Photos-Videos: Hundreds Gather in Bal Harbour to Mourn Rabbi Shalom Ber Lipskar, Renowned Spiritual Leader and Advocate

BAL HARBOUR, FL — A wave of grief swept through the South Florida Jewish community as hundreds gathered on Sunday at The Shul of Bal Harbour to bid farewell to Rabbi Shalom Ber Lipskar, the beloved spiritual leader who passed away this week.

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This morning, a heavy line of law enforcement vehicles escorted Rabbi Lipskar’s casket to The Shul, where crowds were already waiting in solemn lines to pay their final respects. The police escort, combined with the community’s turnout, was a reflection of the profound impact the rabbi had on so many lives.

Rabbi Lipskar, who founded The Shul more than four decades ago, was remembered as a towering figure whose influence extended far beyond Surfside. He was widely known for his close connections with local and national politicians, many of whom made it a point to meet with him during visits to Florida. His friendships with elected officials across the political spectrum underscored his unique ability to bring people together.

In addition to his leadership at The Shul, Rabbi Lipskar founded the Aleph Institute, a national organization dedicated to supporting Jewish prisoners, military personnel, and their families. Through Aleph, he championed criminal justice reform and offered hope and dignity to those most in need.

Rabbi Lipskar gained even broader national recognition following the 2021 Surfside condo collapse, when his calm, compassionate presence became a source of strength for an entire community in mourning.

“He was more than a rabbi; he was the heartbeat of this community,” one local official said. “Everyone—from elected leaders to those facing their darkest days—felt seen, heard, and uplifted by him.”