lipa

בס"ד 

Dear Dena and kids, Time has a tendency to push painful events from our minds. However, when someone is a part of oneself then that person's memory is a living one. Lipa is my Rav and guide. I still conduct myself in accordance to Lipa's instructions and advice. Such as to always look for the positive points and those issues which unite people. And the psak halacha he gave Wendy o.b.m and me that even though our shabbos hot water urn was on a fleishig belch we could dring in milchig cups from it. This prevented the possibility of arguments.

    Lipa always stressed the point that one has to one true self as much as possible. I adopted this as a life long pursuit. At times we all fill that the weight of our pain both general and private is simply overwhelming. That is why we have each other as Lipa told me do not carry the wight alone.

    Dena, you always use to ask me where my better half was. Wendy is gone fro almost three very long years. But she is in me still behave as she educated me to behave. The Rebbe Melech HaMoschish explains regarding the Histalkus of the Rayatz, that passing is a change of state. The connection is in the higher realms and stronger.

     It was very nice to see Meir in Yerushalim and I wish you all from my heart only happy times and I am here should you need anything. Yours Ohad.

It has been almost three months now since our tragic loss of Rabbi Dubrawsky. Months that have been some of the most painful and difficult of my life. I have found myself thinking of Rabbi Dubrawsky almost every day since. I am not sure what to say other than that I feel such a strong connection to him. A connection that as I write this is pulling me back and forth from comfort to pain. Growing up in Vancouver and going to Chabad must be one of the biggest privileges that a young Jewish person can have. For my frumkeit, every time I thought that what I was doing just was not working I could always feel and see that spark that Rabbi Dubrawsky so humbly passed on to me every time we had an interaction. My interactions with him were never long and often times did not extend beyond, "Hi Rabbi, how are you?" or "Good Shabbos, Rabbi." The response would almost always be the same, a smile and a deep look into my eyes. If he saw something that was out of the ordinary - maybe in the way I looked back at him or just simply with his ability to look into a persons thoughts and feelings without a word - he would ask me, "Are you ok?" or "How is Yeshiva?" and when I responded just with an ok he would smile at me knowingly and nod his head a couple times. I miss these interactions so dearly. Seeing the most unbelievably grounded Jew once a week and often times many more than that was something that I will forever keep with me. I miss you so terribly Rabbi Dubrawsky and as I struggle through yeshiva your neshama guides me.

To Mendy, Meir and the rest of the family, I wish you all long lives filled with all of the Torah that your father and husband left with you.

JJ

Hi Dena,

Shimon and I have tried phoning a few times, but leaving a message seems completely inappropriate. We wanted you to know how deeply sorry we are for your loss. I deal with death every day at work and yet, the news of your husbands' passing was completely devastating. It has hurt us to our very core. I can't even imagine what you are going through. We keep reading the blog about his life and impact on other people. It makes us smile to see how many people he impacted in this world. Shimon sincerely wanted to get on a plane and be in new york, however, his back doctor nixed it.

Your husband was such an incredible man. It was evident in his children, his congregation and his wife. He literally glowed. You could see the riotousness in his face and entire being. I truly believe that he was put on this earth to be a figure of all that is good and noble in our faith. I remember coming to your home when our kids were young. Your husband would simply give the big kids a look, and before you knew it, they would whisk our kids off so that Shimon and I could enjoy our meal. In all of my 43 years of life, your husband is the only Rabbinic figure that has ever made me truly feel spiritual. Shimon and I have always considered him as "our Rabbi", even in San Diego.

You are such an amazing and strong woman. Your children are a reflection of the incredible partnership that that you shared with your husband. You have both been such a fabulous example of how to live life as a Jew. I can only imagine (knowing them) that they will be a source of support for you during this time. 

We are sending you our love and deepest sympathies. We pray that Hashem brings you comfort during this time and strength moving forward. We love you and offer you our support as well. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do.

Shimon and Liza

Dear Dubrawsky family,

Rabbi Dubrawsky was my Rebbe and my Rabbi.  The Rabbi was a great listener and an advisor.  When you faced the Rabbi, you saw a great man!  The Rabbi had a great love for the Yiddish language.  Yiddish was the language we always spoke together.  I felt great in his presence.  Rabbi, I miss your memories.  Your memory is a blessing.  What can I say?  "Eyn tsedeck tuchat ha-shemesh" (Hebrew).

Not only the wider Jewish community lost a great man, but so did Vancouver.  The Rabbi was only 56 years old.  A fund should be created to look after his family.

Faithfully yours,

Leon Broitman

lipa

בס"ד

Who am I? Rabbi Ohad HoKohen Maon. What am I? Lipa's student. Every word which comes out of my mouth when I fabring or teach or answer some question in Halacha or Chassidus is

due to lipa's dedication sensitivity and guidenss. From the marks Lipa made for me in an old sidur in the old Chabad house so that I should know what to say and what to omit.To the most complex issues in Chassidus Lipa always knew how to guide me. All the major decisions my late Wife Wendy and I undertook were taken with Lipa's advice. I would not have been a Rabbi or a Chabadnik without Lipa and his family.HaShem alone knows the many hours Lipa spent on the phone to help me find a place to learn for Rabbinical Ordination.I still lead my life  with Lipa's directives.

I would like to share a few of the insights Lipa taught me. On parashas Amor, the Rebbe says if you have something good to say to someone say it. People tend to appreciate each other in the heart but not say anything. Lipa always stressed the power of positivity. If you a issue with which  you experience pain to not cary it alone talk to a Rabbi or some else who can offer help. Always consider to whom you are talking so that the advice you give that person matches him or her and is a real help. And be gentle. Lipa did not just say these things he lived them.

   Dear Dena and kids you have friends would over. I will never forget what you as a family gave Wendy o.b.m. and myself. Be strong and do not hesitate to rely on our help.

I atest from personal experiance over a long time, Lipa is real Chassid.

                          with love:

                         Ohad.

 

 

 

Only the Very Best

BS"D

Dearest Dubrawsky Family,                                             

The form was broken when Hashem created Rabbi Lipa Dubrawsky zt"l.  There is no other like my Rav in Vancouver who I was blessed to meet in 1998 in the old Chabad House on a Wednesday night.  His appearance struck me immediately.  This person is the real deal, a true person, an authentic Rabbi.  It still seems completely unreal to me that he is gone.  

Within a very short time of meeting Rabbi Dubrawsky, he suggested I come to their Home for a Shabbos meal.  Invitations of this nature are rare in the secular world, sometimes taking years of friendship or being next-door neighbours to come by.  But one quickly gets up to speed when Dena warmly calls to make plans with you.  That first night at the Dubrawsky table changed my life forever.  The Kiddush ceremony over sweet wine sparked a light in me that has endured.  

My friend and mentor, Rabbi Dubrawsky would always implore to me that I "deserved only the very best".  Willing me to expect more from my relationships and life.  He was a unique person, who exemplified the axiom "words spoken from the heart penetrate the heart". And when I moved to Toronto and then New York I was able to hang on, and continue to feel connected with, "we never say goodbye".  

In fact it is clear that Hashem only takes from us the Very Best.  The world has lost a righteous Jew.  His space in this world will remain empty, our hearts are broken. May we find divine assistance in our efforts of teshuvah, so we may see the arrival of Moshiach now. 

With love,

Jane Fischbein

Poem: Rebbes' Rebbe

                                                                                Rebbes' Rebbe

                                             Who now will listen to us

                        and  Hear

           Who now will look at us

                                                                                    and See

                                                  Who now will answer us 

with Wisdom Learning  Compassion and Neshoma

                     

                                                    Sage and Tsadik

                                                              Who would not hear such words

Your depth has left a hole

And where once we tread firm

                                             We now stagger

                       Stumbling for balance

                                                                                  For understanding

                                                          In the sudden emptiness

                  And our very best answer to the silent question that looms

                               Still comes from you

                  

                                                      Because in your way

                                                                   You would surely know

                                         

                                       And we are comforted

                               Again  

                                           

                                                                                           - Avie M. Estrin

A Poem for Rabbi Dubrawsky (Z"L) Dedicated to the Durbrawksy family

A Poem in Memory of Rabbi Lipa Dubrawsky (Z"L)  (For the Dubrawsky family from David J. Litvak)     One foot on the ground And a soul that reached the sky Teaching Kabbalah With a twinkle in his eye   Always holy But never holier than thou A man of his word Who never broke a vow   His kabbalistic insights Could inspire you for days And he could see inside your soul With his penetrating gaze   He was a Torah scholar But he was as humble as can be For he was a disciple Of the Lubavitcher Rebbe   Finding holy sparks In every living being Bringing Talmud to life And making Torah sing   Inspiring all he met With everything he did He was a shining soul One very special Yid   His words could transform Darkness into light And without his holy presence The world is not as bright           David J. Litvak  Cascadia Publicity  Office:1.877.688.0320 Cell:   604.813.3903 www.cascadiapublicity.com

Rabbi Dubrawsky

A very spiritual person and elevated soul, Rabbi Dubrawsky, OBM,
taught us Tora with great clarity.
His teachings brought light to the whole world and that light will
shine forever in our minds.
Rabbi Dubrawsky's intense love for Hashem constantly pulled his heart
towards his Creator.
His unparalleled love for all those around him gave him eyes that saw
only the good in others. He focussed on the pure G-dly soul at the
core of all Jews and dedicated his life to care, assist and elevate
them with total devotion.
Now he is enjoying the Real Life.
May his family find comfort and be materially and spiritually blessed.
Zechuto yagen aleinu and bring Moshiach very soon.
Yehudith Polichenco.

My thoughts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rEh9T0-gms 

Zayt gesunt ((Be well/Stay well),

Motl Pavlich 

Remembering Rabbi Dubrawsky (z"l)

Dearest Dena,

I am so grateful and feel so blessed to have known your husband. As he did so many, he affected my life immensely. I also feel grateful and blessed to know you and your children. As we sat at your table this past Shabbes, I was in awe at the legacy that your children already have. They are wise beyond their age and their hearts and souls are transparent: I see Rabbi and Dena Dubrawsky in them. Their and your strength is an inspiration. 

All my love,

Susy Siegel

Our Rabbi

Dear Dena and family,

Words cannot describe the shock and pain we feel with the very sudden passing of the Rabbi. We are heartbroken. It hurts so much to think we will never sit at your table to listen to the wisdom of Rabbi Dubrawsky.

To both Stan and I he was a true friend, an incredible teacher who inspired us to live a Torah life by reaching our fullest potential. We always felt so excited to see him and to hear his precious words of advice. The most impressive thing of all was his refined way of speaking and the way he treated us.

Stan and I feel that both the Rabbi and Dena are like family to us and we treasure all the moments we spend together.

May his memory be for a blessings and may Dena and the family find comfort and peace.

All our love,
Stan, Shira, Davidi and Avi Radomsky

HaRav Eliezer Lipman ben Yehoshua ZT"L

““The Torah of truth was in his mouth,

And injustice was not found on his lips;

He walked with Me in peace and integrity,

And turned many away from iniquity.

For the lips of the priest (kohen) shall guard knowledge,

And people shall seek Torah from  his mouth;

For he is a messenger [lit., angel] of the Lord of Hosts”  (Malachi 2:6-7)

 

Our Sages z”l comment on these verses: “If the teacher resembles an angel of the Lord, seek Torah from his mouth.  If not, do not seek Torah from his mouth” (Mo’ed Kattan 17a)

 

Chazal consolidated all of the qualities required of a rabbi – spiritual guide – into one, central attribute: resembling an angel of the Lord.”

-          From the Publisher’s Preface to An Angel Among Men – Rav Avraham Yitzchak KaKohen Kook

 

Rabbi Dubrawsky used to say that Yeshiva wasn’t a program.  Yeshiva was a place you learned.  You sat and learned.  As if to suggest that wherever you sit and learn …that is Yeshiva!  And Yeshiva never ends.  Programs end with certificates but true learning never stops.  The true mark of a Rav is not the certificate he earned but the life of Torah that he leads.

When Pirkei Avot exhorts us to “sit amid the dust of their (the sages) feet, and drink in their words with thirst” the authenticity of the sage we visualize in our mind’s eye is the iconic image of an ancient Tanna, or a Rishon of the Middle Ages, perhaps a shtetl Rav – Rabbi Dubrawsky was, for many of us, …that Sage.  

 

“…. the Vilna Gaon, quoted by his brother (Maalos HaTorah), taught that the number 613 cannot mean that those are the only acts that the Torah either requires or forbids.  From the beginning of the Torah until Parashash Bo – a total of sixty-one chapters – there are only three commandments.  In addition, there are many other chapters that contain no commandments.  It is illogical to say that so much of the Torah is without any expression of G-d’s will. 

  Rather, the Gaon explains, the 613 commandments are like the roots of a tree.  From the roots grows the trunk, from which grow the branches, twigs, leaves and fruits.  So too, every word of the Torah is an expression of G-d’s will, so that “everyone with a discerning eye and an understanding heart” can obey G-d’s will constantly at every moment.  Thus, every activity in life should be an emanation of G-d’s will, even though it is not technically on of the 613 commandments.”  - Rabbi Nosson Scherman, in his overview to the book The Six Constant Mitzvos 

 

So often the measure of “frumkeit” is reduced to check-marks on a list: 

-          Keeps Shabbos …. Check

-          Keeps Kosher…. Check

-          Keeps such and such…. Check

But check-marks are no measure of authenticity.  Authenticity emanates.  The authentic “frumme yid” radiates.  He IS Shabbos, he IS Kosher …. He IS Torah! 

 

Rabbi Dubrawsky’s entire being spoke Torah.  The way he gave shiurim, the way he answered questions, his gentle patience with all around him …. his humour.  His Shabbos table – was the definitive Shabbos table… Torah, Torah, Torah.  Five minutes of Kli Yakar on Shabbat morning was a cosmic call to your Neshama not just a nice thought on the Parsha.   Sometimes during davening he would let out a sigh… “Oi Tatte, Tatte”  and you could only wonder at the kesher he had with the Aibishter and the conversation they were having.   

 

Watching him “give over”, in those moments when his Neshama  was touching the highest worlds and his face radiated with the joy of Torah, was the truest chinuch and those of us who had the z’chus to learn from him are better for it.

 

They say that a Talmid Chacham is a Living Torah.  

 

Rabbi Dubrawsky was a Living Torah! 

 

No sefer … no library… can replace his immediate recall, his sharp insights, his deep understanding, his keen sense of his individual students, his gentle guidance or his knowing eyes.

 

Rest peacefully Rabbi – but stay close – we miss you, we miss your Torah …. we need you to show the way.  

 

 

David Emanuel

Rabbi Dubrawsky was a gentle, kind teacher and a righteous person.  He left this world too early in life.  A tremendous loss to the Vancouver Jewish community.

 

Hy Bromberg and Florence Salama

 

Remembering Rabbi Dubrawsky

I still can't believe that when I drive along Oak Street I will never again see Rabbi Dubrawsky (z"l) walking along the sidewalk - wearing his familiar black hat or his raincoat on a rainy day.  Each time I happened to notice him walking either towards Chabad or towards his house it always brought a smile to my face and brightened my day just to have seen him.

Many people have written many heartfelt, beautiful and eloquent things about our beloved Rabbi.  It is really quite stunning how many people Rabbi Dubraswsky (z"l) touched and had a profound and lasting effect on.  Of course, it is also well known that behind every great man there is a strong woman.  Dena you were undoubtedly Rabbi Dubrawsky's (z"l) greatest strength, the two of you were definitely a team.

Being invited to your Shabbat or Yom Tov table was always special and the food was always plentiful and delicious.  However, not only were our bodies nourished with food - our souls were nourished listening to wonderful Chassidic stories or insights into the weekly Parsha.  I often remember noticing how all the guests would be eating and drinking and listening to the Rabbi and at the end of the meal the plates would be cleared and somehow, Rabbi D. (z'l" never quite managed to finish what was on his plate as he had been so focussed on educating and imparting his brilliant knowledge to his guests.

My husband and I joined the couples study group which met every other Wednesday, about a year and a half ago.  We were so honoured to be invited to join this very special group.  I think that Dena and Rabbi Dubrawsky (z"l) enjoyed these evenings as much as each of us did.  It was really through these classes that we got to know Rabbi D. (z'l) and Dena so much better.  I fondly recall Rabbi Dubrawsky's (z"l) reaction when one of us made an intelligent comment or came up with an insight.  He would say "oh oh - zer gut!"  We need a L'Chaim for that!  Those L'Chaims were so special - even more so now.  The brachas he gave us - "Only Good Things - Good Health - Only Simchas"!  We all drank to those blessings, unaware that Hashem had other plans for Rabbi Dubrawski's (z"l) health in what proved to be a very swift and untimely way.  I have no doubt that Rabbi D's neshama is raised so high up in heaven - and he is still sending us those blessings now - minus the scotch!

One last thing I would like to share is that on my last visit to New York a couple of months ago - I made it a point to go and visit the Rebbe's grave in Queens.  I would have to say that this was due to the influence of both Rabbi Dubrawsky (z"l) and Dena.   It was a very powerful experience and one which I will repeat again with Ruben when we go to New York in June.  This time there will be an extra grave to visit which is going to be very difficult.

There is no doubt in our minds that Rabbi Dubrawsky's (z"l) neshama was too pure for this world.   To us Rabbi D. (z'l) exemplified whatever we have learned that a Jew is meant to be.  The same adjectives come to mind that everybody else has used - humble, great humility, gentle, encouraging, noble and dignified.  Rabbi Dubrawsky (z"l) set the bar very high for all of us - and we should all be inspired to act in ways which would honour his memory.  

Our deepest and sincerest condolences go to Dena, all of the Dubrawsky children and their respective families.  May Hashem strengthen you and comfort you and may you never know more pain or sorrow.  

Fondly,

Ruben and Brenda Grubner

There are no words to describe my deep grief

There are no words to describe my deep grief

Dear Dubrawsky family

There are no words to describe my deep grief feeling for the decease of Rabbi Dubrawski.

I also have no words to describe my great appreciation of all the good things that I received from him and his family.

It's been 23 years ago when I first met him it was in a class I attended at Chabad House in Vancouver.

I was so impressed by him. And I still remember what he said in the class: there are three ways how you can discover what a person really is: Kiso Koso and Keaso. Can you imagine remembering something that was said in a class 23 years ago?

The only explanation for that is that when something is coming from inside the heart is penetrating the other hear.

Ever since then he made a huge impact on my life so many hours of deep conversations. So many advisings so many words of wisdom so many Shabbat diners at his home with his family. I always felt so wanted around him.

The only words of comfort I have to say to you is that his good actions made lots of fruits in my life. With his advice and emotional support I went to Israel 8 years ago and enter a yeshiva and Brooch Hashem got married and have a wonderful observed Jewish family.

2 years ago when I came to Visit Vancouver with my wife and my daughter he was so pleased to see how his good actions made such a positive impact on me.

I feel so grateful to Hashem that made me know this wonderful man.

His teaching and memories will remain with me forever.

May all his good actions be a merit of his blessed memory.

With great love and support

Ofer Bezalel and his family

Thinking of you each day

Dear Dena,
The sorrow and shock that has swept through our community over the loss of you beloved husband and our beloved Rabbi is a reflection of how deeply and meaningfully he has touched the lives of so many. It is impossible to erase Rabbi Dubrawsky's presence out of our minds and hearts. I believe he will live forever through all of us in this community and when the passage of time eases the pain of loss we will be able to remember and we will be guided in our lives by his loving kindness.
I am thinking of you and your beautiful family, sending my love and my deepest condolences.
Charlotte
Charlotte Katzen, MA

My encounter with Rabbi Dubrawsky

Hello to the family,
 
My feelings are with you in this difficult time. Zichron l'vraha.
 
I would like to share my memory of speaking to Rabbi Dubrawsky back in 2005.
 
I have been involved in creating and working on a watershed group called the False Creek Watershed Society since 2005. I had learned a great deal about the salmon that used to live in streams in Vancouver and I was teaching others about this. I gathered a lot of information on the importance of fish from the local First Nations who had lived in this area for thousands of years.
 
But one day I wondered to myself: I am so involved with the story of this local fish - this very amazing important fish that is central to the Pacific Coast and the Fraser River. I am learning a lot about this from the local tribal people, of course. But I am also a nice Jewish girl from Montreal. My mother made gefilte fish on yontif and my father - who grew up in Latvia - loved his smoked sardines and white fish and pickled herring.
 
My people were also once tribal people. I knew something about ecological Jewish wisdom. I even once founded a Jewish Environmental group in Vancouver called Adam va Adamah which was very active for eight years. Surely the Jewish people talk about the importance of fish in our lives today?
 
So where should I go for this information? Why 1-800-Lubavitch, of course! I called and the receptionist tranferred me to Rabbi Dubrawsky. I will never forget what he told me. He spoke to me for quite a long time and very carefully explained without a moment's hesitation that - of course to Jewish people fish are a very sacred animal. And of course ritual around water is very important with the Mikvah and Netillat Yadayim. 
 
He told me the Hebrew word DAG is Daled Gimmel and that added together they make seven which is the holiest day of the week. That is why we eat fish on Shabbat. He said that fish were very special to Jews because they inhabited the "other world" - the world we are not a part of. He said that we need to treat the fish very carefully because unlike humans who can move to new places and thrive, the fish is dependent on a water medium. It takes a very misguided individual with a very negative intention to make a point of making life difficult for fish because they have to go far out of their way to distrurb his home. He told me it was very important in Judaism to treat fish with extra respect.
 
How very interesting. This was very close to what the local First Nations said. And indeed the settlers who had come over in 1850 had very quickly clearcut the land and filled in the streams all over Vancouver. They had made a lot of effort taking away the homes of these animals. They thought the supply was infinite. Now we know better that the supply is not infinte but there is still too much destruction and these fish are disappearing. We would do well to follow the laws of the Jewish and First Nations people about not destorying fish habitat and respecting their homes.
 
I was very grateful for Rabbi Dubrawsky's words and his explanation. I was very proud of my own religion for these thoughts for the fair treatment of this humble animal. I remember his words to this day and can still hear him telling them to me. I use the discussion of the fish inhabiting the "other world" all the time when I speak publicly about the importance and fish and water systems in our lives today. This is imperative - becuase if we unerstand the "other world" - the greater world - we understand everything and can better perform Tikkun Olam wherever we are.
 
In my short interaction with Rabbi Dubrawsky, I could see that he was a great teacher. I'm sure he will be sorely missed. I know I always thought I wanted to search him out again to talk about the importance of fish in my own religion some more becuase he was obviously very knowledgable. And I am very saddened that now I cannot.
 
I wish you all much strength.
מיר זאָל זאַין געזונדט
 
Celia Brauer
http://www.falsecreekwatershed.org
 
 
 

Ari and Shoshana Schwartz

BS'D

 

Rabbi Dubrawsky,  My  Rabbi, My Mashpiah,  my mentor and  Friend …

 

i haven't  been  able to  think of  much else for the last  2  weeks  -  in utter disbelief that  he left us  so  suddenly …  Rabbi  D.  was  like  a  'spiritual'  father   to   me  …

I met Rabbi Dubrawski  about  15  years  ago  at the Hadassah Bazar  where   Chabad  had  a  booth  every  year  .

That year  ( 1998)    in the early years of my business we   partcipated in the Hadasah Bazar  and   as  Divine Providence   would have it -   our booth was located  across the hall from  Chabad  ,  so I went over  to the table,  and  met  Rabbi D  for the first  time  -  he  immediately  invited me  to a Farbrenghen   at his house that  week. I had  no idea  what a 'Farbrenghen'  was  -  he told me  to just  come,   something  about him  rang  true  to me  ,  his  sincerity,  gentleness/kind approach  - I  was  drawn to his  energy  from the get  go .   So I   arrived at his house for the first time   and   tasted  my first 'Farbrenghen'  that was   ultimately to change my  life  forever .   I  had  been  living in China  for many years  and  had  recently moved back  to Canada ,  I  was  searching  for  more  Spirituality in my life,  and  I   sensed that  there was  tremendous  depth in Judaism  that  I had  never touched on  ,    I  started  attending   Rabbi D's  classes  and  was  invited  for   shabbes and yomtov meals  at his  house where I met his  wonderful  wife  Dina  and  their  adorable  children  ,   

Rabbi D's   was   like a magnet  to my  soul   -    after a  few months  Rabbi D   arranged for me to  go  to NY   for a  shabaton  in Crown Heights  where  he  arranged for me to  stay with his family ,  I  ended up  staying 2  weeks,  and   when  I  returned  to Vancouver    decided  that I wanted to continue  keeping  the   Holy Shabbes.      my  relationship   to  Rabbi D  grew over the years ,  and    under his  guidance  continued growing  in my  Yidishkeit  ,  as  he  taught me more about Torah  and Mitzvot and  how  to connect  to something  Higher .        He  encouraged me  to   take  some time off and  go to Israel  to learn ,   and  then  he  encouraged  and  councelled   me  on the  path  to find  my  soul mate.      After my marriage  to Shoshana  -  the  Dubrawski's   took  Shoshana in  ,  and  she  was   immediately  drawn  to him  aswell.

He  became  our  Rav,   Mashpiah,  confident,  marriage  councellor   and   good  friend .     There   wasn't  anything  that    we couldn't  speak  to  Rabbi D  about -  no matter what it  was   ,  he  always   related to  us  with  a gentle kindness  and  sensitivity.       We will miss him  terribly.    I  am   greatful  for  having had  him in my life  for  these   years   and  know that  his memory will  stay  alive   in me  and will be a source for Blessing   for  the  rest of my  life .   

He  taught me    that   Chassidim  never  really say good by ,   so I won't  say  good by  to you Rabbi D,     Mashiach  should  come very soon  and  we  should  be together  again   B'mheira ve yameinu !

 

Ari & Shoshana Schwartz

Memories of our beloved Rabbi Lipa

                        Memories of our beloved Rabbi Lipa

There are no words to describe the pain and emptiness that the passing of

Rabbi Lipa has left......For the first few days I kept thinking that someone

was going to tap me on the shoulder and say it was all a bad dream, but he

is gone from this world, and must have moved on to a higher purpose. Why

else would Hashem take such a man from us, when he was doing so much  

 

 good work on earth? 

 

We had the privilege 12 years ago, of joining a couples study group taught

by the Rabbi and Dena, and soon became close friends. Our family are on the

other side of the world, and the Dubrawsky's took us in as part of their

family, and we shared each others good times and bad. 

 

They included us in numerous Shabbat and Yom Tov meals, where the rabbi

would sit at the head of the table, and would tell us beautiful Chassidic

stories and ask us questions relating to the parsha of the week or the

holiday we were celebrating, being sure never to put anyone on the spot. He

would gently probe at us to search within ourselves for answers, each time

bringing out in us a deeper understanding and love of Torah, and of our Jewish

heritage.  His best stories, and the ones he most loved to tell, were stories  

 

of the Rebbe. No matter how many times you heard some of the stories, you  

 

gained new insights on life every time.

One l'Chaim and his cheeks would become rosy, like a yeshiva bocher having

his first l'Chaim. His eyes were penetrating, yet so gentle, and his sharp wit and  

 

 playful sense of humour were always apparent.

He often used the yiddish word "aidel" to describe someone, a word which  

 

so accurately describes him - gentle, sensitive, refined, polite and 

 

 modest to his very core!

When you spoke to him, he would give you his full attention. When he

advised you, his head slightly bowed with humility, he seemed to have an

instant understanding of how you were feeling and he made the path to take

seem so obvious. His knowledge of Torah was so great, and his insights so  

 

 deep, that he had a solution for virtually every situation.

He judged everybody favorably and when you left his company, you always felt  

 

 like you were capable of so much, and you wanted to be your very best.

When our children were young he would say "Lead by example. If you practice

your Judaism with sincerity, your children will feel this, and learn to love

it too". What a fine testament his 10 wonderful children are to the example Rabbi

Lipa and his beloved Dena have set. Each one of them is kind, caring, warm

and sincere, always showing the utmost respect for their parents and

graciously taking care of any guest who comes through the door. They have shared

their parents endlessly with the community, and we have all benefitted so much.

Thank you dear Dubrawsky children, thank you Dena, and thank you Rabbi. We

will try to honor your life by doing mitzvot, studying Torah, and forever

striving to be better students of our beloved teacher and friend.  

Ha makom yenachem etchem bitoch sha'ar avelei Tzion v'Yerushalayim.

 

Jonathan & Renee Katz and family 

Rabbi Dubrawsky

As I stood outside of Chabad with the other Kohanim on the day of Rabbi Dubrawsky's petirah, I was able to see everyone who came and went. It was an amazing thing to see the different types of people who came to pay their respects to such a wonderful human being. There seemed to be every demonination in the city present, whether it was from Chabad, the Kollel or the Yeshiva. There were people from nearly every shul in the city. There were people who were frum and not frum, young and old, men and women. Each person had a different connection to Rabbi Dubrawsky, and were heartbroken when they heard of his sudden passing. Rare is a person who is loved and respected by so many different groups and classifications of Jews, but Rabbi Dubrawsky was just that. Over the close to 9 years I have lived in Vancouver I have never heard a bad word spoken about him. A few of the praises that I heard said about him, were his amazing ablity to give over Torah, his genuine care of others, his humility, and the fact that he was a real mentsh. When I think about Rabbi Dubrawsky I think about the famous words from Micha "hatznay leches im Hashem Elokecha" walk modestly with Hashem your G-d. He did just that, although he was a talmid chacham and a community leader he was always very humble and carried himself with a quiet dignity. Rabbi Dubrawsky was perhaps best known for his outreach work with Chabad. So often in kiruv there are gimics, but by Rabbi Dubrawsky there were none. He was not a "cool Rabbi", but rather a sincere, devout, dedicated, and real Rabbi, and that's why people gravitated to him. I have heard from many that he was a true family man. I myself have seen him out with his family on Chol Hamoed at Science World, and remember how he helped Shaina with her Torah Fair project last year. 

May Hashem bring tremendous comfort and strength to the entire Dubrawsky family and may they only know of simcha, bracha, good health and happiness

Tzvi Goldman 

Rabbi Dubrawsky

To me, Rabbi Dubrawsky represents humility and lovingkindness. So brilliant a Torah scholar and teacher yet so quiet and soft-spoken. He and his family embraced my wife and I when we moved to Vancouver and treated us like family from day one. He taught us Torah through his classes and through the way he lived his life. He always received us with a warm and loving smile as if to say "I so happy you are here". I can't express how much he meant to us. 

Aryeh Elbaz

Rabbi Dubrawsky

So many times since the blog went up, I've tried to write but my tears wouldn't stop. The shock has lessened but the pain is still very real. 

Rabbi Dubrawsky loved the Torah. He loved learning it, teaching it and bringing people close to it. He had the unique ability to take the loftiest and most esoteric parts of the Torah, bring them down to earth and present the deep concepts in a way that everyone would be able to understand. He changed many people's lives this way. His kindness and caring ways shone directly from his pure and holy neshama as he treated everyone with the greatest respect. He was a true tzaddik for all his actions were done exactly as Hashem requested wherever he was; at Chabad House, at home or out in the community. As a Rav, his duties included having to handle sensitive issues. Rabbi Dubrawsky was my Rav and there were times over the years when I had to discuss sensitive issues with him and he handled each one with so much respect and sensitivity. I was so fortunate to have had him as my Rav. May Hashem give much strength to Dena and all their wonderful children KA"H and extended family to get through this most difficult time. 

Esther Tauby 

Rabbi Dubrawsky opened a door for me

Rabbi Dubrawsky opened a door for me to a greater way to live a good life at his class, and I have always appreciate his wisdom which touched me deeply since I moved from China to Vancouver. It is the most unbearable sadness for not only his family, but also for all the people who has been touched by his wisdom during his time on this earth. Rabbi Dubrawsky will always live in my heart, and his legacy is a great treasure to my life journey.
Ning


发自我的 iPhone

Just wanted to Share a photo from my Parents Chupa almost 25 years ago