Moscow Mourns Passing of Legendary Shamash

On the day he turned 77, Reb Zvi Hirsch Gerzhoi, fondly known to all as “Grisha,” passed away. He served as the shamash of the “Marina Roshcha” shul in central Moscow for over two decades and was devoted in heart and soul to the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar. He was beloved and devoted to the thousands of daveners, guests, and students who came throughout the years, during which he served the community with unwavering dedication.

With his passing, the Jewish community of Greater Moscow is left with a painful void. Reb Grisha was known to everyone and he was always ready to help and answer any request at any time of the day. He was especially concerned for the kavod of the shul and made great effort at keeping the sforim neatly arranged and cleaning the place. The highlight of his activity was the operation of the “Hachnosas Orchim Room”, where the daveners and students could find cold and hot drinks and abundant refreshments at all hours. He personally fundraised donations for this cause and would pour drinks with a smile to all. Especially at the end of fast days, during which he ensured that there were large and abundant meals for all to break their fast on, and that there be no shortage of food.

Reb Grisha was born on the 7th of Nisan 5708, 77 years ago in the town of Ribnitsa in Moldova and grew up in the shadow of his grandfather, who served as shamash to the holy Ribnitzer Tzadik, Rabbi Chaim Zanvil Abramovitz of righteous memory. As a child, he personally assisted and gained a special closeness to the Tzadik, who affectionately called him “mein Hirshele.” He frequently attended tefilos held in his home and was witness to many miracles and the Tzadik’s holy conduct. He would often share his memories from that time, especially at the yortzeit meals that he held every year on the 24th of Tishrei, in honor of the holy Ribnitzer. He would host the seuda in the company of his many friends at the “Tefila le’Moshe” shul at the Shaarei Tzedek Jewish Chesed Center, a place which he skillfully managed, while assisting in the activities of the central Gmach “Keren Chaya Mushka” among his various tzedaka projects for others.

He went through many transformations during his years, during which he left his town and advanced to major positions in Moldova, and for a time was even appointed Deputy Minister of Culture and other high-ranking appointments. With the fall of the communist regime, he found himself jobless and without a livelihood, wandering from place to place, until one day, by hashgacha pratis, he passed by the central shul in Moscow and was called in to complete a minyan. Ever since then he has not left the place. The gabbaim took him under their wing, giving him small tasks in the shul, and he, in turn, learned to daven and invested a lot in studying Torah, until he “rose through the ranks” of the many positions in shul and even gave public Torah classes.

Since Reb Grisha was zoche to return to his roots, he has been meticulous in his observance of mitzvos, always davening with a minyan, spending many hours learning Torah every day, and participating in many shiurim, especially the Torah shiurim of the Chief Rabbi Shlita. Rabbi Lazar was especially fond of him, oftentimes not beginning the class until Reb Grisha’s arrival, because there was nothing like Reb Grisha’s deep questions to sharpen his profound shiurim.

About a month and a half ago, he underwent surgery, with the community taking care of his needs, and together with his devoted wife, they stood by him the entire time. Towards his birthday, the head Gabbai came to visit him and brought him greetings from the Chief Rabbi Shlita and the entire community, along with a large plaque congratulating him on his 77th birthday, which fell on the 7th day of the seventh month and the seventh day of the week – a number he frequently repeated during his last months on earth, thus seemingly hinting at the last birthday of his life.
Hashem fills the years of the righteous, and on his 77th birthday he passed away, full and overflowing with good deeds. He leaves behind a pained and grieving community who will forever treasure his memory.

His funeral will be held on Monday at noon, at the Jewish Vostryakovsky cemetery. A large crowd is expected to attend as they pay their respects to this dear man. Shuttles for the public will depart from the Central “Marina Roscha” shul.

The deceased left no children. The public is requested to daven and learn mishnayos le’iluy nishmas reb Zvi Hirsch ben Yisroel.