Rabbi Yaakov (Yankel) Lipsker

Born in Russia in 5667 (1907) to his father Rav Chaim Tzvi Lipsker, Rav of Poltava, and his mother Bas Sheva. In 5694 (1934) he married Mrs. Liuba Alta Teibel, daughter of R' Azriel Shalom Chaim Baruch Lebkivker.

Between 5700-5705 (1940-1945) they lived in Kutaisi, Georgia, where they physically supported Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Kutaisi.

In 5707 (1947) they escaped Russia to France, where Mrs. Lipsker cooked for the Rebbe and R' Yaakov would bring him the food. In 5708 (1948) he parted from his brother R' Michel Lipsker and immigrated to America, settling in Manhattan's Lower East Side. At the request of Rashag, he briefly served as a fundraiser for Tomchei Tmimim in America. Despite his success, the Frierdiker Rebbe instructed him to leave fundraising and acquire a farm in New Jersey.

Due to difficulties, he requested to sell the farm, but the Rebbe initially disagreed. Only in 5714 (1954) at the end of a yechidus did the Rebbe agree for him to move to Crown Heights. Several years later, he was appointed gabbai of 770 and helped greatly with its expansion. Among other things, he donated the wooden bimah and aron kodesh of the large zal and was chairman of the 770 "Building Committee."

For parnassah, he ran a small grocery store selling food items to Crown Heights residents.

He passed away on 21 Sivan 5745 (1985) and is buried in the Chabad section of Montefiore Cemetery in Queens, New York.

Master Craftsman

Rabbi Lipsker specialized in handwork, investing much time and effort in creating elegant furniture characterized by combining wood pieces of different colors. These furnishings adorned the large and small zal in 770, as well as the Rebbe's private home. He gave similar-styled items to family members for simchas, such as an elegant wooden challah tray.

Among the many items he created:

• The large aron kodesh in the beis medrash at 770
• The aron kodesh in the small zal at 770 (added coating)
• An aron kodesh for a Haftorah sefer in the Rebbe's room
• A special table for the Rebbe's weekday place in the small zal
• Many shtenders scattered throughout 770
• A decorated table placed on the second floor of the Rebbe's private home
• A special tzedakah box in the Rebbe's home

His Family

• Son R' Avraham Lipsker - Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Tiferes Menachem Sighet
• Son R' Chaim Shalom Dov Ber Lipsker - Chozer and Mashpia at Yeshivas Chovevei Torah Crown Heights
• Son R' Tzvi Hirsh Lipsker - Crown Heights
• Son R' Shneur Zalman Lipsker - Gabbai of 770
• Son R' Shmuel Lipsker - Secretary of Kollel Chabad
• Son R' Yosef Yitzchak Lipsker (Fitzi) - Mashpia at Yeshivas Tiferes Menachem Sighet (previously in Morristown)
• Daughter Mrs. Tzvi Jacobson, wife of R' Gershon Ber Jacobson
• Daughter Mrs. Esther Raskin, wife of R' Sholom Dov Ber Raskin
• Daughter Mrs. Leah Marmelstein, wife of R' Shmuel Dov Marmelstein