Marking 60 years of Shlichus, a new book was released chronicling the extraordinary Shlichus of legendary Shluchim to Philadelphia Rabbi Zalman and Feiga Lipskier. Their Shlichus which began in 1964 tells the story of a quiet but pioneering couple who created a true revolution.
In celebration of 60 years of Shlichus, the Lipskier family recently unveiled a new book chronicling the extraordinary six decades of Rabbi Shneur Zalman and Rebbetzin Feiga Chaya Lipsker Shlichus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“Shlichus for the Love of Wisdom” was written by renowned author Rabbi Zushe Wolf and documents the extensive and legendary work of Rabbi and Mrs. Lipsker during their Shlichus in Philadelphia, which began in 1964.
About two years earlier, Rabbi Avraham Shemtov and his wife Basheva had started their Shlichus in Philadelphia. Recognizing the extensive work needed in the city, Rabbi Shemtov suggested that Rabbi Lipsker join him in the mission. With the Rebbe’s blessing and approval, Rabbi Lipsker and his wife arrived, officially to serve as teachers in the school.
They quickly became deeply involved in all aspects of Chabad activities in the city. Rabbi Lipsker launched extensive outreach efforts within the local Jewish community, visiting families, inspiring them to deepen their connection to Judaism, teaching Torah classes, and more. This young and humble rabbi eventually ignited a revolution in Philadelphia—one whose impact continues to be felt 60 years later.
Rabbi Lipsker was a pioneer. He was born on the 20th of Kislev, 1938, in Kutaisi, Georgia, into the prominent Lipsker Chassidic family, which was devoted to preserving Judaism in the region under the guidance of the Frierdiker Rebbe.
After 14 years of dedicated work in Georgia, the family left the Soviet Union. Following a period of wandering, they settled in Israel, where Rabbi Lipsker’s father, Reb Aryeh Ze’ev Lipsker, continued his many Chabad activities from his home in Lod.
Rabbi Shneur Zalman spent his formative years in 770, enjoying a special fatherly relationship with the Rebbe, who cared for him as a father would for his son.
After his wedding in 1963 to Rebbetzin Feiga Chaya, the couple set out on their unique Shlichus to Philadelphia under the Rebbe’s guidance and blessing, joining Rabbi Shemtov in his efforts.
For over 60 years, Rabbi Lipsker and his wife have been working tirelessly in Philadelphia on the Rebbe’s Shlichus, spreading Judaism and Chassidic teachings to an ever-expanding audience, guided by the Rebbe’s many instructions over the years.
On one occasion, when Rabbi Lipsker visited the Rebbe with a group of his students, the Rebbe remarked to him: “Explain to them what Philadelphia is. In Latin, Philadelphia means ‘love of wisdom,’ and since the greatest wisdom is Torah, they should participate in Torah classes to strengthen their love for Torah.” In line with this idea, the book is titled Shlichus for the Love of Wisdom, capturing the story of Rabbi Lipsker’s life and mission in Philadelphia.
The new book, published in a high-quality edition with 400 full-color pages of photographs and historical documents, also offers a detailed look at Chabad’s early settlement and activities in the city during the 1920s. It also includes a comprehensive account of the Previous Rebbe’s 1930 visit to the city which laid the groundwork for the flourishing Jewish outreach efforts by the Rebbe’s Shluchim in the city.
This book not only tells the story of one of the Rebbe’s first Shluchim but also reflects the mission and Shlichus of every Chossid.
The book is currently available in Eretz Yisroel and will soon be available in the US.
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