“Rabbi Zalman der Lubavitcher,” A Book On The Chief Rabbi of Moldova Presented to Rabbi Raphael Zvi Hartman

The book “Rabbi Zalman der Lubavitcher,” portraying the life and work of the Chief Rabbi of Moldova and its capital Chișinău, Rabbi Zalman Tuvia HaKohen Abelsky, was presented to Rabbi Raphael Zvi Hartman — a veteran educator and prominent member of the Oholei Yosef Yitzchak Chabad network in Israel, serving as a mashpia in the Chabad Anash community of Beit Shemesh. The book was given to him by the shliach Rabbi Menachem Mendel Zlmanov, grandson of the Chief Rabbi of Moldova and Chișinău.

The book was received with special emotion by Rabbi Raphael Zvi Hartman, who was deeply moved as he accepted the unique volume from the shliach Rabbi Menachem Mendel Zlmanov, the grandson of the late Rabbi Zalman Abelsky. The book details the life and legacy of his grandfather — a devoted emissary and scholar, who served as the Chief Rabbi of Moldova, one of the founders and leaders of the Oholei Yosef Yitzchak educational network in the Holy Land, and the longtime director of Chabad schools, including the founding and leadership of the Chabad school in Kiryat Gat for many decades — with persistence and warmth.

Rabbi Hartman expressed great excitement in receiving this special and fascinating book about the life of Rabbi Zalman Abelsky and shared emotional memories of his captivating and uplifting character.

Rabbi Raphael Zvi Hartman, mashpia of the Chabad community in Beit Shemesh, recalled wonderful memories from the Chabad school in Kiryat Gat, which served as a model for other Chabad schools across the country. Principals from all over Israel would visit and be amazed to see a Chabad institution operating 24/7 without pause. Students, parents, and their families were regularly invited to programs centered around Jewish holidays, Shabbat prayers, Kabbalat Shabbat gatherings, Shabbat parties, Melaveh Malka events, and many additional activities.

With special enthusiasm, Rabbi Hartman spoke of the dedicated and devoted Chassid and educator, Rabbi Zalman Abelsky — the Chief Rabbi of Moldova and its capital Chișinău — whose vibrant joy, deep connection, and absolute self-nullification to the Rebbe stood out. Rabbi Abelsky was the founder and director of the Chabad school in Kiryat Gat, which educated thousands of students and maintained a renewed and passionate drive, particularly in school registration efforts and the establishment of new institutions as part of the Oholei Yosef Yitzchak network throughout the Holy Land.

For over thirty years, he tirelessly served the residents of Kiryat Gat and its surrounding areas — across all sectors and social classes — with sincere and genuine love for every Jew. Rabbi Zalman Abelsky established successful educational institutions for the benefit of the city’s residents and faithfully served as principal for many years. The school became renowned and respected, educating thousands of children with a loving and Torah-true Jewish education. The warm image of the beloved principal, Rabbi Zalman Abelsky, remains deeply rooted in the hearts of his many students and the city’s residents.

In addition to education, he provided both spiritual guidance and material assistance to the community — always with a smile and a generous heart — igniting a deep connection to Judaism among many residents of Kiryat Gat, the surrounding region, and throughout Israel.

Rabbi Hartman further recalled how, upon becoming the principal of the Chabad school in Kfar Saba, the students there shared fond memories of the dedicated principal, Rabbi Zalman Abelsky, recounting how he had rescued and managed the school in their city. Interestingly, despite the passage of multiple principals since, many children still remembered sweet moments and lessons learned from Rabbi Zalman Abelsky the Chief Rabbi of Moldova and Chișinău.