Rabbi Bentzion Korf
Rabbi Bentzion Korf (known as Benji) is a Chabad activist who serves as CEO of Chabad institutions in Florida, principal of the Chabad Cheder in Miami, rabbi of the Kesser Avraham congregation in the city, chaplain (chief rabbi) of the Greater Miami Police Department, and a community leader.
Life History[edit | edit source]
Born in Florida to his father Rabbi Avraham Korf, the Rebbe's emissary to the state. During his childhood years, he studied at the local Chabad Cheder, and in his youth, he studied at Ohelei Torah.
Rabbi Benji Korf married Mrs. Chana, daughter of Rabbi Shlomo Maidanchik, and established his residence in Miami, Florida. After his marriage, he joined his father Rabbi Avreiml Korf's outreach work and was later appointed CEO of Chabad institutions in Florida, beginning the development and building of the Chabad community in Miami.
In Tishrei 5781 (2020), during a preliminary election event, then-Vice President Mike Pence held a meeting with Florida emissaries led by Rabbi Benji Korf, during which Mike Pence thanked Chabad for its activities in the USA in general and worldwide in particular.
Towards Lag BaOmer 5784 (2024), Rabbi Korf organized the largest Lag BaOmer parade in Florida and one of the largest in the world in Hialeah, South Florida, with over 15,000 participants.
In Iyar 5784 (2024), he was appointed by Florida authorities as the Chief Chaplain of the Greater Miami Police Department in an official ceremony, where Florida Police Commissioner Wayne Jones presented him with the Chaplain ranks in the presence of Florida law enforcement senior officials.
Rabbi Korf serves as the director of educational institutions in the city. As of 5777 (2017), 1500 students study in the educational institutions under his management.
Additionally, Rabbi Korf serves as the rabbi of the Kesser Avraham synagogue on Collins Avenue. Rabbi Korf is also among the organizers of the annual journey to the gravesite of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, the Rebbe's father, in Kazakhstan, during which a charter of Chabad Chassidim from Miami and the surrounding area travels to the gravesite in Kazakhstan.
Rabbi Benji Korf also manages the annual regional emissaries' convention in South Florida, attended by approximately 200 emissaries.
Family[edit | edit source]
- His son, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Korf - Miami, Florida
- His son, Rabbi Shneur Zalman Korf - Miami, Florida
- His son Rabbi Shalom Dovber Korf - Miami, Florida
- His daughter Chaya Mushka, wife of Rabbi Chaim Stern - Miami Florida, spiritual director of Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva in the city
- His daughter, Devorah Leah, wife of Rabbi Shmuel Chaim Winter - Miami Florida, mentor at Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva in the city
- His son, Rabbi Shneur Zalman Korf - Miami, Florida
- His son, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Korf - Johannesburg, South Africa