Rabbi Leibel Berger / Aryeh Leib ben Shlomo, a”h

 

Rabbi  Leibel Berger / Aryeh Leib ben Shlomo, a”h

(1938-2013)

We are sad to announce the petirah of Rabbi Leibel Berger, a key figure in the New York Breslov community, on Shabbos Parshas “Shelach,” 23 Sivan.

Reb Leibel became a Breslover as a boy through his teacher Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld, z”l. He learned in the famed Rabbenu Chaim Berlin and Mir yeshivas, eventually receiving semichah while at the Mir, and remained a diligent ben Torah throughout his life (even in his last months learning masechtas Pesachim with his chavrusa). He was also known to be a baki (someone with broad knowledge) in the entire Breslov literature.

Reb Leibel was devoted to all things Breslov – generously contributing tzedakah to publish the Rebbe’s seforim; working on behalf of the Breslov Shtiebel in Borough Park; helping to support  needy Breslover chassidim here and in Eretz Yisrael; traveling to Uman during the early years, and then working unflaggingly to facilitate travel to Uman for the Rosh Hashanah gathering, beginning with the very first trips from America, which he organized.  Reb Leibel also created an archive of manuscripts, first editions, and Breslov memorabilia, which includes the hand-written master copy of Likutey Moharan that Reb Noson brought to the printer, as well as an original letter from the Rebbe to his daughter Miriam.

We extend our condolences to the aveilim – the Berger, Horowitz, and Lebel families. Shiva will be observed through Friday at the home of his son Reb Avrohom Berger at 1244 – East 36^th St in Flatbush, 718-258-3079.

May Aryeh Leib ben Shlomo be a meilitz yosher for his family and for Klal Yisrael, and may he sit among the tzaddikim at the Rebbe’s tish in the Yeshiva shel Maalah, amen.