by COLlive reporter
Rabbi Moshe Yitzchok Gurkow, dedicated longtime Shliach to Boston, Massachusetts and a Mashpia passed away on Friday, 30 Tishrei, 5785.
He was 90.
Rabbi Gurkow was born in Kharkov before the Second World War and escaped the Soviet Union as a young child with his family.
The Rebbe sent him on shlichus to Boston in 5720 where he established Shaloh house, an educational institution for Jewish children that serves the community to this day.
He also established Beis Chomesh, the Russian Jewish community center in Boston. He served on shlichus for 65 years.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Kreina Gurkow, and children, Rabbi Mendel Gurkow – Stoughton, MA, Rabbi Zalmen Gurkow – Westford, MA, Mrs. Faigy Bronstein – Andover, MA, Mrs. Chani Wolowik – Toronto, Ontario, Rabbi Lazer Gurkow – London, Ontario, Rabbi Meir Gurkow – Crown Heights, Rabbi Velvel Gurkow – Montreal, Canada and Mrs. Sheina Silver – Crown Heights, and grandchildren.
He is also survived by his siblings, Rabbi Sholom Ber Gurkow – Montreal, Canada; Mrs. Gittel Edelman – Casablanca, Morocco, and Mrs. Fruma Piekarski – Crown Heights.
The levaya will pass 770 Eastern Parkway at 9:30 AM on Sunday, Beis Cheshvan.
The family will sit Shiva at 1486 Carroll St.
Shachris minyanim will be held at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30. Times are subject to change. Mincha and Maariv bizmano.
Visiting hours 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM and 5:30- 9:30.
Rabbi Sholom Ber Gurkov will be sitting Shiva for his brother R’ Moshe Yitzchok OBM at 16 Klingher Ct Pomona, NY (front door entrance), until Thursday morning. He’ll be sitting in Montreal at 4964 Kent Ave IYH Thursday evening until Friday before Shabbos
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
B.D.E.
I was a student in the Sunday School program at Shaloh House in 1962-1964 before attending the Lubavitz Yeshiva. I was a camper in the Shaloh House in 1964 and 1966 and worked in the day camp in 1972. I davened in Mattapan with Rav Gurkow and have only fond memories of him during my youth.
Rabbi Moshe gurkov was a true chossid , who right away when the Rebbe spoke about shlichus packed his bags to go to Boston on shlichus, a chossid that truly lived with the Rebbe and proudly publicized the Rebbe as moshiach!
I was a student of Rabbi Gurkow at Shaloh House in Mattapan and Milton from 1974-1984. I have fond memories of Rabbi Gurkow and his teachings and spending time with his family.