The Beth Torah family has lost more than our rabbi. We’ve lost our spiritual guide, our leader, our father. Rabbi Zvulun Lieberman has nurtured our congregation since its inception over 50 years ago. He has molded Beth Torah into a congregation of inclusion, tolerance, brotherhood and understanding. Always sensitive and respectful of our customs and traditions, he has safeguarded our Sephardic heritage.
How fortunate we are to have found a rabbi who represented all facets of knowledge. He was an expert in Torah studies and halachah. He was fluent in many languages. An Intellectual, and student of the renaissance he was well versed in Shakespeare’s works. He understood the financial world and its intricacies. He was very current on all global events. He was even a sports enthusiast, with a special place in his heart for baseball. His understanding of the world allowed him to relate to everyone, from the greatest scholars to the simplest layman.
Just recently, my son and I went to visit the rabbi in the hospital. The first question he asked when he saw my son was: “What are you studying in college?” A major concern of his was ensuring that our Jewish boys, along with Torah learning, are attaining a higher education and securing professional degrees. It was very important to him that our children be able to thrive and prosper in today’s world.
One of Rabbi Lieberman’s greatest attributes was his love of the land of Israel. A staunch Zionist, he was a pioneer in organizing many trips to Israel through our shul. One of my fondest memories is seeing a photo of the rabbi with an Uzi slung over his
shoulder. We even nicknamed him Rabbi Rambo.
He was the embodiment of courage and class, possessing amazing strength. We all remember when he came to shul and led our congregation in Yom Kippur prayers immediately after learning that his son, Hillel A”H, was just murdered in Israel. I have never witnessed such extraordinary strength and courage. How fitting that his passing was on the 8th day of Hanukah. Like the Maccabim, He was a warrior. He confronted every battle with tremendous faith and grace.
Over the years, Rabbi Lieberman has celebrated almost every brit milah, bar mitzvah, wedding and simcha. Every bar mitzvah boy at our synagogue received a special blessing from the rabbi, and was given his very own Chumash. He would hand the book
over, smile, and tell the boy not to be afraid of over-using his new Chumash; he’d be more than happy to replace it when it wears out. That was Rabbi Lieberman.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Bracha, his daughters Tehilah and Elyora, his brother Hon. Paul Lieberman and his daughter in law Yael and grandchildren.
Yaakob Abinu gives his son, Zevulun this blessing: ifah ohnh ;ujk ikucz most commonly translated as Zevulun shall settle by the seashore. The passing of Rabbi Zevulun Lieberman has inspired an additional interpretation of these words. May our dear Rabbi Zevulun, ohnh ;ujk at the End of his Days ifah rest in peace.
It is no coincidence that the eighth day of Hanukah, the third of Tevet, marks the passing of Rabbi Dr. Zvulun Lieberman, rabbi, mentor, Torah scholar, illuminator and friend. To enumerate the accomplishments of Rabbi Dr. Lieberman, it would require a volume of encyclopedic proportions. If one were to seek a definition of Gedol Hador (great man of the generation), one need not look any further than Rabbi Dr. Lieberman.
Rabbi Dr. Lieberman’s eclectic Torah outreach impacted thousands of Jews whose lives were transformed by his Torah wisdom, warmth, rabbinic teachings and overall demeanor.
I was truly blessed by Hashem to have had the privilege of attending his weekly Shabbat classes. When he spoke, he had the gift of reaching out to each and every neshama (soul).
He entertained and encouraged questions and ideas. His teachings embodied the lessons of our ancestors and how Ahavat Torah, Ahavat Hashem and Ahavat Yisrael (love of Torah, love of Hashem and love of Israel) should not remain theoretical, rather kinetic.
In October 2000, Rabbi Dr. and Rebbetzin Lieberman had to come to grips with the traumatic loss of their only son, Rabbi Hillel Lieberman, who was brutally murdered by Arab terrorists as he attempted to rescue two burning Sefer Torahs. Rabbi Dr. Lieberman emulated our forefathers as he grappled with this horrific challenge and he valiantly rose to the clarion call. He mourned in silence as he continued to lead the Yom Kippur service at Beth Torah.
Among the many divine gifts which he possessed was a heightened appreciation for the uniqueness of every individual Jew. With his students and congregants, he forged an ongoing partnership.
We probed the depths of Torah as the rabbi illuminated, highlighted and clarified the most complex Torah concepts.
His undaunting support of Eretz Yisrael, his Zionist positions and speeches combined with Torah learning were a clear indication of his strengthened resolve to reinforce the Jew’s connection to Hashem twenty-four/seven.
I visited the Rabbi Lieberman often, during his most recent hospitalization. His prayers to Hashem and refusal to succumb to his ailing health and medical setbacks were indicative of his heightened emunah (faith).
Rabbi, your larger than life legacy of igniting the sparks of Ahavat Hashem, Ahavat Torah and Ahavat Yisrael resonate in our hearts and minds. As the Hanukah lights are now extinguished, your passing has left Klal Yisrael with a profound void. The world has lost a world-renown rabbi, Torah giant, spiritual mentor and guide, outstanding teacher and friend.
May you be a true advocate for us in shemayim and may you help usher in the imminent arrival of Moshiach. May you rest in peace.
The entire Brooklyn Sephardic Jewish community is mourning the loss of Rabbi Dr. Sidney Zvulun Lieberman A”H, the Spiritual Leader of Congregation Beth Torah for over 52 years, who passed away recently.
Rabbi Lieberman lived a life free of judgment and full of unconditional love. His parents, Hillel and Yehudit, Julia Lieberman, encouraged him every step of the way.
Rabbi Lieberman’s professional accomplishments are quite impressive. He joined the staff of the Yeshivah of Flatbush as a high school administrator in 1954. He quickly received a promotion to assistant principal, then acting principal and finally principal of general studies. He stayed there until 1966.
He was the Headmaster of Ramaz High School, Professor of Talmud and Halakha at Yeshivah University, a Member of the Rabbinical Council of America, Head of the Syrian Community Beth Din, Head of Vaad Harobinnim of Flatbush, and, of course, Spiritual Leader and Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Beth Torah.
Rabbi Lieberman was dedicated to our community and to his congregation. Under his leadership and the leadership of Rabbi Yehuda Ari Azancot, Congregation Beth Torah’s main minyan featured world renown Sephardic Cantors. Housed in its historical main sanctuary, built in 1968, and accommodating over 400 worshippers, men and women, the synagogue’s daily, Shabbat, holiday and special services were nothing less than glorious and enriching. Inspiring sermons and divrei Torah were beautifully delivered. The minyan is still the perfect place to bring guests and family to celebrate happy occasions and to stay involved with the synagogue’s programming and events.
When Syrian Jews were allowed to leave their country for the first time in more than 40 years, Rabbi Lieberman welcomed 18 immigrant families into his congregation.
Rabbi Lieberman was also dedicated to Israel. Prior to 1948 and the founding of the State of Israel, he was active in Zionist causes. His ties with the State of Israel grew even stronger when his children settled in the Holy Land and then his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Twelve years ago, a tragedy changed his life forever. His beloved son, Rabbi Hillel Lieberman was murdered at the age of 36. An IDF statement said, “Lieberman was murdered in cold blood by Palestinian terrorists.” He had seven children. He was one of the founders and administrators of the Od Yosef Chai (Yeshiva at Joseph’s Tomb), and gave daily Torah lessons at the shrine. He was a wonderful man and a brilliant rabbi and his father was never the same after his passing.
Rabbi Lieberman is survived by his wife, Bracha, his two daughters, Tehila and Eliora, his brother Paul Lieberman, his daughter-in-law Yael and grandchildren in Elon Moreh, Israel.
Rabbi Lieberman was buried in Israel next to his son. Our heartfelt condolences are extended to the entire family.
