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Sharing Memories
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Since their arrival to India, Rabbi Gabi and Rivkah Holtzberg have served their local community, as well as the international community, with great devotion and selflessness. Many, many people have been impacted by them during their time in India, as well as during earlier portions of their lives.
If you have any such experiences, please share them with the rest of us via the Post A Comment feature below (where you will also find shorter, vignette-style memories).
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My Impromptu Bar Mitzvah
Nathan Azize, Munich, Germany
The way in which everything was done gave me the feeling that we were being filmed or something because he was just so enthusiastic. I could not believe in that moment how beautiful it all was; and just for me.. | |
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Rivky Sat In For My Operation...
Anonymous
Having her pray for me as I went in made me feel that everything would be alright and that all was right with the world. I had no idea that years later the world would become very, very wrong... | |
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An Oasis of Redemption
Baruch Shalom Davidson
Today my tears flow freely as I write these memories. Who would have thought that in these very rooms filled with love and light, hate and darkness would end the lives of my dear friends?  2 Comments | |
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Memories and Lessons From Mumbai
David Bogner
Every guest at the Holtzberg’s table left with the odd (but special) feeling that we had somehow done our hosts an incredible favor by coming! | |
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Like Meteors in the Sky
Samuel Marshall
Gaby just said, "Let's jump over the wall," which was six feet high. A very minor impediment when you consider what he faced throughout his five year period in Mumbai... 2 Comments | |
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At The Shabbos Table With Gabi and Rivkah
Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
Entering the Chabad House was like encountering a lighthouse in the middle of a dark ocean. It did not take long to realize that its proprietors, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg, were extraordinary people and practitioners of kindness. 1 Comment | |
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Soymilk From Scratch
Reuben Posner and Leila Bilick
We keep going back to the small things. So many people have written about the big things—how they dedicated their lives to serving Jews, etc.—but Gabi and Rivki, as we knew them, were also people with unique thoughts, habits, idiosyncrasies, stories, personalities... 1 Comment | |
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Righteous Souls
Trevor Horwitz, Atlanta, Georgia
This was one of my most memorable Shabbat experiences, not in any way because of the tragedy that subsequently occurred, but for zeal and commitment to the Jewish people that Rabbi Gabi and Rivki demonstrated. | |
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Don't Leave Us Stranded
Pesha Leah Azoulay, Brooklyn, NY
Rabbi Holtzberg, when I spoke to you on Tuesday / You were so accommodating / "I would never want to be a stranded Jew in India" / Those were your words... 2 Comments | |
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A Precious Evening
Valerie Porush
By the end of the night, we had all forgotten that we had arrived strangers and that we were in a strange land. This is all because of Rivky and Gabi... | |
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Last Purim with the Holtzbergs
David Perla
They never preached, never suggested that I or anyone else practice Judaism in any particular way, and never judged. They simply wanted it understood that their home was always open, and I was always wanted and welcome... | |
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Sleep Eluded Me After the Shabbat Meal
Louis Allan Krieger
For some reason or another, I had taken for granted the fact that a Chabad house existed in the middle of nowhere. I had taken for granted the fact that kosher wine was shipped to house in three gallon plastic jugs, all the way from Israel... | |
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Heroes of Mumbai
Anonymous
This song was written and recorded on the night we learned of the tragedy, in loving memory of the sacred souls who perished in the Mumbai terrorist attack in the Chabad House. 1 Watch (2:15) | |
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Words May Fail Us, But Actions Cannot
By Daniel P. AldrichWe can all put our grief, our disbelief, our desire to do something into action—and we must do it quickly. Send money to a Jewish cause. Spend some time telling your parents, children, and friends how much you love them... 1 Comment | |
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A Bright Spot in the Mumbai Darkness
Raphael Altman
Everything was possible with Rabbi Gavriel and Rivki, thanks to their wonderful optimism in the face of the adversity of India's day-to-day life. Thanks to their love of life and energy, their consideration of others and their selfless work. 2 Comments | |
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My Sister's Wedding
Batya Rotter
How does one deal with a wedding and a terrorist attack on the same day--both so close to home? While my sister and her husband began a journey of love and commitment, the couple who knew a love and a commitment to a calling beyond themselves were under attack. 4 Comments | |
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1–20 21–31
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Since their arrival to India, Rabbi Gabi and Rivkah Holtzberg have served their local community, as well as the international community, with great devotion and selflessness. Many, many people have been impacted by them during their time in India, as well as during earlier portions of their lives. If you have any such experiences, please share them with the rest of us here.
74 Comments Posted
Latest Comments:
My wife, Susan, and I spent a beautiful Friday evening at the Chabad House in January. We met Rabbi Gabi at Kabbalat Shabbat services in a beautiful shul in downtown Mumbai and he insisted we and others come back to the Chabad House for Shabbat dinner. It was a spectacular evening with 50 or more people there all sharing a common bond and all treated to such warm and beautiful hospitality. Gabi and Rivka couldn't have been better hosts and made everyone feel so good and so at home. You knew instantly this was a very special couple and messengers from G-d. We mourn this tragic loss and know their memories will be an inspiration to all who had the special opportunity to get to know them for even just a short period of time. May their souls rest in peace knowing how many people they inspired to be better and more caring individuals and Jews.
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On the last night of Chanuka 2005 we went to the gateway of India to see the candles being lit. This was organised by Gabbi and Rivky. We then were taken in a horse and carriage with a huge menorah to the Chabad house where we had a lovely dinner cooked by Rivky
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Some years ago we had a baby who was born ill. The doctors tried to save him, but unfortunately could not. Afterward, with time and healing, I began to think about having another child, but I was afraid to have this happen again; I lacked a certain level of faith in G-d and what He choses is good. I sought advice and words of encouragement. I was adviced to call Rivky Holtzberg, for she had faced similar challenges and was known for her strong emunah, faith. I did not call her, for I did not want to make her speak about an obviously painful experience, but I did feel strengthen from the mere knowledge that another woman could be strong during such times. We did have another baby, and, also called him Moshe,
My deep condolesces to their families and to little Moshe.
May G-d send us Moshiach immediately, when we will then understand why He choses to do what He does.
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On Thursday the 27th November 2008, when we heard that Nariman House in Mumbai was taken over by terrorists, my husband my two daughters and myself were beside ourselves with grief and prayed and prayed for the safe release of Gaby and Rifka Holtzberg and all at Chabad House.
Sadly this did not happen and our hearts were shattered at their tragic and needless murder - I asked my husband how could any human being do what these terrorists did to all at Chabad House to which he answered they are not human even animals do not kill needlessly—they kill only for food.
We were on holiday in India last December/January and while in Mumbai had the privilege of being welcomed by Rifka and Gaby into their home where we experienced first hand their great kindness, warmth and hospitality.
It was very special to be able to sit at their table and meet Jews from all over the world, enjoy Rifka's delicious food and listen to Gaby's words of Torah.
Gaby and Rifka were a very special couple, they gave of themselves unselfishly and we were very impressed at the amazing work they were doing. They were like a BEACON OF LIGHT for all the Jewish people in Mumbai and all those passing through.
May their light always continue to shine.
Our heartfelt condolences to both their families at their terrible loss and may G-d help their son Moshe whom we remember as such a happy adorable child.
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We met on Sunday the 23rd 2008, at 7.15 pm at the Tepheret Israel Synagogue in Mumbai for a religious custom. She was there waiting for me along with a friend and her bundle of joy her little son Moshe tucked on her waist in her usual manner. Her pleasant persona, warm disposition and above all her welcoming smile brought in an instant sense of calm within me. She was my friend Rivki who I lost at `Chabad House’, which was a focal point of Jewish culture, tradition and life. She along with her husband Rabbi Gavriel came to Mumbai from the US as a breath of fresh air. They were young, extremely hardworking and committed and ready to extend their helping hand to the Indian Jewry and Jewish expatriates who would visit Mumbai on a regular bases.
It is Mumbai’s loss.
May G-d grant their soul eternal rest. Amen
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Last March, too, I worked in Mumbai for 4 weeks. I missed going to Friday Night services. My boss allowed me to go, provided that he came with me.
When we arrived at the Chabad House, I lighted candles.
Meanwhile, Gavriel started to count the men in the room, to check if there was minyan yet. As he took into account my boss, I told him in Hebrew "you cannot count him." Gavriel asked me "He's not Jewish?" I answered "No. He's my boss. He wouldn't let me come here alone."
Gavriel nodded. And we all went to the old "Blue" Synagogue of Mumbai, where he celebrated the Shabbat services (in the presence of His Excellence the Ambassador of Israel in India).
On my side, at the service, was a young Israeli girl. She and her 4 friends were hoteled "full board" at the Chabad House during Shabbat. As we talked, she said "it is the first time of my life I celebrate Shabbat".
Here we were: Non-orthodox Jews, non-Jews at all... and still were warmly welcomed by Gavriel and Rivka since we needed a Jewish nest!
My thoughts go to their families, and all the victims throughout the world. Sharing your loss,
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We are so sorry we cannot be with you for the memorial service on Sunday but want to share our precious memories of Rivkah and Gavriel Holtzberg.
Last December, Richard and I, together with Barbara and Mike Rubinstein, went to India. I had e-mailed the Chabad House in advance to say when we would be in Mumbai and received an immediate reply to say that dinner was served every evening followed by Maariv and we would be most welcome- there was no need to let them know in advance!
Once we arrived in Mumbai, we asked our tour-guide if she knew where the Chabad House was, and after our tour of the shuls of Mumbai she showed us exactly where it was and the landmarks to look out for when we went back in the evening, as it really was just up an alleyway. Anyway we did find it and we had the most wonderful evening. There were business men from Israel, mainly the diamond business, a couple of other tourists and a number of young Israelis who were backpacking round India. We had a fabulous meal and the opportunity to talk to one of the Israelis who told us how he came every month on business and stayed there at the Chabad House- the bedrooms were as good as any 4-star hotel. After dinner Richard and Mike went to Maariv, whilst Barbara and I, sat and chatted with Rivkah. We also met little Moshe who was running aroud smiling at everyone. After Maariv the boys also had the opportunity to talk with Rabbi Holtzberg in his study about the Jewish community in Mumbai and the work he was doing there.
They really were an exceptional couple, who provided a home away from home for so many people religious or non-religious. For me, seeing so many young Israelis there was especially important-when our children travel around the world it is so vital that they can connect with their Jewishness, and I know they did a lot of work where drugs were an issue. They really were an exceptional couple who gave up the comfort of living in a Jewish environment to serve others in a place so far removed from home. May their souls find eternal peace.
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i am an israeli currently living in mumbai for business purposes...i had the big privilege to spent this past yom kippur with gaby and rivka and i am so glad i had this chance..i stayed there for two days and they did everything to make me feel comfortable and at home...after the fast was over we had a meal i sat with gaby and rivka at table ..it was the last time i would ever see them ..i kept thinking that i should go again...and then the terror attack happened ..i was watching the news here just hoping to hear that they made it out safely ..this is so sad...they were truly on a mission ...there to assist jews in any problem ..after yom kiipur i did call chabad house once becuase i wanted to ask gaby for the israeli consulate number...i just cant believe that they are gone...
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Four years ago, I attended a professional conference in India. I decided to spend the Shabbat before my conference in Mumbai. As a result, I had my Shabbat meals with the Holtzbergs and I went with Rabbi Holtzberg to one of the shuls in Mumbai. When I say that I had my Shabbat meals with the Hotzbergs, there were an additional 30 guests Friday night. It was apparent to me that the Holtzbergs served Shabbat meals every week to a large number of guests. Most of the guests were young Israelis (mostly nonreligious) who travel to places such India and Thailand upon completion of their military service. In addition, there was a diamond merchant, who regularly travels to Mumbai from Israel on business and a retired Israeli couple. It was quite clear to me that although many of the young Israelis were not personally religious, they felt very much at home with the Holtzbergs. The seemed to consider the Holtzbergs’ apartment, which at the served as the Chabad house at that time, as their “home away from home.” The Holtzbergs will be missed, especially by the many young Israelis who felt at home in the apartment that served as both the Hotzbergs’ home and Chabad House of Mumbai.
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My fiance spoke with Rav Gavriel on the phone more than once as well as emailing/askmoses.com. I still do not know what the two talked about, but Marcus was deeply changed, much for the better. Something deeply troubling him was relieved after speaking with the man... and we were invited to visit in the following months when we traveled for Marcus' work. Now it will be a memorial trip. And we are still looking forward to it.
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My husband Stan and I celebrated Rosh Hashana in Mumbai 2007. First Night, a large group followed the Rabbi 'pied piper ' style from the synagogue through the streets to Chabad House for dinner. The Rabbi said he'd like to make a little detour as he may pick up some others wanting to join in the celebrations. We came across a man from Hong Kong who travels to mumbai often, and was so excited to see the Rabbi. Said he was lost and couldn't find Nariman House.
The Rabbi was chuffed that he had 'found 'another dinner guest. When we arrived at Chabad house we saw that the room had just recently been renovated in time for the festive season. The tables where set beautifully with bows on the chair backs, festive cloths for about 100 people. I asked the Rabbi why they had set for so many, as there were only about 35 guests there.
He replied "if we set for 100 then 100 will come.' As the evening progressed people kept coming, it was filled to capacity! Jews from all parts of the world.
It was memorable, and we will not forget the kind hospitality shown to us by the Rabbi and Rebbetzin. May their dear souls rest in peace.
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Intermittently over the last few days waves of sadness and despair have washed over me.
For me, this act of terrorism in Mumbai, India, wasn't just a tragic loss of life, but it was also the loss of a wonderful couple, a family that I knew. About 4 years ago, a friend and I backpacked around India for a month. Every Shabbat we endeavoured to be with a Chabad family and over Rosh Hashanah we decided to be in Mumbai. Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivki were helpful from the very start, replying to our emails and helping us decide where to stay.
But it was their warmth, hospitality and inspiration during our time in Colaba, Mumbai, that most stood out. They assuaged the anxieties of our parents, opened our eyes to the fact that Tashlich is not done with bread- since you don't feed fish on Shabbat or Yom Tov, introduced us to the novelty of sieving flour with an electric sieve, and nurtured my interest in insect checking!
I remember 1st night Rosh Hashanah Rabbi Gavriel was making Kiddush for all of their guests on the roof-top terrace. Next door to us was another hotel, with a restaurant on the roof. Some Israelis happened to hear Kiddush; they hadn't realised it was Rosh Hashanah and they left the restaurant to join us for the Yom Tov meal. This was a delicious meal comprising of chickens slaughtered by Gavriel. It also included beef, a rare delicacy in India, where you can't kill cows. The Holtzbergs preferred to share this luxury with their guests rather than save it for themselves.
Not only did we learn from, and with this wonderful couple, but we stayed in contact afterwards. Our stay in Mumbai and our spiritually uplifting Rosh Hashanah in India would not have been the same without them.
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My wife and I and baby daughter spent 2 shabbat dinners at the Chabad House. Rivka gave us her stroller to put our baby in while we were there and she gave us Israeli diaper cream for our baby. When our baby started crying and interrupting Rabbi Gavriel's Dvar Torah I took the baby out of the room and she followed me and said to me that babies cry and that it's all right for us to stay. I didn't stay but I was surprised and her kindness.
Rabbi Holzberg's Dvar Torah was about Noah and the flood and he asked why did God allow man become so evil that he had to have a flood? Why didn't he just make man good. If I understood him correctly he made the argument that God gave man the choice so man could choose good as well. After the outrageous murder of the Rabbi and his wife and guests I have another explanation and that is that there is a message in the bible to be severe with terrorists because if you aren't they will strike you. You need to strike first. We can't wait till terrorists come for us. If Chabad and the rest of us want to honor the memories of the Holzberg's we need to encourage our governments to strike at the terrorists before they can strike again.
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Rabbi Gabriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivka were very loving and helpful couple. They were known for their hospitality towards the Jewish travellers who came from around the world.
They interacted with the Jews of Mumbai to know and understand their problems and various difficulties they faced in their observance. Earlier, the Jewish women used a mikve where there was no hot water. The women dipped themselves in cold water during winter too. Rav Gabriel faced a lot of difficulties before he got permission to construct a mikve in Mumbai. With his determination and perseverance he built a small but beautiful mikve with heater. He and Rivka personally took care of the mikve maintenance, cleaning it themselves and keeping it always fit for use.
Kosher food items are not available in Mumbai. Rav Gabriel arranged to get a lot of kosher items for all those observant people who needed them. He arranged every year Lulav and Ethrog for Succoth for individuals as well as the Synagogues.
Rabbi and his wife were always willing to help and guide the Jewish community members who needed their advise and guidance. Their contribution to the Jewish community of Mumbai will always be remembered.
We pray that G-d gives their family members strength to overcome this disaster. They will be missed very much by the Jewish community of Mumbai whose lives they have touched.
May their souls rest in peace.
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As you know, I had the privilege to be with Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg during my stay in India over Shabbat (Nov 8th). I cannot explain the grief and sorrow that this horrific act of brutality and senseless murder has had on so many. This evening we are having a Memorial Service at the Chabad House in Houston and they have asked me to talk about the Holtzbergs, as I was one of the last visitors to have met them.
I can only say that they were pure individuals who have shown me kindness and hospitality as I was only a stranger that happened to need a Shabbat meal. There were over 20 guests on the Shabbat I attended (which is a small number by what I was told). It was open to young and old, Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Chassidim - Lubavitch and non-Lubavitch - just an open door to walk in and join (with no payment required). They were there for me, for us, and anyone who needed a meal, a place to stay, spirtual and emotional support. They performed weddings, the Rabbi was a Mohel, a shochet and everything else that needed to be done. They served meals every evening at 8 o'clock free of charge.
As you may imagine, it is very hard to come by kosher food in India. It is not Brooklyn! Nor is it Paris. Nothing in the stores will come with a hechsher, so it was quite challenging to put a kosher meal on the table. Rivka came across as very energetic and had a can do attitude, and was always orchestrating the feeding of all of us, yet she found time to sit beside her husband and socialize with the guests. I have this clear picture in my mind of them seated on this big table with Rivka sitting beside her husband and the baby (Moshe that was saved by the housekeeper) in between them. I recognized the housekeeper when I viewed it on the news channels as she carried the little boy out of the building. I also recognized the other housekeeper who was just to the right of the housekeeper and Moshe when I viewed the news coverage.
I cannot imagine what went on inside the walls of Nariman House during the siege, as the Chabad House was called. On the first floor, there was a large room in the front and two rooms in the back. That is where we ate. On the second floor was the synagogue in the front, and 2 offices in the back. The Holtzberg's lived on the third floor, and there were rooms for guests on the fourth. I remember going up the stairs and seeing all the floors. I also remember that the building was fully detached because there was a bathroom with a window on one side, the front and back had windows, and the other side was also opened. I knew that the only way they would be able to make a rescue is from the roof! I do not think that the Indian forces were sufficently trained and seasoned to perform a rescue. They claim that the Rabbi was alive till the end and that Rivka died in the early stages of the siege. The truth will hopefully come out soon.
Just wanted you to know that this is the best I remember being there.
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I returned from a tour of India a few days ago. We had Shabbat meals at the Chabad Centre in Mumbai. I mentioned that it reminded me of the functions I have attended at Wimbledon Chabad.
There are no words to describe the tragedy - such young people with so much to give - it is heartbreaking.
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I lived in Mumbai for 5 months in 2004; during that time, I spent nearly every Friday night in Gaby and Rivke's home. They were unfailingly warm and generous, and though we came from very different backgrounds, they went to tremendous lengths to provide a home away from home and a Jewish life for me in a very foreign city. I feel blessed to have known them and am terribly saddened by this loss.
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I had the pleasure of spending a shabbos with the Rabbi and his wife two summers ago when I was traveling through India. I too remember racing down the streets after him trying to put in two strides to his one and keep up as we dodged people and traffic to find the Chabad house.
I remember how kind the Rabbi was at dinner to repeat his class in English for me, as I was one of the only people in the room not Israeli or fluent in Hebrew.
I cannot thank them enough for having the strength to live and work in Mumbai for the benefit of bring a Jewish light to travelers and businessmen from Israel, the US and all over the world. They opened their home and their hearts.
I am greatly saddened by this tragedy. May their memories live on. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and son.
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Dear Helena,
As our first delegate to attend the Aviv seminar for the very first time, I write you this note.
Wizo India is shell shocked at the happenings here in Mumbai where terror has shown its terrible face in the land of peace and non violence of Mahatma Gandhi.
As the city bleeds we mourn the death of our WIZO friend and supporter of the Wizo chaverot here in Mumbai, Rabbanit Rivka Holtzberg And her dear husband Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg.
You will remember Rivka as she was present on our foundation laying meeting here in Mumbai when you were with us.
She encouraged me whole-heartedly to participate and inaugurate the activities here in India .
Wizo members will miss her deeply and will always have fond memories of her.
I am personally going to miss her among us forever and the women who interacted with here will miss her and her beloved husband deeply.
May their family members have strength to bear the loss of this young couple.
Pray that all the citizens of Mumbai get the strength to recover from these horrendous events of the last few days.
Thank you once again for your phone inquiring about all of here personally and also from the World WIZO headquarters which is much appreciated.
Yours sincerely,
Yael Jhirad
President
Wizo India
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I remember Gavi Holtzberg taking me aroudn to different guest houses in Bombay and bargaining with the managers till we found one suitable enough for me. I remember him taking in a young Israeli man who was so sick from food poisoning. He spent hours holding his head as he vomited, and rubbing his back.
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Rabbi and Mrs. Holtzberg welcomed our son Samuel over Shabbos when he was en route to do Tsunami Relief Work.
They made a difference in his life, as in so many others.
Thank you for sharing your beloved ones with us.
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My husband and I were in Mumbai this summer. We davened at the Kenesset Eliyahoo Synagogue and afterwards we were invited by one of the synagogue members to the Chabad House for shabbat dinner. We did not want to impose ourselves, but we were convinced to come along. We had a wonderful and warm shabbat dinner with the Holtzbergs as well as a large group of fellow Jews from around the world, who happened to find themselves in Mumbai that shabbat. Words can not express the feeling of knowing that wherever one is in the world, he or she can find a warm shabbat experience like that my husband and I shared at Nariman House.
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I have just received your email. Such tragic news about the Holtzbergs and everything that has happened in Mumbai. I met Rabbi Holtzberg two weeks ago in Mumbai, he seemed like an incredible man. I arrived late to the Friday night service because of difficulty in finding the Shul, and when I arrived the congregation was dancing in a circle and singing Lecho Dodi. The rabbi grabbed my hand as soon as I entered the room, and included me in the circle. It was a profoundly Jewish moment that I will never forget. The chabad house itself was also an amazing place. In the middle of the hectic city it had such a homely feeling. The rabbi went around the table asking everybody their history, what brought them to India, and gave everyone an opportunity to talk about the most Jewish moment of their lives and what it meant to be Jewish. It really was like a place of refuge for Jews...
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There are some people who are proud in the fact that they met kings, presidents of prime ministers.
Other people have photos with basketball or football players.
Some people do not wash their hands after shaking hands with film stars.
I am proud that G-D arranged for me to meet Rabbi Gabi and Rivki Holtzberg, and enjoy their extraordinary hospitality. This pride is an asset that I will carry with me for many years.
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While passing through Mumbai during Sukkot of last year, it was my privilege to be a luncheon guest of this beautiful couple, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka, of Blessed Memory, together with around 20 other regular or irregular Jewish and/or Israeli visitors. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I shall never forget you.
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As a small group of 6 Israelis visiting Mumbai during 5 full days, gabi and rivki hosted us in nariman house inviting us for meals prayers and shabbat celebration. they made us immediately at home and asked us to share our experience of India, informing us about halachot specially dear to chabad, giving us a firm anchor in this unknown world. my daughter returned 6 months later with kosher wines enabling a permanent jewish life in the east. let's hope this will never end
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Rabbi Holtzberg was so kind, loving, giving and kind to me when I was planning a visit to mumbai over 2 years ago. I begged and asked him what I could for him, what I could bring him, and how i could do a mitzvah before my arrival. He only said, because you are pushing me, I will ask if you could bring Kosher meat for use in the Chullent for the congregants.
I love him, and he and the Chabad were there for me the entire trip.
I am very fortunate to have experienced visiting Chabad of Mumbai.
He took us to the community center where we sang, and danced with the local Indian Jews. Then we walked over to the Chabad house to have dinner. He is truly one of a kind.
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Linda and I are deeply saddened by this tragedy. We will never forget the kindness shown to my in-laws in Cochin by the Holtzbergs. For some time, upon learning that chicken was no longer being ritually slaughtered in Jewtown, Rabbi Gabi selflessly took it upon himself to pack and dispatch by air chickens each month to my father in law. The Holtzbergs were wonderful people, looking after a very disparate group of fellow Jews like they were family. Words cannot convey our sorrow.
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My wife Esther and I fondly remember Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivkah - who were among those murdered at Chabad House in Mumbai - as the delightful young couple who invited us to Shabbat supper in Mumbai two and a half years ago.
Rabbi Gavriel had led us through the warm streets, with other worshippers from overseas in the Mumbai synagogue that Friday evening, past the Taj Hotel to his apartment.
We vividly recall their roof terrace, their warm hospitality - Rivka's magnificent array of delicious foods, many from Israel - and their enjoyment of all their guests. These included two Israeli student backpackers, a young Israeli diamond dealer, a Jewish woman who was working in India to help women affected by violence in the home, and a businessman from Australia, Isaac Balbin, who offere | | |
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