Local Jewish News

We regret to inform you of the passing of Avrahom Kessler, ob”m, father of Shmuel Kessler.

Shmuel is sitting Shiva at 37 Ralph Place in Morristown, NJ through Thursday. Cleveland Shiva will be Friday through Tuesday morning. Shiva and minyanim dates and times to follow.

R’ Avrahom Kessler, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather and member of the Chabad community in Morristown, NJ, passed away early Wednesday morning, Chai Elul, 5782.

He was 70, a few weeks shy of his 71st birthday.

He was surrounded by his wife and all eleven of his loving children at home, in Morristown, NJ.

He was a devout chossid of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and a talmid of Rabbi Sholom Ber Gordon z”l, who considered him to be a spiritual son.

Avrahom grew up in Maplewood, NJ and inspired his children, grandchildren and all those who knew him with his dedication and love for Hashem. With a life full of passion for Torah and Mitzvos, he strived to always be on a path of growth; “step by step, day by day.”

To know Avrahom, was to know what it means to have absolute faith that Hashem runs this world. When diagnosed with a terrible illness, it was clear to him that there was no other way to fight it than with Bitachon. When commented on his approach, he would respond, “Ivdu es Hashem b’simcha! This is what Hashem wants from us!” He embodied these words every day and was continuously energized by Torah and mitzvos. He inspired everyone who witnessed how strongly he handled this enormous challenge. Constantly impressing his medical team with his positive attitude, his doctor obviously felt the effect on his prognosis as noted in his medical chart, “We reviewed his treatment history. He and his wife/family have been tremendously resilient in this fighting journey.” He modeled this resiliency and in turn enabled his family to support him in the same regard.

He always took an interest in everyone he met with kindness and respect, regardless of their background or profession. He always made sure to share with others how much pride he had in his children and grandchildren. He would often state how wealthy he was with brachos and nachas from his family. His pintele Yid was evident to everyone who encountered him.

He was a firm believer that every person’s Jewish name is the essence of who they are and always called his children by the full name they were given.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elka Malka, and leaves a great legacy of his 11 children and many grandchildren: Shmuel Yaakov (Cleveland), Hersch Leib “Herschel” (Atlanta), Esther Chana Grunblatt (New Haven), Liba Zisel Tevel (Crown Heights), Chaim Mordechai (Baltimore), Chaya Mushka Morris (Atlanta), Kayla Masha Bialo (North Miami Beach), Yitzchok Zev Volf “Yitzie” (Miami), Shneur Zalman “Zalmy” (New Haven), Menachem Mendel Chanoch “Mendy” (Atlanta) and Basya Rivka “Basie” (Crown Heights).

The Levaya will take place today, Wednesday, at Shomrei Hadas in Boro Park at 1 pm and passing by 770 at 2 pm. Burial will be at 2:45pm at Old Montefiore Cemetery in Queens, NY.

המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבילי ציון וירושלים