Rabbi Awards Fellow Rabbi

By COLlive reporter
Photos by Baruch Schwartz

The total yearly amount loaned by the Chaya Mushka Gemilus Chesed Free Loan Society to Jewish people and families in Philadelphia has risen this past year to an all time high of $350,000.

Its director since 1970, Rabbi Zalman Lipsker, made the announcement at the charity’s 38th annual Melave Malka, held Motzoei Shabbos Tetzave at the Lubavitcher Center in the Northeast’s Castor Avenue.

The event honored Rabbi Amiram Gabbai, senior rabbi of the Sephardic synagogue Bet Harambam, who is in touch with as many Hebrew speakers as Rabbi Lipsker in his capacity as Director of Vaada Ledovrei Ivrit Chabad.

“Since the inception of this Melave Malka, encouraged by the Rebbe, Rabbi and Mrs. Rachel Gabbai never missed an event to support the Gemach,” Rabbi Lipsker noted.

Over 250 men and women sat around beautifully designed tables as fish and salads were served by the waiters of Holy Land Pizza. Traditional Jewish music was played by a local band.

Rabbi Avraham Shemtov, a founding member of the Gmach and Head Shliach to Philadelphia, read a letter from the Rebbe expressing the importance of charity and kindness.

The city’s Av Beis Din Rabbi Dov Brisman offered his greetings and support for interest-free loans, helping Jews from all backgrounds who are financially strapped.

Attorney Alan Rotenberg welcomed the honoree Rabbi Gabbai while Rabbi Lipsker presented him with a framed limited edition lithograph by Philadelphia based award-winning Jewish artist Mordechai Rosenstein.

“I am proud to say that I am personally familiar with the Gemach as I have signed many times as a guarantor – some that have paid and some that still haven’t,” Rabbi Gabbai said with a smile.

Mrs. Feiga Lipsker and Mrs. Leah Bar were thanked for organizing the event and their year-round dedication to the Gemach.