Beloved Bal Harbour Spiritual Leader & Visionary Advocate, Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar z”l, Passes Away at 77

Edited by: Fern Sidman

The Jewish world has been plunged into mourning over the loss of a towering rabbinic figure whose life’s work embodied the ideals of chesed (kindness), Torah scholarship, and unwavering service to others. Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar z”l, the long-serving and deeply beloved spiritual leader of The Shul of Bal Harbour in Surfside, Florida, and the visionary founder of the Aleph Institute, passed away peacefully on Shabbos at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy that spans continents, communities, and causes.

According to the information provide in a report that appeared on VIN News, Rabbi Lipskar’s passing marks a profound loss not only for his local congregation but for the entire Jewish community, which benefited immeasurably from his wisdom, vision, and unrelenting compassion.

For decades, Rabbi Lipskar stood at the helm of The Shul of Bal Harbour, one of the most prominent Chabad synagogues in the United States. Through his leadership, the Shul became much more than a house of worship—it evolved into a dynamic hub for Torah learning, community building, and spiritual inspiration. As reported by VIN News, Rabbi Lipskar cultivated a sanctuary where Jews from all walks of life—Sephardi and Ashkenazi, native Floridians and global transplants, religious and secular—could come together in unity and growth.

His presence was marked by genuine warmth, boundless energy, and a magnetic personality that made him both approachable and profoundly respected. Congregants recall his ability to inspire from the pulpit and provide solace in private moments, always with a listening ear and a wise word.

Perhaps one of Rabbi Lipskar’s most visible moments of communal leadership came in the tragic wake of the Champlain Towers South collapse in Surfside in June 2021. As the world watched in horror, Rabbi Lipskar became a voice of calm and compassion, guiding families through their grief and serving as a spiritual anchor for a stunned and mourning community.

As the VIN News report highlighted, his leadership during this period was nothing short of heroic. He not only ministered to those directly impacted by the disaster, but also served as a liaison between local authorities, emergency personnel, and grieving families—ensuring that Jewish customs were honored and spiritual needs met amidst the chaos and heartbreak.

The Aleph Institute: A Lifeline for the Forgotten

In addition to his congregational work, Rabbi Lipskar’s crowning achievement on the national stage was the creation of the Aleph Institute, a pioneering organization that has for decades provided essential support for Jewish prisoners and military personnel across the globe.

Founded in 1981 under the directive of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson zt”l, the Aleph Institute is rooted in the Jewish imperative of pidyon shvuyim—redeeming and supporting the imprisoned. Under Rabbi Lipskar’s leadership, the organization grew into an influential and life-changing force.

Through Aleph, Jewish inmates received not only religious articles, holiday meals, and Torah education, but also legal advocacy and emotional support that reaffirmed their humanity and dignity. Aleph also played a major role in re-entry programs, helping former prisoners reintegrate into society with dignity and support, thus reducing recidivism and restoring hope.

Rabbi Lipskar’s vision through Aleph was revolutionary: he saw people for who they could become, not simply for the mistakes they had made, as was noted in the VIN News report. His insistence on compassion, fairness, and spiritual inclusion forever altered the way the Jewish world engages with incarcerated individuals.

Rabbi Lipskar’s influence extended beyond the Jewish community. He was a respected advisor to politicians and civic leaders at both the local and national levels. As the VIN News report explained, prominent elected officials routinely sought his guidance and made a point to visit him when in Florida. Whether in conversations about faith, ethics, community development, or public service, Rabbi Lipskar was known for offering counsel that was insightful, principled, and deeply rooted in Jewish values.

His connections with figures across the political spectrum highlighted his rare ability to transcend partisanship, building bridges between secular governance and spiritual ideals.

Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar’s passing leaves behind a void that will be difficult to fill. Yet, the institutions he built, the thousands of souls he uplifted, and the Torah he taught will continue to illuminate the path for generations to come.

He is survived by his devoted family, loving congregants, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched through acts both public and private. His teachings and example will undoubtedly endure in the ongoing work of The Shul of Bal Harbour, the Aleph Institute, and every life he shaped through his counsel, compassion, and ceaseless devotion to his fellow Jew.

Funeral arrangements are currently pending.

May the memory of Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar z”l be a blessing, and may his soul be bound in the bond of eternal life.