Rabbi Zev Wolf Shteingart

Rabbi Zev Wolf Steingart (known as Velvel Botchekover; 1889 - 21 Shvat 1967) was a student of Tomchei Tmimim in Lubavitch, a merchant in Moscow, and spent many years in prison for his involvement in communal activities.

Life History

Reb Velvel Shteingart was born in 1889 to his father Reb Shalom Pinchas and his mother Mrs. Strika in the town of Botchekov, Russia.

He studied in Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Lubavitch under the Rebbe Rashab from 1902 until 1911. He was called 'Velvel Botchekover' after his birthtown.

The Frierdiker Rebbe described him as having "good sensibilities."

Before his marriage, he received semicha for rabbanus.

After his marriage to his wife Chana, daughter of Reb Meir Simcha Chen, he settled in Nevel and later moved to live in Moscow where he became a businessman.

At the beginning of World War II, he was arrested on false charges of spying for Germany, despite having no connection to Germany whatsoever, and was exiled to a labor camp in Zirbulk near Samarkand. From there he was exiled to additional labor camps and spent a total of 22 years imprisoned for his connections to Chabad communal activities in Russia.

After his release, he returned to live in Moscow where he remained until his final days.

He passed away on 21 Shvat 1967 in Moscow.

Family

• His daughter Mrs. Rachel Leah, wife of Reb Yaakov (Yani) Krichevsky
• His son, Reb Shalom Pinchas Shteingart
• His daughter, Mrs. Sterna
• His daughter, Mrs. Chaika
• His daughter Mrs. Rivka Dina, wife of Rabbi Moshe Aharon Geisinky
• His daughter, Mrs. Menucha
• His daughter, Mrs. Sarah