Sunday, / September 6, 2026
Home / news

Rabbi Zelig Sharfstein, Halachik Authority, Passes Away

Cincinnati, Ohio

(lubavitch.com/LNS) The international Chabad-Lubavitch community mourns the passing early Monday morning, of Rabbi Zelig Sharfstein, 79, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Rabbi Sharfstein was a long time, distinguished member of the Executive Committee of Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbis.

Born in New York City on the Lower East Side, he was sent by the Lubavitcher Rebbe to Cincinnatti in 1954, where, after the passing of the renowned luminary, Rabbi Eliezer Silver, he became Chief Rabbi of the Vaad Ha-Ir of Cincinnati in the late 1960s. 

Rabbi Sharfstein, known for his erudite grasp of Jewish law and its practical application, was sought out by Chabad Shluchim, rabbis and lay individuals worldwide, for his halachik expertise.

He is survived by his wife, Rebbetzin Reba Sharfstein, his children:

Zev Sharfstein, Brooklyn, NY, Shiffy Landa of St. Louis, MO,  Esti Gutnik of Sydney, Australia, and Mendel Sharfstein, Brooklyn, NY, and his brother, Rabbi Mottel Sharfstein, Brooklyn.

Comment

Be the first to write a comment.

Add

Related Articles
Machne Israel Development Fund Relaunches With New Generation of Supporters
Chabad reps and supporters renew the Rebbe’s model of collective responsibility for Jewish communities worldwide Some 100 guests met over an intimate lunch at the…
In Conversation: Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky
Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky was secretary to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, for a period of 40 years. As a young boy of 13,…
Torah Scroll Welcomed to the Rebbe’s Home
In a joyous ceremony, a newly-written Torah scroll was dedicated and brought to its home: 1304 President Street, the home of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin,…
Machne Israel Announces Grant Funding New “Mitzvah Tanks”
Machne Israel — the social services branch of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement — has announced a new initiative that will provide grants to three Chabad centers…
Newsletter
Donate
Find Your Local Chabad Center
Magazine