Today, Zayin Iyar, marks the 12th yahrtzeit of Rabbi Levi Bialo obm, Shliach of the Rebbe to Markham, Ontario.
Rabbi Levi Bialo, as director of Chabad of Markham’s Young Adult programs, inspired and ignited the soul of every Jew he came in contact with, with his passion for the Rebbe’s teachings and his amazing sense of humor that made them feel proud to be Jewish.
Rabbi Dov and Chani Bialo, Levi’s brother and Shluchim at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, launched the first ever Tefill-in-Thon in his memory 4 years ago.
The Bialos direct the Bais Chabad Levi Yitzchak Jewish Student Center and The new Reiter Family Campus, located across the street from one of the most unique college campuses in the country.
Reed College, a Liberal Arts College in Portland, Oregon with an enrollment of about 1400 undergrad students, has an extraordinarily large percentage of students who pursue their doctoral degrees. Reed graduates have gone on to become innovators and leaders in all walks of life. Many of these high achieving students also happen to be Jewish and are benefiting from the many Jewish opportunities at The Bais Levi Yitzchak Jewish Student Center.
“The Tefill-in-Thon gives the Jewish students an opportunity to wrap Tefillin and light Shabbat candles, empowering them with Jewish inspiration to carry them through their summer journeys,” Rabbi Bialo said.
“The Tzedaka pledged supports Jewish life at Reed’s campus, and the powerful mitzvah of putting on tefillin was a tremendous motivator for the students. This champion combination encouraged many of Levi’s friends around the world to pledge and support the center that bears his name,” he said.
“During last year’s Tefill-IN-Thon 29 Reed College students put on Tefillin on Levi’s Yahrtzeit and 11 students confirmed lighting Shabbos candles that Shabbos. Many of these students were putting on tefillin for the first time in their lives, and some were inspired to partake in this mitzvah again throughout the year,” Bialo added.
Even though i never met my uncle (my cousins uncle) i know how special he was. May we be reunited with him speedily in our days!
I came across Levi on a visit years ago with a friend to yeshiva in tzfas when Levi was a bochur. He really looked after me and my friend even though he didn’t know us. He treated us like best friends. May his memory be blessed.
Levi I know you have the ability to make a shturem up there! Please!!
I cannot believe its been 12 years. Best head counselor ever. I am a different person because of you. thank you Levi bialo
Knew him in Manalapan, NJ. Levi was a real special human being, shliach and friend. He is missed!
I’m not sure what this World would be like if Levi Bialo was still here. A true mentch!