Rabbi Dr. Alter B.Z. Metzger, a professor of Jewish Studies and respected author and teacher of Chassidic thought, passed away on Monday, 22 Shevat, 5786.
He was 92.
Rabbi Metzger, the son of one of the founders of Agudas Yisrael of America, first came to the Rebbe on Yud Shvat 5711, and became a devoted Chossid.
A resident of Crown Heights with his wife Mrs. Yehudis Metzger, Rabbi Dr. Metzger served as a Professor at Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women in New York City, and was an author, educator and mentor to thousands.
He served on a team of simultaneous translators of the talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe for many years. A dynamic speaker and teacher, Rabbi Metzger also mentored many baalei Teshuva as a teacher at the Ivy League Torah study program.
He wrote widely on Chasidic thought, and he has contributed extensively to the field of Jewish history and literature, including writing “Chasidic Perspectives, A Festival Anthology,” and translating “The Heroic Struggle.” His column, The Golden Chain, was featured for over 25 years in Di Yiddishe Heim, published by the Lubavitch Women`s Organization.
He is survived by his wife Mrs. Yehudis Metzger, children Rabbi Yehoshua Metzger – Midtown NYC, Tova Mayzlesh – Mexico City, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Metzger – Milwaukee, Chana Perman – Toronto, Rabbi Shmuly Metzger – Midtown East NYC, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sister Mrs. Judy Sukenik, Queens, and his brother Rabbi Gershon Metzger of Jerusalem.
The Levaya will take place today, Monday, passing by 770 at 2:30 pm, burial at Old Montefiore Cemetery at 3:30 pm.
Shiva at 1430 President Street.
Shiva hours 9am -9pm
Shacharis 9am and 10am
Mincha and Maariv Bizmano
Rabbi Shmuly Metzger will be sitting in Manhattan this Thursday only, from 4-9pm. 409 East 58th Street NY NY.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
BDE. Mrs. Metzger, tova and your whole family. Your father was a real tzaddik. My heart goes to all of you.
Rabbi Metzger was such a special and brilliant man!! What a loss!!!
May Hashem comfort the family.
So many words to describe Rabbi Metzger and his dear beloved wife, may she live a long and healthy life. He was funny, kind, loving. He only was able to see the best in people. He raised good kids. His home was a library. He loved his wife.
Let’s greet Moshiach finally this moment.
Name for mishnayos: Alter BenTziyon ben Yitzchok.
Alter Bentzion ben Chaim Yitzchak Moshe
Tremendous Loss To Klal Yisroel
What a giant of a man
A gem
I was fortunate to be Rav Metzger’s ZY”A student at Stern.
The personal loss is overwhelming…
Moshiach MUST COME NOW!
Penina Tunis Metal
A Great Chossid of the Rebbe, a elevation for his neshama, may his family be comforted
Rabbi Dr Metzger, to all those who merited to learn from Rabbi Metzger, as our Respected Learning Teacher from Camp Emunah, his smiling, shining face to every Camper, whose home was open to all who needed a friend, a warm Shabbos meal, accompanied by his life partner, Rebbetzin Metzger, a pure Eishes Chayil, whose children who were raised in this loving, Chassidishe home where all were were welcomed, loved and felt as if they truly were a special part of this exemplary family. Every one of his children follow in his Esteemed path. We will honor, and respect all that… Read more »
So sorry to hear! Most caring, kind and concerned person I have ever met.
ממש!
Rabbi Metzger made every conversation interesting. There was no person, idea, or situation that he didn’t pause, look up, and then say something self-deprecating, insightful and erudite.
BdE. Rabbi Metzger was a giant. Tremendous Talmid Chocham, educated thousands of women students, Mekusher to the Rebbe. In my book on Chabad and Yeshiva University he is featured. They don’t make him this way any more. Wishing comfort to his wife and family.
Rabbi Metzger’s voice has been ringing in my head for 40 years with the words: “tofaiach al m’nas l’hatfiach”. will never forget his voice, his passion and his emeskeit in everything he stood for.
May Hashem bring comfort to his family. BD”E
A legend!
Very special man
Rabbi Metzger was a rare gem – brilliant, yet with a kind word to all. He was friendly and kind, and took the time out to inquire about and show care to all. His wonderful children follow in his footsteps.
May his memory and legacy be for a blessing and comfort to his family.
Yehudis (Bogomilsky) Leiter
One of the brightest and most learned Chasidim in Lubavitch.
Rabbi Metger had the Zchus to bring many to become Shomrei Torah Umitzvos, with his quick wit and גאונות.
Rabbi Chaim Miller, author of so many core Sefarim, was Rabbi Metzger’s prodigy.
Rabbi Metzger’s influence expanded far beyond the walls of Lubavitch.
To know him, was to love him and all that he stood for .
He will sorely be missed.
Mrs. Cipi Junik
I had the honor of working with Rabbi Metzger, a”h, both at Stern College Library and privately as an editor.
Rabbi Metzger was truly an emblem of that generation of Chassidim — scholarly, pious, and fervently devoted to the Rebbe. He was blessed with an equally wonderful wife and family.
May all of Klal Yisroel be comforted for such a great loss.
Chaya Sarah Cantor
I was his student at stern college. He sent me to the rebbe when the women has yechidus after the womens convention on june 6 1967. I sent many students at stern to the rebbe after that. They have children and grandchildren who are chassidim. Many became shluchim. No one like rabbi metzger.
Rabbi Metzger sent me the same time! With a P”N to give to the Rebbe. Rabbi Metzger was teaching‘ Fundamentals of Judaism’ but in truth he was teaching Fundamentals of Chabad Philosophy! He was mekarev many girls to Chabad!
It was my special zchus and pleasure to bring his clothes to the cleaners in Ellenville all those summers. His genuineness , humility and warmth were always on display. And yes, my wife has “A Tzaddik in Our Time” in her lending library. I will miss you!
I was Rabbi Metzger’s student at Stern College 1979-81. I took classes with him and he was my advisor for my independent study class at Machon Chana which I attended on Sundays. Each 19 Kislev Rabbi Metzger would sponsor a giant birthday cake that was shared with all the students in the cafeteria to proudly celebrate the birthday of chassidus. I admired his dedication to Chabad especially among the many naysayers of the time. His energy level was full throttle at all time. May his family be comforted and shine in his merit