By COLlive reporter
Rabbi Sholom Ber Butman, a Chabad Chossid who survived Communism and was known for his youthful spirit and boundless enthusiasm, passed away on Friday, 10 Menachem Av 5783.
He was 88.
He was born on the 12th of Elul, 1934, in Moscow, to his esteemed parents, Rabbi Shneur Zalman Butman and Mrs. Yehudit, daughter of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, great-grandson of the Tzemach Tzedek. In his youth, he fled with his family from the Soviet Union to Paris, France, during a period of great upheaval.
During that time, Rabbi Butman had the incredible opportunity to meet and connect with the Rebbe. The Rebbe, known then as the Ramash and son-in-law of the Frierdiker Rebbe, bestowed upon him meaningful gifts, including a siddur (prayer book) with a personal inscription.
VIDEO: Rabbi Sholom Ber Butman recalls his childhood memories of the Rebbe in Paris, in 1947, when the Rebbe flew there to greet his mother after she escaped Russia.
On the 13th of Adar Alef, 1954, he emigrated to the United States with his family. In the summer of 1956, Rabbi Butman was sent on a mission by the Rebbe to the Holy Land of Israel to strengthen the residents of the Kfar Chabad village after a tragic terrorist attack that claimed the lives of five students and their teacher.
In 1957, he was dispatched to England to establish the UK’s Lubavitch Youth Organization (Tzeirei Agudas Chabad). Later that year, he married his wife, Mrs. Devora Butman, of blessed memory, daughter of the chossid, Rabbi Chaim Shemaryahu Gurary. She chaired the Nshei Chabad organization in Israel.
From 1959 to 1968, the Butmans resided in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, before settling in Tel Aviv, Israel. While working full-time in the textile business, he remained actively involved in various Chabad-Lubavitch activities, teaching classes, and encouraging fellow Jewish men to embrace their faith by donning Tefillin.
Rabbi Butman was known for his gifted eloquence and sought-after presence at gatherings and conventions. He was a beloved figure in the Tel Aviv community, where he served as the Gabbai of “Merkaz Chabad Tel Aviv” on Nachlat Binyamin Street, and a Mahspia for the wider community.
He made headlines in 2011 when he established the 32nd Chabad House in Tel Aviv, becoming the oldest person to become a Shliach at the age of 77. The Chabad Midrachov Nachlat Binyamin, situated in Tel Aviv’s trendy pedestrian mall, became his first full-time posting as a Shliach. He was renowned for his warm and engaging nature, connecting with people from all walks of life.
He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to Torah and the Rebbe’s directives, touching countless lives with his boundless love and wisdom.
He is survived by his children Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Butman – Lod, Israel; Rabbi Yochanan Butman – Hadera, Israel; Rabbi Yehuda Butman – Ramat Hasharon, Israel; Mrs. Segal – Crown Heights; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his siblings Rabbi Shmuel Butman – Crown Heights; Mrs. Leah Kahn – Crown Heights; and Mrs. Miriam Swerdlow – Crown Heights.
He was predeceased by his wife Mrs. Devora Butman, and his son Rabbi Yisroel Butman, Head Shliach of Naharia, Israel.
The levaya will be held on Friday from Tel Aviv to Har Hazeisim in Jerusalem.
Times of visitations for Rebbetzin Leah Kahan, Rabbi Shmuel Butman and Mrs. Myriam Swerdlov after the passing of their brother Rabbi Sholom Ber Butman Z”l of Tel Aviv, is in the house of Rebbetzin Leah Kahan 760 Eastern Parkway, from 5:00pm till 10:00pm.
They are getting up on Thursday morning.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
VIDEO:
We lost a great chassid
Baruch dayan ho’emes.
A true chossid, beloved by all. One of the last of the chassidim who had a foot in both Lubavitch of old and Lubavitch of today. He will be sorely missed.
Moshiach now.