HaRav HaGaon Rav Yitzchak Dovid Grossman Shlita, rav of Migdal Ha’emek and head of Mosdos Migdal Ohr tells a bit about his nephew, Rabbi Gavriel Noach Holtzberg HY”D.

Rav Grossman:

When the parents of Rebbitzin Rivka HY”D, Rav Shimon and Frieda Rosenberg arrived at the Mumbai Chabad House and finally permitted to enter, they asked the nanny, Sandra Samuel, to assist them in locating the children’s personal belongings. They were startled to learn that in the entire 5-story building, the young couple had one room with their belongings. The remainder of the building belonged to the Chabad House – to the public.

They truly gave themselves for the tzibur. It was like the home of Avraham Aveinu. Chazal teach us that Avraham would tend to the men and Sarah the women, and this was the case with the Holtzbergs. They made certain that every guest had everything they needed and in addition, provided for them when they departed. They also referred people to Mosdos Migdal Ohr, trying to continue developing their Jewish neshama. Many visited the Chabad House in Mumbai and the spark was ignited and then they came to Migdal Ha’emek, yearning to develop that spark.

It is truly difficult to describe the selfless dedication of Rav Gavriel. Every Thursday he would slaughter 200 chickens, proving kosher chicken for those who sought it. He learned schita in Migdal Ha’emek. Even on his last Wednesday he purchased the chickens which he planned to slaughter the following day for the upcoming Shabbos.

He did not only concern himself with his Bet Chabad, but on Shabbos he would bring a number of people with him to another shul, concerned that the minyan might fall apart without his support. Jews that frequented the Chabad House were encouraged to visit the prisons to speak with Jewish prisoners, to assist them in maintaining a positive attitude.

His home was open to all. Jews came from near and far, from America, Europe, Australia, and Eretz Yisrael. Rav Gavriel was there to greet them, day or night. He gave them food and drink, words of Torah and inspiration. Sometimes gemara, chumash, words from the Rebbe, or just general topics, but always imparting something for guests to take with them.

He was a beacon of light that illuminated the darkness – he truly initiated a revolution, bringing back children to the path of Avraham, to be Mekadesh Shem Shamayim.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)