Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky Obituary
Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky: A Legacy Remembered in Crown Heights
On Wednesday, June 5, thousands gathered in Crown Heights to honor the life and legacy of Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, a revered figure in the Jewish community and a global pioneer in Jewish outreach.
Rabbi Kotlarsky, who passed away on June 4 at the age of 74, was the vice chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch (the outreach division of Chabad World Headquarters) and the chairman of the International Conference of Shluchim. His impact on Jewish life worldwide was profound and far-reaching.
The funeral procession began at Rabbi Kotlarsky’s residence on Crown Street, proceeding to the Chabad World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway, and concluding at the Old Montefiore Cemetery in Cambria Heights, Queens, where he was laid to rest near the Ohel of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
Thousands attended the procession, and many more joined via live broadcast, mourning the loss of a man described as “a giant in the Jewish world.” Rabbi Kotlarsky became celebrated for his unwavering dedication to the community. In addition, his efforts to spread the Rebbe’s message globally.
Council Member Crystal Hudson, representing Crown Heights, expressed her condolences on social media, highlighting Rabbi Kotlarsky’s lifelong dedication to his community and his role in promoting Jewish life worldwide. She concluded her tribute with the Hebrew phrase “Baruch dayan ha’emet,” meaning “Blessed is the true judge.”
Rabbi Kotlarsky survived by his wife, Mrs. Rivka Kotlarsky. Moreover, their nine children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a large extended family.
The American Chabad Movement: A Historical Overview
The American Chabad movement, part of the larger Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic dynasty, has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. Chabad-Lubavitch founded in the late 18th century by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi in Eastern Europe. Furthermore, the movement’s philosophy emphasizes the integration of mystical teachings with rigorous intellectual analysis.
In the 1940s, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe. Thus, moved the Chabad headquarters to the United States, establishing it in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. This move was instrumental in the survival and growth of the movement, especially during and after the Holocaust, which devastated many Jewish communities in Europe.
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, succeeded Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak in 1950. Under his leadership, Chabad expanded its outreach efforts globally. He emphasized the importance of Jewish education, community building, and spreading Jewish observance and values. The establishment of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch and the International Conference of Shluchim were key components of this outreach strategy, mobilizing thousands of emissaries (shluchim) to establish Chabad centers worldwide.
Today, Chabad is one of the most dynamic and influential Jewish movements in the world. It operates thousands of centers globally, offering educational programs, religious services, and community support. The movement’s adaptability and commitment to outreach have allowed it to thrive and grow, continuing to impact Jewish life profoundly.
In conclusion, Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky’s work with Chabad was an integral part of this legacy. His leadership in outreach and his dedication to the mission of Chabad-Lubavitch played a significant role in the movement’s continued success and influence around the world. His passing marks the end of an era. However, his contributions will become remembered and felt for generations to come.
Chabad Leader, Passes Away at 74 (jewishjournal.com)
