Shloshim for the Rebbe’s Chef

By COLlive reporter

Hundreds of Crown Heights residents attended an event to mark the Shloshim since the passing of caterer R’ Dovid Malka OBM Monday in Empire Shteibel in Crown Heights.

Born in Bnei Brak to parents of Morrocan origin, Malka was sent to learn in the Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva in Lod and Kfar Chabad. In 5734 he joined the kevutzah group to learn in 770 Eastern Parkway and never left since.

His brother, R’ Amram Malka worked as a shamash (helper) in the Rebbe’s home on President Street and R’ Dovid was brought in to assist as well, meriting to spend rare and unique moments with the Rebbe and Rebbetzin.

His task was primarily to cook and bake in the kitchen until the Rebbetzin’s passing in 5748. After that, his wife Mrs. Chana Malka would prepare meals for the Rebbe and have R’ Sholom Ber Gansburg bring them to the Rebbe’s room in 770.

His personal care for communal matters were known to all, as he gave charity and food to many.

He would prepare thousands of bags with refreshments for Tishrei guests and print booklets with relevant Chitas and Rambam for them. He also sent food for the chassidim and bochurim at the Ohel after Gimmel Tamuz.

For 30 years he worked as a chef for the educational institute Oholei Torah and later opened his own catering business that became a staple for residents on Fridays.

Speakers included R’ Mendel Bartfield, who spoke about the great amount of Chesed done by Malka, especially in secret, and Rabbi Itche Hildesheim, who was a close friend of Malka’s.

Malka’s son Rabbi Yossi Malka, a shliach in Los Angeles, California, made a siyum mishnayos and spoke about the importance of unity.