“When I first arrived in Florida to begin my tenure as Consul General of Israel, Rabbi Lipskar gave me a true welcome. Our bond deepened profoundly during the tragedy of the Surfside building collapse. Two days later, at 1:30am on Shabbat (!!!), I received a call from him, ‘Maor, why is Israel not here yet?’”
By Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, Consul General of Israel in Miami
It is with a heavy heart that I write these words in memory of Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar, of blessed memory – a giant of spirit, a leader of infinite wisdom, and to me personally, a spiritual father, a mentor, and a cherished friend.
When I first arrived in Florida, 4 years ago, to begin my tenure as Consul General of Israel, Rabbi Lipskar gave me a true welcome – not just formal, but spiritual and personal. Early on, he gifted me a set of tefillin – a gesture that carried deep meaning. Many times afterward, he helped me wrap tefillin, uplifting my spirit and grounding me in purpose. His wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering love for Am Yisrael accompanied me throughout my years of service.
Our bond deepened profoundly during the tragedy of the Surfside building collapse. Two days after the collapse, in the middle of the night, at 1:30am on Shabbat (!!!), I received a call from him.“Maor, why is Israel not here yet?”
It was not a complaint — it was a call to action. That Shabbat morning, I returned to the shul. Together, we worked to clear the final obstacles, and the next day, the IDF’s search and rescue team arrived. It was a mission of hope, unity, and life – and Rabbi Lipskar’s determination made it happen.
Over the years, we shared countless conversations – though they never felt enough. He cared passionately for his community, for the State of Israel, for the IDF, and for the soul of our people. He taught by example – by living a life of action, compassion, and unwavering faith.
As my service draws to a close, I realize how deeply my journey here has been shaped by the privilege of knowing him. It feels almost providential that I began my tenure under his blessing, and now, I say farewell with his memory forever engraved in my heart.
Rabbi Lipskar’s legacy lives on – in every life he touched, in every bond he strengthened, in every act of kindness he inspired. Our community is stronger because of him. Our people are closer because of him.
May his memory be for a blessing.
May we honor his life’s work by living according to the values he so passionately embodied — with faith, with courage, and with unbreakable unity.
“Ohev Amo Yisrael” — He loved His nation, Israel.
And we loved him back.
Discussion
We appreciate your feedback. If you have any additional information to contribute to this article, it will be added below.