Raised in a Shlichut family, he dedicated his life to the Rebbe’s mission of spreading Torah and Chassidut throughout the world. After his marriage, he established the Chabad House in Century City, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. His last activity was co-hosting “An Evening with the Rebbe,” a grand tribute marking the 25th anniversary of Gimmel Tammuz at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

He is survived by his wife and five children (ages 17 to 5). He also leaves behind his parents, in-laws, siblings and extended family.

During this incredibly difficult and painful time for the family, please help us support them generously. Thank you so much!

After a series of tests at Tel Hashomer Hospital in Israel, a minor surgery was decided. Shortly before it, an ink injection meant to mark the site triggered a very rare infection in my intestine, requiring a long hospitalization just before Pesach. After Pesach, the intestine had closed, with a strong risk of total obstruction.

On the advice of Mr. Firer and his team, we went to Florida, to the Cleveland Clinic, where a world-renowned surgeon specializes in this exact field. Tests showed the tumor had progressed (stage 2, T3). Chemotherapy and radiation were decided, along with a stent in the intestine. During treatment, a serious esophagitis infection put me back in hospital for over a week.

The surgery, performed by Professor Wexner, lasted over six hours. According to the pathology, everything is now clean, thank God, but severe complications still require daily treatment, and another surgery is planned to restore bowel function. We hope to return to Israel in three or four months.

In the meantime, the costs are very, very high: six of our children are in Israel, staying with families, and three are with us. We live in two places at once, without any salary for months. Health insurance alone costs $2,100 a month, for at least another year.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the help you have already sent and for continuing to assist us, hoping for good and happy news.”

We rent a Chabad House and, thank God, despite all the trials and difficulties, we have not stopped any of our activities. We have six children (the oldest is seven). The Shluchim Office online school recently granted a scholarship to our two eldest; my wife is educating the others at home.

We live in a small town with about 1,000 Jews, 90% of whom have intermarried. There is no other Orthodox presence, no community center and no federation: just our Chabad House. The nearest Shliach and Mikvah are six hours away.

Initially, we were mostly funded by donations from other cities (New York, Miami, Los Angeles…). With the financial crisis, most of those donors stopped. We now raise more locally, but it is still a struggle every month to pay the bills.

Your help, along with that of a few other donors, has literally saved us during a very difficult time. We still have debts, but at least we can see a light at the end of the tunnel. We wish you much success, with all our thanks!”

— Rabbi Mendel, of the Chabad Community Center

As you can imagine, the family is completely devastated. Please pray for Hanna bat Mouchka: they need our help. Please help us help them in these times of great distress and need.

He is survived by his wife and seven children, the oldest of whom is just 12 years old. His wife is doing her best to keep their family whole and healthy.

Please join us in helping this family, just as Rabbi Zalman cared for his students and community, with unwavering commitment and kindness. Together, we can become the bridge, the path and the guide that help this family navigate this devastating emotional and financial crisis.

We are deeply grateful for your generous donation.

A second Shliach, Shalom Ber ben Luba, is undergoing surgery today for the cancer he has been battling for several months; it will last between four and six hours. Please pray for him and for all the Shluchim who need a speedy recovery. Please say Psalms 20 and 42.

Please contribute to their ongoing personal and medical expenses. Thank you.