Rabbi Avrohom Korf, 92, OBM
We are deeply saddened to report on the passing of Rabbi Avrohom Korf, who was sent by the Rebbe on Shlichus to Florida and went on to establish an empire of over 400 Shluchim throughout the Sunshine State. He passed away on the night of Yud Beis Tammuz, 5785 • Full Story
By Chabadinfo Reporter
We are deeply saddened to report on the passing of Rabbi Avrohom Korf, who was sent by the Rebbe on Shlichus to Florida and went on to establish an empire of over 400 Shluchim throughout the Sunshine State. He passed away on the night of Yud Beis Tammuz, 5785.
He was 92 years old.
Avraham Korf was born on 2 Cheshvan, 5693 (1932), to his parents R’ Yehoshua and Chaya Rivka, in the town of Kharkov.
With the outbreak of World War II, the family fled to the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. In 5707 (1947), they escaped the Soviet Union during the great escape, alongside Rebbetzin Chana, the Rebbe’s mother. The family settled for a short time in the Poking refugee camp, after which young Avraham traveled to France to study at the yeshiva in Brunoy, France.
In 5713 (1953), with the Rebbe’s approval, he arrived for the first time in the United States and joined the Yeshivah in 770.
In 5716 (1956), he was sent by the Rebbe along with several other bochurim, to Eretz Yisrael to strengthen the Lubavitcher Chassidim following the horrific terror attack at the Vocational School in Kfar Chabad, in which a teacher and five Talmidim were murdered. He later returned to New York.
In Shevat 5720 (1960), Rabbi Avraham married Rivka. They merited that the Rebbe was Mesader Kiddushin at their wedding — one of the last weddings for whom the Rebbe performed the kiddushin.
Before his wedding, another chosson approached the Rebbe and asked if the Rebbe would officiate at his wedding as well. The Rebbe replied that he had already ceased doing so. The chosson pressed and said, “But we heard that the Rebbe is officiating for Korf.” The Rebbe answered, “He is going on shlichus.”
Shortly after his wedding, in 5720, the Rebbe’s secretary Rabbi Chodakov approached Rabbi Korf and asked if he would be willing to go on shlichus to Florida. Without hesitation, Rabbi Korf agreed and began preparing for the mission.
In Kislev 5721 (1960), just a few months after his wedding, Rabbi Korf and his wife set out on shlichus to Miami. Their activities began on a modest scale, organizing shiurim and lectures in the few existing shuls. With time, they established their own Shul, a yeshiva, and mikvaos.
In the third year of their shlichus, Rabbi Korf launched a summer camp for Jewish boys. Securing land for the camp was fraught with legal and social challenges, particularly due to anti-Semitic zoning laws and discriminatory practices. After lengthy court battles, he successfully acquired a suitable property. The camp operated for two years and served 45 boys.
Over the years, Rabbi Korf spearheaded the growth of Yiddishkeit in the Sunshine State, with 400 new Chabad Houses, and established a full-fledged Lubavitcher Cheder that today serves over 2,500 students and thousands of alumni.
He also oversaw the construction and upkeep of mikvaos across Florida, eventually becoming a renowned expert in the field. In this capacity, he traveled extensively to numerous countries around the world, assisting in the building and renovation of mikvaos wherever his guidance was needed.
He is survived by his children, Rabbi Yossi Korf – Hollywood, FL, Mrs. Rashi Raices – Postville, Iowa, Mrs. Shevi Sossonko – Miami Beach, FL, Rabbi Benjy Korf – Miami Beach, FL, Mrs. Leah Jacobson – Crown Heights, R’ Mendy Korf – Miami Beach, FL, R’ Motty Korf – Miami Beach, FL, Rabbi Zalman Korf – Walnut Creek, FL, Ms. Sari Korf – Miami Beach, FL, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Levaya will take place Tuesday, 8:00 am – procession begins at Chabad Lubavitch Headquarters at 1140 Alton Road, followed by Yeshiva Torah Ohr at 17100 NE 6th Ave, North Miami Beach, FL 33162. Then to L.E.C. Campus at 17330 NW 7th Ave #100, Miami, FL 33169.
The Levaya will then continue at 770 at 3:00 pm, followed by Montefiore Cemetery at 4:00 pm. Times are subject to change slightly.
Shiva information to be announced.
Baruch Dayan Haemes
85
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