Rabbi Meir Harlig, 86, OBM

Rabbi Meir Yehuda Yisroel Harlig, a Gabbai of 770 who served as a meshamesh for the Rebbe, passed away Sunday, 29 Sivan, 5783.

He was 86.

Rabbi Harlig was the person responsible for giving the Rebbe’s Lulav and Esrog to the Chasidim in order to bless them on the days of Sukkos, and he was also in charge of inviting the participants to the holiday meals in the Rebbe’s apartment.

Over the years he was in charge of the drink and food for the Rebbe’s Farbrengens, and for this purpose he was given a room in the first floor corridor of 770, where he stored them.

One of the most known roles that Reb Meir filled was organizer and master of ceremonies at many farbrengens that Chassidim held in 770.

In recent years, he served as a 770 Gabbai who was in charge of the prayers held in the Rebbe’s room.

He was born in Elul 1936 in Zurich, Switzerland. His father, Rabbi Mordechai Harlig, served as a rav in Vienna in the years prior to World War II. The family arrived in the United States in 5700, and Rabbi Mordechai took up a position as a rav of a shul in Crown Heights.

R’ Meir studied at the Central Tomchei Temimim yeshiva 770. In his youth, he was privileged to serve on various errands for the Rebbe and began lending a helping hand at the holiday meals that were held in the Rebbe’s apartment, as well as serving as a member of the Vaad Hamesader.

He formed close ties with the Rebbe’s secretary Rabbi Yehuda Leib Groner and worked together with him on many matters and was helpful in everything that was needed. As a young man he wanted to learn Shechita, but at the Rebbe’s directive he did not pursue it.

After his marriage to his wife Tzipora, he established his residence in Crown Heights, and became a fixture in 770 and Crown Heights. His children serve as Shluchim around the world.

He is survived by his wife, Tzipora, and children Rabbi Sholom Ber Harlig – Upland, CA, Rabbi Shea Harlig – Las Vegas, NV, Chaya Sara Dalfin – North Bay Village, FL, Rabbi Yossi Harlig – Kendall, FL, Rabbi Mendy Harlig – Henderson, NV, Toby Baron – Sunny Isles, FL, and Binie Holtzberg – Monterey, CA, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The Levaya will take place on Monday, passing 770 at 2:00PM and continuing on to Montefiore Cemetery.

Shiva:
Location: 442 Crown Street

Visitors: Shachris-12:00PM; 4:00PM-Ma’ariv
the family requests no visitors between 12:00-4:00.

Times:
Monday:
Mincha-8:00PM
Ma’ariv-B’Zman

Tuesday-
Shachris-8:30AM (1 Minyan needed)
Mincha-8:00PM
Ma’ariv-B’Zman

Wednesday-
Shachris-7:30AM, 8:00AM, 8:30AM, 9:00AM
Mincha-8:00PM (4 Minyanim needed)
Ma’ariv-B’Zman

Thursday-
Shachris-7:30AM, 8:00AM, 8:30AM, 9:00AM
Mincha-8:00PM (4 Minyanim needed)
Ma’ariv-B’Zman

Friday-
Shachris-7:30AM, 8:00AM, 8:30AM, 9:00AM
Mincha-1:45PM (2 Minyanim), 2:15PM (2 Minyanim)

Motzei Shabbos:
Ma’ariv-B’Zman (4 Minyanim)

Sunday-
Shachris-7:30AM (2 Minyanim), 8:30AM (2 Minyanim)

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.