Shliach Rabbi Aron (Arel) Serebryanski, chossid, oved hashem, and inspiration to generations, passed away on Motzoei Shabbos Hagadol after havdoloh. He was 86 years old.
Reb Arel, as he was lovingly called, was born in Charkov, Ukraine to his father Reb Zalman and Brocha Serebryanski in Menachem Av of 5692/1932. His mother was the sister of the mashpia Reb Mendel Futerfas. During World War II he escaped East towards Asia with his family and arrived in Samarkand, where Reb Zalman was instrumental in founding the local Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim.
In 1949 Reb Zalman traveled with a group of chassidim to Australia. Reb Arel learned in yeshiva in Shepperton, which was founded by Reb Zalman, and left for 770 for Tishrei 5716/1955. Later he married Brocha Skolnik, may she live and be well, and Reb Arel taught at Yeshivas Achei Tmimim in the Bronx for 5722-5730 (1962-1970).
Reb Aron was the head of the Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch in Melbourne and the oldest shliach in Australia. He educated generations of boys and girls in Melbourne and translated works of the Rabbeyim into English. A true oved hashem of the old caliber, he was never seen without a sefer, and would walk the streets without his glasses for fear of seeing what he shouldn’t. His uncle Reb Mendel Futerfas said about him that he’s “the most frum man he’s seen in olam hazeh.”.
Reb Arel is described as a man who worked hard every day of his life doing the Rebbe’s mivtzoyim, giving tzedakah, and helping others. When Russian immigrants started arriving in Australia he sprung into action to help them with all there needs, mateiarally and spiritually. One example of his work is a fund he created whose sole purpose was to create mikvaos and strengthen the obeservance of taharas hamishpacha. Many such mikvaos are in existence all over Australia and New Zealand, with countless people observing taharas hamishpacha due to his efforts.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Zlata Serebyanski, and children: Mendel Serebyranski – Kingston, PA., Hendel Serebyranski – Melbourne, Yossi Serebyranski – Denver, CO, Rochel Leah Lipskar – Melbourne, Zev Serebyranski – Crown Heights and Levi Serebyranski – Detroit.
Levaya and kevurah are happening Sunday morning in Melbourne, where he will be interred next to his parents and other family members.
Shiva will be observed at 118 Hotham Street.
Mincha/Maariv tonight Sunday: Mincha 5:15, 5:30, Maariv 6:20, 6:30
Starting tomorrow – Monday:
Shacharis 6:15, 7:00, 7:30,
Mincha 2:00, 5:30 – Maariv – 6:20, 6:30