By COLlive reporter
R’ Ephraim Lehr, father and grandfather of a Chabad family, passed away on Pesach.
He was 76.
R’ Ephraim was born to his parents Berish and Feige Leah Lehr (nee Marinovsky), who immigrated to Beijing, China following their escape from Ukraine and Nazi-occupied Austria.
He was raised following WWII in a traditional Jewish family, always knowing he was a direct descendant of the Shpoler Zaide, the ancestor of his mother who was born in the town of Shpola.
He was raised in Beijing, China and Bogota, Columbia until he traveled to the United States to attend school in early 1972. When he arrived in Texas for University he met Head Shliach Rabbi Shimon Lazaroff who eventually convinced him to study in Yeshiva in Morristown.
He raised his children in Crown Heights in the 1980s and in later years moved to Aventura, Florida to be near his children.
R’ Ephraim was very proud of being a great-grandchild of the Shpoler Zaide, and was very active in organizing the annual gathering of descendants in the early years.
He was a fitness trainer and psychologist by profession.
In the last several years, he became known as the beloved “candy man” in the Chabad Shul of Aventura South, giving out lollipops in Shul to all the children.
He is survived by his children, Tzippy Weiss – Miami Lakes, FL, Naamah Freundlich – Monsey, NY, Moshe Lehr – Walnut Creek, FL, and Avraham Lehr – Monsey, NY, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
To share stories and memories, and nichum aveilim, email [email protected] .
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
I remember Efraim from way back in 1974, when he came to Yeshiva – with his father! A special guy. ברוך דיין האמת
Thank you Reb Yaakov!
We are so sorry about your loss!
Irit and Bill Ullman
Thank you
Efraim was one of my chavrusos from the early days of Tifferes Bachurim in Morristown, NJ. He was truly one of the most brilliant people I’ve ever met. He always seemed to be five steps ahead in whatever subject we were learning. He was so full of life – a dynamic, fun-loving, and very sincere individual. He would never do something just to fit into the crowd – it had to be resonate true for him. It was a quality I wish I would have and could only admire this in him. And I think this striving for “emes” in… Read more »
Thank you so much Reb Dovid.
He was/is a unique neshama and personality. Always full of life, laughter, and downright spunk! Never one to join the “herd mentality.” Wishing you and the family simchas always. Now his neshama is no longer limited to a physical body. He’ll always be with you. Watching over ya and pulling some strings!!
Reb Ephriam was a very interesting & vibrant personality, I remember him from my time in Cleveland where he hosted a Jewish radio show and then when he moved to NYC. His breath of knowledge on all subjects made talking to him very Geshmak.
May he be a מליץ יושר to his whole family.
Yossi Junik
While I never met Efraim, I have the merit to know his children, all exemplary mentschen. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Levi Kaplan
Baruch dayan emet! I M so sorry for your loss! 🙁
He was a fun guy to be around- he will always be remembered! May his soul rest in peace!
bsd
Moshe – and Avraham -: We are with you in your sorrow and iyh in your joy!
Moshiach now!!!
BDE
I remember him well – a very special and kind soul. I’ll never forget the impromptu farbrengens he gave in CH; he would share stories for hours.
May the family be comforted and be reunited with him very soon with Moshiach.
Yisroel Lazerson
May you be comforted among the Mourners of Zion and Yerushalayim. Good news only!Moshiach now Mamash!!
Dear Tzippy and the rest of the family,
I am sorry for your loss! Although I never met your father, I can imagine what sort of a person he was as I know you well and always have nachas from you and your family, as well as your shlichus activities….
Hamakom yinachem eschem besoch availei Zion v’Yerushalayim.
You all should not know from any more tsar.
For me and perhaps others, Ephraim was a “shliach” right here in Crown Heights. He introduced me to Chabad customs with zest and gusto, as a friend and a guest in my home. His wonderful deep voice singing niggunim, his stories of the tzadikim (including his ancestor the Shpoler Zeide), his sense of humor and enthusiasm — all of these helped me to integrate into the community and feel at home here. It was a privilege and a joy to know him, and I am sure he will help to storm the gates above and bring Moshiach NOW! HaMokom yenachem… Read more »
We appreciate these messages so much.