Dayan Rabbi Avraham Zarbiv Impressed by New Biography of Rabbi Zalman Abelsky, Chief Rabbi of Moldova
Dayan Rabbi Avraham Zarbiv recently expressed his deep admiration for the newly published book Reb Zalman der Lubavitcher, which chronicles the extraordinary life and work of Rabbi Zalman Tuvia Hacohen Abelsky ע”ה, the Chief Rabbi of Moldova and its capital, Kishinev, and the first Chabad Shliach to the countries of the former Soviet Union.
The fascinating volume, edited by Shliach Rabbi Menachem Mendel Zalmanov, a grandson of Rabbi Abelsky, offers a remarkable account of a life defined by extraordinary mesirus nefesh, unwavering hiskashrus to the Rebbe, and an unrelenting commitment to Jewish education and outreach.
The book brings together previously unpublished stories, personal recollections, and historical accounts, offering readers a rare glimpse into the life of a Chossid who lived his Shlichus every moment of his life.
Among the chapters are accounts of Rabbi Abelsky’s years of mesirus nefesh under the Communist regime in Russia, his clandestine mission to Romania at the direction of the Frierdiker Rebbe, and his instrumental role in establishing educational institutions within the Oholei Yosef Yitzchak Lubavitch network in Eretz Yisroel. The book also documents his many years of work strengthening Jewish life and spreading Torah and Chassidus.
A significant portion is devoted to his Shlichus throughout the former Soviet Union, particularly in Moldova, where he established and revitalized Jewish communities and institutions. Through his tireless efforts, thousands of Jews were reconnected with their heritage and inspired to embrace Torah and mitzvos, all while maintaining a steadfast connection to the Rebbe and his vision of preparing the world for the coming of Moshiach.
The stories and recollections, many appearing in print for the first time, paint a vivid picture of a Chossid whose life was a continuous expression of devotion to the Rebbe’s Shlichus. The volume serves as a valuable addition to every Chassidishe home and an important resource for transmitting to the younger generation the legacy of mesirus nefesh, hiskashrus, and joyful dedication to Jewish outreach.
During his meeting with Rabbi Zalmanov, Rabbi Zarbiv reviewed the book and expressed his strong impression of the remarkable personality of Rabbi Zalman Abelsky, his extraordinary self-sacrifice, and the many chapters of his Shlichus documented throughout its pages.
He was particularly moved by the account of a life devoted to Jewish education and Shlichus, characterized by unwavering dedication to the Rebbe and an enduring commitment to spreading Yiddishkeit and Chassidus.
