Rabbi Mayer Chaim Brikman, lifelong shliach to Seagate, New York, where he also served as Rav of K’hal Kneses Yisroel, passed away at the age of 58.

In 5751 (1991), he and his wife were sent by the Rebbe as shluchim to Seagate. That same year, he was appointed as rov of K’hal Kneses Yisroel, a historic shul established in 5684 (1924). For more than thirty years, he led the community with dedication.

In 5773 (2012), as Hurricane Sandy approached the area, Rabbi Brikman preemptively removed all the Sifrei Torah from the aron kodesh and carried them upstairs to protect them from flooding. When the storm inundated the building’s lower level, the Sifrei Torah were thankfully untouched.

On Chol Hamoed Pesach 5777 (2017), a fire broke out in the shul building shortly after midnight. Rabbi Brikman ran to the scene and entered the burning building repeatedly to remove the Sifrei Torah. He carried out as many as four at a time. Altogether, eight Sifrei Torah were saved. Speaking later, he said, “I knew they wouldn’t let me go in if I asked, so I didn’t ask.”

In later years, the Brikmans were joined by their daughter Rochel Chana and son-in-law Rabbi Heshy Ceitlin, who led Chabad by the Ocean.

He is survived by his wife, Rivkah Brikman (née Marozov), and children, Rochel Chana Ceitlin (Seagate), Leibel Brikman (Montreal), and Isser Brikman (Seagate).

He is survived by his parents, Boruch and Chaya Brikman from Crown Heights, and by his siblings, Sara Chana Posner, Mendel Brikman, and Yosef Brikman.

The levaya will leave from K’neses Yisroel – Chabad of Seagate at 12:30 PM, will pass by 770 Eastern Parkway at approximately 2:00 PM, with kevura near the Ohel at 3:00 PM.

Shiva will be at the home of the Brikmans, Monday – Friday, at 3844 Lyme Ave., Seagate, NY 11224.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.