rabbi Butman, who recently suffered a heart condition, passed away on the eve of the 17th of Tammuz 5784 at the age of 81. His levaya was held in Crown Heights on the fast day and was attended by many.
Deputy Inspector Taylor said Rabbi Butman was highly respected by Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Deputy Chief Edward Caban and all who met him.
“When I was with him in the City Hall Sukkah, I noticed his Lulav had 26 Hadassim (26 is the number equivalent of Hashem’s Name), Taylor recalled.
“He explained to me that the Lubavitcher Rebbe used the same number of Hadassim, and this was special to him, so he carried it on. May his memory be a blessing.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul wrote: “Rabbi Shmuel Butman was a central figure in New York’s Jewish community. His work in the Chabad-Lubavitch movement brought Hanukkah and its message of light to millions of New Yorkers each year. May his memory be a blessing.”
In her post on X, Governor Hochul attached a photo of her attending the lighting of the World’s Largest Menorah on Fifth Avenue, which Rabbi Butman built to the Rebbe’s satisfaction. It brought Chanukah to millions each year.
Rabbi Shmuel Butman was a central figure in New York’s Jewish community. His work in the Chabad-Lubavitch movement brought Hanukkah and its message of light to millions of New Yorkers each year.
May his memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/dxEssGrELL
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) July 23, 2024
The Governor’s aide Jake Adler wrote: “Rabbi Butman was always so kind, patient and filled with love, an excellent emissary of his Rebbe and Chabad. I will miss him.”
Rabbi Butman was always so kind, patient and filled with love, an excellent emissary of his Rebbe and Chabad. I will miss him. https://t.co/r88FU0l15t
— Jake Adler (@JakeAAdler) July 23, 2024
New York State Assembly member Helene Weinstein, who represents Sheepshead Bay, Flatlands, East Flatbush, Midwood, and Canarsie, wrote: “Rabbi Shmuel Butman led a life of adversity and triumph; a true shliach of the Rebbe’s vision to globalize Judaism and positivity.”
Reflecting Rabbi Butman’s visit to the State Capital of Albany every Yud Aleph Nissan to honor the Rebbe’s birthday, Weinstein added: “I looked forward to his annual visit, honoring the Rebbe’s birthday by establishing special “education days,” and giving tzedakah. ברוך דיין אמת.”
Rabbi Shmuel Butman led a life of adversity and triumph; a true shliach of the Rebbe’s vision to globalize Judaism and positivity.
I looked forward to his annual visit, honoring the Rebbe’s birthday by establishing special “education days,” and giving tzedakah. ברוך דיין אמת pic.twitter.com/FvKosAM9dp
— Helene Weinstein (@HeleneWeinstein) July 23, 2024
Avi Kaner, co-owner of Morton Williams Supermarkets and Samawal Foundations, has been honored by Rabbi Butman in the past with lighting the Menorah.
He wrote: My dear friend Rabbi Shmuel Butman passed away last night. In addition to running the Lubavitch Youth Organization, he brought light to New Yorkers and beyond for decades with the world’s largest menorah. May his memory be a blessing.”
My dear friend Rabbi Shmuel Butman passed away last night. In addition to running the Lubavitch Youth Organization, he brought light to New Yorkers and beyond for decades with the world’s largest menorah. May his memory be a blessing. @Chabad @Lubavitch https://t.co/RKtP5p4Efw pic.twitter.com/dCZUF6fujD
— Avi Kaner ابراهيم אבי (@AviKaner) July 23, 2024
Former New York City Council member Chaim Deutsch wrote: “The world has lost a giant in Torah and community leadership today. Rabbi Shmuel Butman OBM was kind, generous with his time, and deeply committed to spreading light throughout the world.
“I will miss him, as I know many others will. May the comfort of his memory carry us through any challenges ahead.”
The world has lost a giant in Torah and community leadership today. Rabbi Shmuel Butman OBM was kind, generous with his time, and deeply committed to spreading light throughout the world.
I will miss him, as I know many others will. May the comfort of his memory carry us through… https://t.co/SqDYpu4uij pic.twitter.com/eiBAGJkUuE
— Chaim Deutsch (@ChaimDeutsch) July 23, 2024
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The family will be sitting Shiva at 772 Montgomery Street.
Visiting hours – 2nd floor:
9:00 AM– 12:00 PM
1:00 PM– 6:00 PM
7:00 PM– 10:00 PM
Shacharis: 1st Minyan – 7:30 AM
Shacharis: 2nd Minyan – 9:30 AM
Tue/Wed/Thurs/Sun
Mincha and Maariv B’zman
Friday
Mincha – 2:00 PM
Mrs. Leah Kahan is sitting Shiva from 5-10pm at
760 Eastern parkway.
The family asked that memories by sent to [email protected]
We listened every Motzei Shabbos ” Moshiach is in the Air”
Thank you!
We will miss!