Shliach of the Rebbe to Moldova and Chairman of Chabad Institutions in the Country
Rabbi Zushe Abelsky serves as the head of Chabad institutions in Moldova, continuing the work of his parents, Rabbi Zalman Abelsky zt”l and Rebbetzin Leah Abelsky shetichyeh, who dedicated themselves to rebuilding Jewish life in the country after the communist era.
Early Life
Rabbi Zushe Abelsky was born in 1967 in Kiryat Gat, Israel, to Rabbi Zalman Tuvia Abelsky and Leah Abelsky. His parents had been sent by the Lubavitcher Rebbe to establish Chabad institutions in Kiryat Gat.
He studied in Chabad yeshivot in Kiryat Gat and Jerusalem, and later joined the “Kvutza” program at the central Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva at 770 in New York.
He was named after his grandfather, Rabbi Zushe, known as the “Boyder Rav,” who served as a chief rabbi in the Soviet Union during the communist period.
Family
Rabbi Zushe is married to Chaya Abelsky, and they have three daughters and one son.
Chaya Abelsky is an active partner in the community work of Chabad Moldova. She is involved in education, strengthening Jewish family life, and programs for women and children. With dedication, she supports families, helps organize community and holiday events, and contributes to creating a warm and welcoming environment for local community members and visitors alike.
Public Activity
From a young age, Rabbi Zushe participated in missions throughout the former Soviet Union במסגרת Ezras Achim Lubavitch. He was active in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kyiv, and Kishinev, where he helped organize the first Lag BaOmer parade in the city.
Later, he founded the Friends of Kishinev Association in the United States to support Chabad’s work in Moldova.
Leadership in Moldova
In 1989, his parents moved to Kishinev as emissaries of the Rebbe and were among the first shluchim in the newly opened Soviet states. Rabbi Zalman became Chief Rabbi of Moldova and served until his passing in 2014.
Following his father’s passing, Rabbi Zushe assumed organizational and financial responsibility for Chabad institutions in Moldova and currently serves as chairman.
Under his leadership today operate:
- Five shluchim families in Moldova and Transnistria
- The central synagogue in Kishinev
- A mikvah
- An active synagogue in Bender
- Educational programs for children and adults
- Community and humanitarian assistance programs
Humanitarian Work
With the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine war in 2022, Chabad Moldova helped thousands of refugees from Ukraine with lodging, food, and support.
In addition, Chabad Moldova operates an ongoing humanitarian network, including food package distribution, a community kitchen, and assistance for the elderly and homebound.