Dovber Holtzberg

The Grandparents at the fresh grave of Dovber Holtzbaerg

Over the last month, Rabbi Gavriel and Rebbetzin Rivki Holtzberg and their family from Mumbai India, became part of our own family. We were devastated by their untimely cruel death, and we gasped at the incredible miracle of the rescue of little Moishele.

Today in Israel, many thousands gathered to commemorate the Shloshim (end of 30 day mourning period) for Gabi and Rivki, may G-d avenge their blood. May it be G-d’s will that Moishele’s parents from Gan Eden (paradise) guard over him, so he grows to fill their shoes in happiness and good health.

While we grieve for the Holtzbergs and we pray for the bright future of Moishele. We may have not noticed that the Holtzbergs had another child who unfortunately was suffering from a Jewish genetic disease. At the time of his parents’ death, Dovber was very advanced in his debilitating condition without much hope for survival.


Rabbi Nachman Holtzberg (left)

Sadly, only yesterday 4 and a half year old Dovber passed away in a home for children in Israel. As a member of our family, we all renew our grieving as our hearts go out to his brother Moishele, and his grandparents Rabbi and Mrs. Nachman Holtzberg and Rabbi and Mrs. Shimon Rosenberg. May they live good, happy and healthy long years.


Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg

Yesterday, after the funeral Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg said: It is very difficult to keep strong in times like this when on tragedy follows another. But G-d gives and G-d takes. May His name be blessed. This is the time when G-d gives us extra strength to bear the pain, and He gives courage to all not to collapse.

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I am at a loss for words in times like this. I have nothing to say, but shed a tear and another and another.

The Rebbe taught us that in times like this, there is inappropriate to look for explanations and of course not to look for justifications. G-d doesn’t need our defense. All we must do is, to be silent over the tragedy. Then we cry to G-d, our father in heaven, to invoke the powers of mercy, because we have suffered too much pain, and it’s time for Hashem to send us the righteous Moshiach.

This is also a time that we must give each other support and strength and direct our energy to do more Mitzvos and good deeds to help hasten the coming of Moshiach. Then we’ll be relieved of all pain and suffering forever. Amein.