Moshe Menachem Mendel Zylber (Mszek Mendel Zylber/Silver)
כ”ו אלול תרל”ה – ח סיון תש”ך
September 26th, 1875 – June 3rd, 1960
Parents
- Michel Aaron
- Efroim
- Szlama Mordechaj
- Icchok
- Jakob
- Abram
Biography
Moszek Mendel Zylber (Moshe Menachem Mendel) was on September 26, 1975, in the historic neighborhood of Wieniawa, Lublin. His parents, Sender Zylber and Etla Ruchla Rajn, were residents of this predominantly Jewish neighborhood, which, over time, became an integral part of the city of Lublin.
Wieniawa, situated in the north-western precinct of Lublin, has a rich history. Originally a village with ties to notable families like the Lubomelski, Tarłów, and Leszczyński, Wieniawa evolved into a town. In 1916, it was formally incorporated into the administrative domain of Lublin.
Notably, Wieniawa holds a special place in the history of Lublin’s Jewish community, primarily associated with the revered Chozeh of Lublin, Jakub Icchak (Yakov Yitzchok) Horowitz. Renowned as one of the most illustrious Polish Hasidic figures, the Chozeh of Lublin established his community in Wieniawa. The Chozeh later relocated to Podzamcze, specifically to a tenement house at 28 Szeroka Street. Through the influence of the Chozeh, Wieniawa etched its name into the history of Hasidism in Poland, becoming a significant center for spiritual and religious activities.
Personal Life
In 1894, Moszek married Czarna Miriam Wajnberg in the city of Slonim, in Belarus. Notably, Czarna Miriam was the daughter of the Divrei Shmuel, the esteemed Slonimer Rebbe.
After getting married, Moszek studied spent time in kollel, while being by his father in law, for about 8 years in Slonim and Baranovich, Belarus.
In around 1902 he returned to his hometown of Lublin. Settling in the village of Bronowice, an area that would later become a part of the rapidly growing city of Lublin. There he continued stuying Torah while being supported by his father Reb Sender Zylber.
Moszek’s moved at some point to the vibrant city of Bialystok. In this new city, he engaged in both business and was involved in many community activities. His multifaceted involvement showcased his dedication not only to economic pursuits but also to fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
In the bustling city of Bialystok, Moszek began working in the fabric industry. In 1913, he managed a workforce of 15 employees. Over the years, his business thrived, and by 1925, Moszek presided over a successful factory with 32 employees located at Poleska 6-8. The garment factory served as a hub for wool-spinning operations to create high-quality fabrics. However, the challenges inherent in the industry occasionally led to temporary closures due to the scarcity of raw materials.
In addition to his profession, Moszek dedicated himself to of the Jewish community’s initiatives. Moszek was a part of the Jewish council of Bialystok, where he played a vital role in communal decision-making. Like his grandfather before him, he spearheaded efforts to make the Mikvah more accessible by advocating for lower Mikvah fees. Moszek was also involved in the Chawaseles and Yavneh gymnasiums. Additionally, Moszek earned recognition as an honorary member of BOSO, the voluntary firefighters group in Bialystok.
Bialystok: Business and Community
In 1923 Efroim Zylber a tradesman, married Etla Rywka Frydman. the marriage was recorded on December 1st 1924 in Lublin. We also see that Efroim at the moment of marriage was 30 years old what makes his birth ca. 1894, and he was born in Baranowicze. However, at the moment of marriage he lived in Lublin, and he was permanent resident of the city of Lublin, suburb of Wieniawa.
There is a note that he didn’t have birth certificate only so called „act of knowing” (akt znania) which is kind of document proving someone’s birth in a given place and signed by witnesses.
Etla’s Rywka Frydmans parents were Jost Chaim Frydman a tradesman, and Marjem
maiden name Zylber. Etla Rywka Frydman was born in Kosminek, Lublin and at the moment of
marriage she was living in Lublin, however she is recorded as permanent resident of the city
of Staszów, Sandomierz poviat.
Witnesses of this marriage were: Moszek Gladsztejn synagogue cantor (chazan),
Moszek Szwalbe a tradesman. The person who reported the fact of marriage was Józef
Przysucha, who performed a religious (ritual) marriage.
In the 1930’s he started working together with famed Rabbi Meir Shapiro, the Pietrokover Rov, in raising funds for the Yeshiva Chamei Lublin. He traveled to Warsaw and Lodz to rais money for the Yeshivah.
In 1936, he was commisioned by Rabbi Shapiro to travel to the United States in order to raise funds for the yeshiva from american jewry. Moszek faced the harsh realities of financial hardship in his native Poland. Fueled by a determination to seek a brighter future, he made the consequential decision to emigrate to America. Arriving on the shores of the United States in March of that year, he sought refuge with his cousin, the Aliker Rebbe, residing at 602 Alabama Avenue in the neighborhood of Brownsville, Brooklyn.
In 1937, responding to the beckoning call of fellow compatriots (lantsleit), Moszek relocated to Detroit, where he embarked on a new chapter of his life. There, he established a shtibel named Anshei Moshe, becoming a focal point for spiritual and communal activities. Embracing his role in the Rabbinate, Moszek actively participated in various community initiatives, notably serving on the board of the renowned yeshivah Beis Yehudah and being a member of the Detroit Beth Din.
During the challenging years of World War II, Moszek undertook a poignant mission to rescue his family from the ravages of war-torn Europe. Commissioning a sofer to transcribe a Torah, he sought to raise funds for this noble cause. Through his tenacious efforts, he successfully secured visas for his family. Tragically, the cruelty of fate intervened, as his family, except his son Yitzchak Noach, fell victim to the horrors unleashed by the Nazis.
