Rebbe Levy Yitzchok Greenwald
לוי יצחק ב"ר משה
Tzelemer RavDate of Death:
Sun. April 13, 1980 -
Nissan 27 5740
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Directions to Kever: Wellwood Cemetery on Long Island in West Babylon, NY (Farmingdale) maintains computerized records and will provide a detailed location map upon request. Location: Along South Avenue, Section 28, Society: CONG ARUGATH HABOSEM BLOCK 28 Large Ohel (one of two in the cemetery), towards the back of the section.
Name Listed on Cemetery Database: RABBI LEVI GRUNWALD
Biographical Notes:
Credit: IFJCAH
Photo Caption: Tzelemer Shul at the corner of Bedford and Rodney in Williamsburg, Brooklyn as it stood in 1958, Credit: Brooklyn Historical Society
Photo Caption: The road near the Rebbe’s ohel, was renamed in his memory, Credit: IFJCAH
Bio Information:
The Tzelemer Rav was paramount in establishing readily available Cholov Yisroel milk in New York City, insisted that only here lies Levi Yitzchok Greenwald be inscribed on his tombstone.
It is reported that many childless couples were helped after praying at his kever.
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I once heard a story about the Tzelemer Rav:
One morning the Rav visited a slaughter house under his rabbinical supervision. The Rav asked all the Shochtim to line up and hold their knifes in the air, the Rav walked by each one and said stay, go home, stay, go home …. One of the observers asked the Rav, Rebbe we know that a slaughter knifes can’t be checked by just looking at it, it needs to be checked with the finger. To which the Rav responded it wasn’t the knifes I was checking, I was checking to see who had tefillin marks, whoever didn’t have tefillin marks I sent home.
Apparently back then the Shochetem Union was comprised of many non shomer Shabbos. The Rav, who was notorious for toppling the union, did not want to take any chances. It should be known the Rav chose Rabbi Baruch Greenhut as the first Tzelemer Shochet, Rabbi Greenhut is buried alongside the Tzelemer Rav.
I have been to his Kever more than once. One can not imagine what it is like just from a picture. The stones on the top of the Kever are overflowing. There are notes on the bottom and on top of the Kever. If I’m not mistaken, there is a sort of like bookshelf with candles and Sefer Tehillims. There is a candle holder too. I remember going into the Ohel, and seeing a candle burning in the holder. He is the son of the Arugas Habosem.
It is my opinion, as a person with knowledge in American Jewish history, the Tzelemer Rav is credited with making Chalav Yisrael dairy and Glatt Kosher.
My grandfather, Israel Schreier z”l, served as a gabbai for the Tselemer Rav. There is a story about the Rav blessing coins, and giving them to people
serving in the army. My grandfather received a “heter” from the Rav, to be buried with these coins.
I am looking for more information.