Reb Moshe Rabkin, a survivor of Communist Russia and the shamash of the F.R.E.E. shul in Crown Heights, passed away on Shabbos.
He was 78 and suffered a long illness.
Born in the Former Soviet Union, Rabkin was active in the underground Yeshivas in Russia and merited to be arrested (he was released because he was a minor).
When Gorbachev came to power, he managed to obtain a Visa to leave Russia, and quickly joined the immigrant community at F.R.E.E. in Crown Heights.
R’ Moshe soon became an active member of the Shul and was appointed Shamash, coordinating davening and farbrengens.
R’ Moshe would fondly recall the Chassidim in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
“He was a very warm person,” said Rabbi Meir Okunov of FREE. “He was a dedicated and committed Chossid.”
He is survived by his wife Sonia, and two sons, Chaim and Tolik.
The funeral will take place Sunday at 10:00 am, leaving from Shomrei Hadas and passing by 770 at 10:45.
Shivah will be at the Rabkin residence, 742 Montgomery St. #A3, Brooklyn.
boruch dayan hoemes
I remember growing up Davening in FREE on Shabbos. He always had candies for us whenever we asked him. He used to prepare the Farbrengens with utmost devotion. He was a special Chosid that did everything with big heart. He will be sorely missed.
My eyes tear as I remember him always saying a joke in his unique style. He was pure Temimus.
Moshe we love you and we will miss you.
ovad chossid min hareretz! i remember those days in free by a farbengen reb moshe would prepare the schmaltz herring with such love and accomplishment! boruch dayan haemes
ish chosid haya
I will really miss him!