Shluchim, Family & Friends Mark Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky’s First Yartzeit With Siyum Sefer Torah, Two Siyumim HaShas and Bold New Commitments

Thousands gathered in Crown Heights to mark the first Yartzeit of Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky a”h. True to his life’s calling, he was honored through continued action, supporting Shluchim and carrying forward the Rebbe’s vision.

On Sunday, thousands of friends, family members, visionary partners, and Shluchim gathered to mark the first Yartzeit of Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky a”h, with an uplifting day dedicated to “Vehachai Yitain El Libo,” drawing inspiration from a true Chossid. The day reflected the man it honored, rooted in Torah, helping others, and commitment to the Rebbe’s vision.

The day began at Rabbi Kotlarsky’s home on Crown Street, where participants completed the final letters of a new Sefer Torah. Mr. George Rohr, a longtime friend and visionary partner, recalled Rabbi Kotlarsky’s hallmark optimism: “He began every report to the Rebbe with ‘Levaser Tov, let me share some good news.’ That mindset shaped every relationship he built,” Rohr said. “Sharing good news isn’t just etiquette; it’s a mitzvah, a way to lift others when challenges feel overwhelming.”

Ahead of the Hagba, Rabbi Levi Kotlarsky made a Siyum HaShas and Siyum HaTanya in his father's memory, describing how the last Mesechta he finished was Bechoros, symbolic of his father’s lifelong dedication to giving the best and first of everything to fulfill the Rebbe’s mission.

By early evening, the newly completed Torah was carried in a spirited tahalucha through the streets of Crown Heights to 770. Energetic Hakafos in the Rebbe’s room were followed by dinner and an inspirational program at United Lubavitcher Yeshiva. A familial atmosphere filled the room as those impacted by the Rebbe’s globetrotting chossid came together to draw strength and inspiration.

Emceed by Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, the evening featured inspirational speeches and moving video presentations, each highlighting a different facet of Rabbi Kotlarsky’s life: his personal support of Shluchim, his role as a devoted father and grandfather, his readiness to take responsibility, helping whoever turned to him, and most of all his commitment to giving the Rebbe Nachas.

After heartfelt Tehillim led by Rabbi Mendel Kotlarsky, Rabbi Meir Kotlarsky reflected on his childhood in Crown Heights and the kiruvim his family received from the Rebbe, sharing personal memories and lessons learned. “From him, we learned what it means to be a father, how to love the Rebbe, how to honor our parents, and how to treat others with kindness and respect,” said Kotlarsky, “Leadership is when you teach others by example — and Tatty was the best at that.”

Sharing Rabbi Kotlarsky’s unwavering support for Shluchim, Rabbi Raleigh Resnick of Pleasanton, CA, shared, “He never allowed himself a secretary. His phone number was public. He made sure that there was no such thing as ignoring a call.” Resnick recalled, “You could be in the most important meeting, he would answer. He never wanted a Shliach or any Yid to feel unheard.” He also noted the personal guidance and care Rabbi Kotlarsky extended to his own family.

Longtime friend and visionary partner, Mr. Ben Philipson, recalled how Rabbi Kotlarsky would step in, taking on projects that seemed impossible, yet as a dedicated “Eved Hashem,” he would take them on and see tremendous Beracha. “When I think about Reb Moshe, I think of him as a true messenger of the Rebbe’s mission. Humble yet proud. He built to grow and grew to build. There was never any stopping.”

In a poignant moment, Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky updated those gathered on the fulfillment of the bold commitments his father made before his passing, and launched four new ones to carry his life’s work forward: strengthening Shluchim and advancing the Rebbe’s vision.

Hineni Mevaser Tov Campaign: A global effort encouraging regular sharing of good news with the Rebbe, through digital tools, innovative programming, and school-based engagement.

Shlichus Innovation Award: Annual recognition and funding for groundbreaking Shlichus ideas from around the world.

Beis Horaah: A 24/7 halachic and logistical support platform for Shluchim.

The Giving Kitchens: A global network of volunteer-run kosher community kitchens operated by Chabad centers, designed to empower individuals to become givers, support local families in need, and foster leadership and community.

“My father never stopped asking, ‘What more can be done? One more soul to reach, one more mitzvah to complete,” said Rabbi Mendy. “Now it’s our turn to take that to heart.”

Throughout the past year, more than 1,000 Shluchim worldwide united to complete the Shas l’ilui nishmas Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky. Before leading the Siyum, Rabbi Efraim Mintz, Executive Director of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute, reflected on Rabbi Kotlarsky’s dedication to Torah learning and Hiskashrus. “Even in illness, he would study Rambam late into the night, ensuring he never missed a day,” Rabbi Mintz recalled. “Rabbi Kotlarsky didn’t live for himself. He lived to uplift others. We must carry his example forward, asking each day, ‘Whose life did we sweeten today? Who did we uplift?”

The evening gave way to a farbrengen that stretched late into the night. L’chaims were raised, Hachlatos made, and stories shared.

During the farbrengen, Rabbi Shais Taub reflected on what he saw as Rabbi Kotlarsky’s defining trait: “When a community had a crisis, he boarded a plane. When there was a simchah, he showed up, no matter how weak or in pain he was. You can fake caring, but you can't fake showing up. Rabbi Kotlarsky showed up.”

Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, Head Shliach of Thailand, shared a personal memory: “The first Shabbos we were there alone. The second Shabbos, Rabbi Kotlarsky was there with us, to see that we got settled, to see that the issues that needed to be ironed out were ironed out.”

As Mr. Rohr shared, “Levaser Tov: The holy work to which you dedicated your life continues unabated, and thanks to the example and guidance you gave us, has not missed a beat since you left us physically.”

To learn more and support these new initiatives, visit https://www.ramikfoundation.org/legacy

Rewatch the inspiring event: https://www.ramikfoundation.org/tribute