www.chabadfivetowns.com | Blogs | HaYeled Levi Yitzchak Wolowik, OB"M

Shloshim for Levi

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 4:22:00 PM

It's been close to three weeks now since the sudden passing of our dear son, Levi Yitzchak, A"H, and the traditional Shloshim (memorial) is soon approaching. It would be most meaningful to my family and I if you would join us for a special evening remembering Levi: Monday, March 30, 8:00 p.m. at the Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst.

We're taught that after thirty days, a soul ascends to a higher realm while the mourners lighten their sorrow to some extent. As such, it is customary to hold a memorial at this stage to share memories, learn, and pray in honor of the departed. At this time, it will also bring us a measure of comfort to announce the plans for our new Library in memory of Levi Yitzchak.

The memorial evening will feature divrei chizzuk, words of comfort, from Rabbi Teitelbaum, Rabbi of Young Israel Lawrence Cedarhurst; a siyum Mishnayos, a few words by Rabbi Shmuel Strickman, one of the Elementary Principles of Darchei Torah, Levi Yitzchak's Yeshiva; launching the project in Levi Yitzchak's memory by Mr. Ben Brafman and words on behalf of the family by Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, grandfather of our Levi Yitzchak.

Your participation would be a great honor to my son Levi on the day of his Shloshim. May we only share in happy occasions in the future.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8: Unveiling & New Children's Sefer Torah

Sat, 7 Mar 2009 9:34:00 PM

HAKAMAS HAMATZEIVA (UNVEILING):
The unveiling will take place this Sunday, March 8, 12:00 PM at Old Montefiore Cemetery in Queens, 226-20 Francis Lewis Blvd, Queens. (Enter through the main entrance and take Montefiore Road until the end. Or, enter through the gates near Ohel Chabad; make a left on Abraham Avenue, continue until the end and then make a right.)

NEW CHILDREN'S SEFER TORAH
In memory of Levi Yitzchak, ob"m, a new Sefer Torah be written, beginning this Sunday. This is dedicated by all the children of Shluchim worldwide and any child who wishes to participate. The first letters will be inscribed at the Wolowik's home, 748 Central Avenue in Woodmere, this Sunday, March 8, beginning at 4:00 PM. To learn more about this project or to participate, click here.

A Message from Rabbi Zalman & Chanie

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 1:02:00 PM

My Dear Friends,

Moments ago, Chanie and I, along with Mendel, Goldie, Binyomin, Yerachmiel, Dovid and Sholom have stood up from Shiva, after our Levi Yitzchak, a”h.

First of all, thank you. Thank you for your love, thank you for your warmth, thank you for your support. Each person who visited and called; who cried or helped; who sat with us silently, sharing our pain – has been a source of great strength for us.

We are taught that we cannot understand the answer to the resounding question of “Why?” Only Hashem can know that. The pain resounds in all our hearts, as it echoes through the ages of our nation’s history. This question, however, can be asked: What? What are we supposed to do in the face of this tragedy? How are we to respond to Hashem’s will? Not only can we ask it – but we must.

After the passing of his wife of sixty years, the Rebbe repeated time and again the verse from Kohelet, “And the living shall take to heart.” Each one of us must become better, must change, must do more good.

When five young children were murdered in their classroom in Kfar Chabad in 1956, the Rebbe responded by building. He expanded the school, sent more Shluchim to Israel, and founded more institutions. To this day, those institutions and the lives they have touched stand in everlasting memory to those who passed on.

Although our Levi Yitzchak was taken from us at such a young age, he accomplished so much in his life. He learned, he played, he loved and he laughed – and he was always happy. Chanie and I, along with a group of family and friends have decided to launch the Levi Yitzchak Jewish Children’s Library – a place where children can study and immerse themselves in a Jewish book. A place where Levi would have found himself happy and at home. Please click here to learn about this project, and to help us eternalize Levi Yitzchak’s life.

May we share only many happy ocassions together, and may we merit the coming of Moshiach, whom we will greet, “With our young and our old, our sons and our daughters – a great multitude will return there.” And may it be now.

Good Shabbos.

Rabbi Zalman & Chanie Wolowik

Launching: The Levi Yitzchok Children's Library

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 3:41:00 PM

In honor of their beloved son Levi, Rabbi Zalman & Chanie Wolowik announce the establishment of The Levi Yitzchok Library in the Five Towns.

The lending library will be a resource for children and parents in the entire community. We plan to include a wide range of children's books on Jewish themes, books on parenting and education, a research center, multi-media and so much more with an anticipated opening this Spring.

Click here to learn more and to participate in this beautiful endeavor in Levi's memory.

Please add your comment

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 1:58:00 AM

PLEASE ADD YOUR COMMENT: Share your thoughts and feelings. Express your pain and grief. Reflect on Levi's short but meaningful life.

All notes will be shared with the Wolowik family. May G-d comfort them amongst the mourners of Zion and may they only know of joy and happiness from now and forever.

Rabbi Zalman & Chanie's message to dinner participants

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 1:27:00 AM

The following message was placed at each table setting at Chabad's Annual Dinner this evening.

Dear Friends,

Thank you for attending tonight's dinner. We want to thank the honorees, sponsors, our fellow Shluchim and everyone else for making all of Chabad's work here a reality.

Please enjoy tonight's dinner with the joy that it deserves - a celebration of remarkable individuals and their outstanding contribution to the work of Chabad of the Five Towns, and especially since we are in Adar, the month of joy.

On so many occasions, we were taught by our beloved Rebbe, ZY"A, that the only way to confront tragedy, to overcome and persevere - is to persist with even more energy and more joy.

There could be no greater way to honor Levi a"h. He is no doubt looking on and having Nachas from this gathering tonight.

May we speedily merit the time when "G-d will wipe tears from every eye;" when we will see Hashem's goodness only in open and revealed ways.

Rabbi Zalman and Chanie

A word from our Honorees

Sun, 1 Mar 2009 10:46:00 AM

Dear Friends,

From the moment on Shabbos morning when we learned of the tragedy, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Wolowik have been insistent that tonight's dinner must go on - on schedule and as planned.

Everything that has been accomplished by Chabad of Five Towns over the past 14 years is thanks to the leadership of this incredible couple. Their steadfast and breathtaking love of Hashem, love of Torah, and love of their fellow Jews has been their foremost and only guidepost, always putting their personal needs and emotions aside. So it is with heavy hearts but with no doubts in our mind that we will follow their wishes and celebrate tonight.

A celebration of Chabad of the Five Towns is truly a celebration of this family's impact on our community. Please join us as we come together to support Chabad of the Five Towns and the Wolowiks in this time of need.

We look forward to seeing you tonight in the spirit of Adar, when Torah teaches us to "increase in joy."

May we join together for true Simchos always, and may we merit the coming of Moshiach now.

Faivish & Tamar Pewzner
Misha & Esti Rappaport
Dr. & Dr. Slesinger
Shea & Debbie Werner

A personal message from Rabbi Zalman & Chanie - re: Dinner

Sun, 1 Mar 2009 3:37:00 AM

We would like to convey a personal message from Rabbi Zalman & Chanie: As difficult a time this is, The Rabbi & Rebbetzin urge the entire community to participate in Chabad’s Annual Dinner tonight, l'ilui nishmas their son, Levi. Reception beginning at 6:00 PM, Dinner at 7:30 at the Sephardic Temple.

The Wolowik's have insisted that the event go on as planned and that all who planned on attending should certainly participate -- with joy, befitting the month of Adar.

DINNER STILL ON - will go on as planned

Sun, 1 Mar 2009 1:17:00 AM

Please note that Chabad's Dinner which is scheduled for today, March 1st, will go on as planned. The event is NOT cancelled.

Shiva Information

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 11:42:00 PM

Shiva is being observed through Friday morning March 6th at the Wolowik’s home, 748 Central Avenue in Woodmere.

Shacharit: Monday - Friday at 8:00 am;
Mincha and Maariv, Sunday - Thursday at 5:40 pm.

Baruch Dayan HaEmes

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 10:08:00 PM

It is with profound pain that we inform you of the tragic passing today of Levi Yitzchok Wolowik
beloved son of our dear Rabbi & Rebbetzin, Rabbi Zalman & Chanie

The Funeral is taking place tomorrow, Sunday, 3/1:
1:00 PM • At Shomrei Hadas Chapels, 3803 14th Avenue in Brooklyn
1:30 PM • Passing by Lubavitch World Headquarters, 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn
2:30 PM • the procession will pass by Chabad, 74 Maple Avenue, Cedarhurst
2:45 PM • OLD Montefiore Cemetery, 226-20 Francis Lewis Boulevard in Queens.