R’ Chaim Lew, 79, OBM

By COLlive reporter

R’ Chaim Lew, brother of Rabbi Shmuel Lew, senior Shliach to the United Kingdom, passed away this afternoon, 12 Av, 5782.

He passed away on his 79th birthday.

He had been unwell in the past few years.

Young Chaim had the distinction of being the first Bar-Mitzvah boy to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah in the first ever Gan Yisroel Overnight Camp for boys, in Ellenville, New York, in 1956. A year later, his brother Luzzy also celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in Gan Yisroel.

This was quite a special merit, as a few months later, the Rebbe asked a young Shmuel Lew whether he was the brother of the boys who had celebrated their Bar Mitzvah in camp.

Chaim Lew always maintained his connection with the Rebbe and Chabad. He would talk proudly and nostalgically about the Rebbe’s historic visits to the camp. He would always say his name was Chabad – Chaim Ben Dovid!

R’ Chaim was a soft-spoken man, who was always looking to help others. A man who served Hashem with joy, and was extremely particular in all matters of halacha.

He was a renowned Baal Tefillah, who was known for his musical talent and his ability to inspire all those around him.

Chaim’s first wife, Gitty, passed away several years ago.

He is survived by his wife, Pnina Lew, and children: Pinchas Lew, Freyda Sora Gold, Kalman Lew, Maryam Chaya Loeb, Shaindy Rosenthal, Tzippy Pollak, Azi Lew, Yaakov Lew, Michoel Lew and Yehuda Lew, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings Sarah Bleich, Itty Mendelson, Reb. Rochel Zuckerman, Rabbi Shmuel Lew and Rabbi Elazar Zev Lew.

He was predeceased by his brother Yitzchok Yosef Lew and sister Mrs. Mindy Feller.

Rabbi Shmuel Lew and his sister, Mrs. Sarah Bleich, are sitting shivah in Flatbush.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.