Rabbi Sholom Dovber Lipskar, a towering figure of spiritual leadership and a tireless advocate for humanity, has passed away at the age of 78, leaving behind an indelible mark on the Jewish community of South Florida and beyond. For decades, Rabbi Lipskar dedicated his life to fostering unity, extending unwavering kindness, and providing solace to those navigating life’s most challenging moments. His profound impact resonated deeply within the walls of his beloved Shul of Bal Harbour, across the diverse tapestry of Miami-Dade County, and even within the stark confines of correctional facilities.
Rabbi Lipskar’s life was a testament to the power of compassionate action and unwavering faith. His journey, which began with the establishment of the Shul of Bal Harbour in 1981, transformed a burgeoning area into a vibrant hub of Jewish life. This “unorthodox, Orthodox synagogue,” as it became affectionately known, stood as a testament to Rabbi Lipskar’s inclusive vision, warmly embracing Jews from all walks of life and religious observance. He understood that the strength of community lay not in rigid adherence but in the unifying spirit of shared heritage and belief.
Before the Shul’s impressive physical presence took shape, Rabbi Lipskar’s early efforts were characterized by a humble yet determined spirit. Operating initially out of the Beau Rivage Hotel, he would personally invite passersby on Collins Avenue to join his fledgling prayer group. This personal touch, this genuine desire to connect with individuals, was a hallmark of his leadership. Over the ensuing four decades, the Shul blossomed into a multi-million dollar institution, a spiritual home to thousands, including a significant Sephardic and Latin American population who found warmth and belonging within its welcoming embrace.
Rabbi Lipskar’s arrival in Miami in the early 1980s, alongside his wife Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar, marked a pivotal moment for the region’s Jewish landscape. Undeterred by historical housing restrictions that had previously marginalized Jewish and Black communities, Rabbi Lipskar, according to his nephew Rabbi Aaron Lipskar, even navigated his initial house search discreetly. His presence and his work acted as a catalyst, dismantling old barriers and fostering an environment where Jewish life could flourish openly and vibrantly.
Jacob Solomon, the President and CEO Emeritus of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, aptly described Rabbi Lipskar as a visionary who “literally changed the landscape of Miami as we know it in terms of becoming a very vibrant Jewish environment.” He emphasized Rabbi Lipskar’s pioneering role in building the engaged and active Jewish communities that thrive in South Florida today, stating, “He broke
those covenants, created a Jewish community, which right now is one of the most intensely engaged, committed and active Jewish communities in the world… He was a visionary.”
Beyond the flourishing of the Shul, Rabbi Lipskar’s compassion extended to the most vulnerable members of society through his founding of the Aleph Institute. This remarkable organization dedicates itself to providing financial, emotional, and spiritual support to incarcerated individuals, their families, and members of the military. Recognizing the inherent dignity and spiritual needs of those often marginalized and forgotten, Rabbi Lipskar championed their religious freedoms and worked tirelessly to bring light into their darkest spaces.
Rabbi Frederick L. Klein, Executive Director of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami and Director of Mishkan Miami of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, eloquently captured this aspect of Rabbi Lipskar’s mission, writing, “Rabbi Lipskar understood the chasidic idea role of each Jew — and each human being — is to be a lamplighter, a bringer of light to the dark spaces in our world.” This philosophy permeated all aspects of Rabbi Lipskar’s life, guiding his interactions and shaping his profound impact.
David Wolf, the President of the Shul of Bal Harbour, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Rabbi Lipskar’s leadership by example. “I was continually in awe of the Rabbi’s extraordinary wisdom, vast knowledge, unshakable passion, and boundless empathy,” Wolf stated. “His life was the embodiment of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s mission — to reach and uplift every Jewish soul.” For Wolf, who shared a close personal relationship with Rabbi Lipskar for over three decades, his passing represents “an immeasurable loss — for me personally, for our community, and for the global Jewish world.”
The outpouring of tributes on social media following Rabbi Lipskar’s passing further underscored the profound personal connections he forged with countless individuals. Many shared cherished memories and recounted moments where his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support had a transformative impact on their lives.
Scott Kaufman, President and CEO of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, mourned the loss of “one of the true giants of Jewish Miami and global Jewry.” He recalled a particularly poignant moment shortly before Rabbi Lipskar’s passing, where the rabbi offered words of comfort and spiritual guidance, gifting him new tefillin and emphasizing the importance of focusing on the positive aspects of Jewish heritage in the face of adversity.
The true measure of Rabbi Lipskar’s character shone brightly in the aftermath of the devastating Surfside condo collapse in 2021. As the community grappled with
unimaginable loss, Rabbi Lipskar opened the doors of the Shul to grieving families and first responders, offering a sanctuary of solace and support. His presence during this horrific tragedy was a beacon of hope, his words offering comfort and strength in the face of profound despair.
“While people were crumbling around him, he was a giant in terms of sharing what people needed to know, needed to hear, what would console them, what would heal them, what would carry them through the darkest moment,” his nephew, Aaron Lipskar, recalled with deep admiration. “That was his magnificent ability.”
Jacob Solomon also remembered Rabbi Lipskar’s extraordinary generosity during this difficult time, emphasizing his unique ability to prioritize the needs of others, regardless of their background. He shared a poignant insight into Rabbi Lipskar’s selflessness: “In
the Jewish community there’s an expression ‘making Shabbos for yourself’, which means that you just do it for your for yourself, and not worry about anyone else. But he didn’t do that. He never made Shabbos for himself. He was concerned about making Shabbos for the entire community.”
Beyond his leadership and humanitarian work, Rabbi Lipskar possessed a remarkable ability to connect with individuals on a deeply personal level, fostering a stronger connection to their Jewish faith. Jerry Levine, a long-time congregant and filmmaker, vividly recalled his first encounter with Rabbi Lipskar as a 26-year-old who had grown up in Reform Judaism. Despite waiting for over two hours alongside a crowd of eager listeners, Levine was captivated by Rabbi Lipskar’s masterful communication and brilliant mind. Learning that the rabbi had come directly from a sentencing hearing in New York, where he had advocated on behalf of another individual, only deepened Levine’s admiration.
“This is a man who travels, who advocates, who speaks on behalf of what he thinks is right and wrong. And he’ll do it in a courtroom, he’ll do it in an apartment, speaking to people… I thought his lecture was amazing,” Levine recounted. This initial encounter led to a decades-long connection with the Shul, beginning in the 1990s when it operated out of the Sheraton Bal Harbour hotel. Levine, who had always been curious about Chassidic Judaism but did not consider himself religious, found in Rabbi Lipskar a guide who could bridge divides and ignite a personal exploration of Jewish identity. “This was a completely modern, a totally modern man who… was able to rivet me in conversation in a lot of different ways and encourage me to explore my own Jewish identity. And that’s the magic of the rabbi. The rabbi was able to speak to anybody from any walk of life.”
Rabbi Lipskar’s influence extended beyond the Jewish community, as he cultivated meaningful friendships with local elected officials and philanthropists. Miami-Dade
County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, in a heartfelt social media post, recognized Rabbi Lipskar as “a source of spiritual strength and moral leadership for countless people…” She expressed gratitude for their friendship, adding, “His wisdom, guidance, and dedication to others will be remembered for generations.”
Gabriel Groisman, the former mayor of Bal Harbour, echoed this sentiment, describing Rabbi Lipskar as “the giant who literally built our community in Bal Harbour.” His words conveyed the profound personal loss he felt, calling the rabbi “My teacher. My confidante. My friend.” He further shared the intimate role Rabbi Lipskar played in his life, from officiating his wedding and naming his daughters to offering prayers during times of need and administering his oath of office as mayor. “He taught me and our whole community what it is to be a proud Jew,” Groisman wrote.
State Senator Jason Pizzo also paid tribute to Rabbi Lipskar, acknowledging his unique ability to be both “giant, and humble.” He recognized the rabbi’s significant impact and his comforting presence during difficult times, writing, “There have been so few people as significant, and yet so warm and accessible, as Rabbi Lipskar. His faith and strength guided many of us through very tough times.”
Rabbi Sholom Dovber Lipskar’s passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by his family, his congregation, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched. He is survived by his beloved wife, Chani; their children, Rabbi Zalman Lipskar and Devorah Leah Andrusier; several cherished grandchildren; and his siblings, Rabbi Mendel Lipskar of Johannesburg, Rabbi Yossi Lipskar of Miami Beach, and Sheva Schochet of South Beach.
While his physical presence is no longer with us, Rabbi Lipskar’s enduring legacy of kindness, inclusivity, and unwavering commitment to uplifting every human soul will continue to illuminate the world. His life serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of faith in action, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, a single beacon of light can make an immeasurable difference. The communities he nurtured, the lives he touched, and the principles he embodied will forever stand as a powerful tribute to a truly remarkable man.
