Rabbi Abraham Halbfinger

Rabbi Abraham I. Halbfinger's congregation describes him as a "visionary, spiritual leader, teacher and role model." For more than 30 years he has shared these capacities with the Jewish Community.

After his ordination by Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary of Yeshiva University, Rabbi Halbfinger served congregations in North Adams and Lawrence, Massachusetts. In August 1966, Rabbi Halbfinger became spiritual leader of Congregation Kadimah-Toras Moshe in Brighton, at that time a community of mostly elderly first-generation Americans. Since his arrival the Rabbi has revitalized the congregation, not only attracting young families through his personal magnetism and compassion, but also working for the construction and renovation of housing for the elderly.

One devoted follower summarized the rabbi's impact on his synagogue. "Rabbi Halbfinger is a teacher and a scholar," he said, "not only to impart intellect but also to impart a behavioral model to a younger generation desperately searching for heroes in whom to believe."

Rabbi Halbfinger's service to the greater Jewish Community has been wide-ranging and significant. His impact has been daily as rabbinic administrator of the Rabbinical Court of Massachusetts, Va'ad Harabonim and Kashruth Commision since 1974, and his expertise on kashrut is a resource for both vendors and consumers.

Globally, the Rabbi worked for the liberation of Soviet Jews from the beginning of that movement, and he has been a strong supporter of the State of Israel. Locally, he has cared for the elderly and the needy through constant efforts toward affordable housing. He also serves as chaplain at Massachusetts General Hospital and as a trustee of Combined Jewish Philanthropies. "He is a very unusual community leader who, with great sensitivity, is able to build bridges across agency, synagogue and denominational lines, " said one prominent agency director.

Rabbi Halbfinger is a member of the Rabbinical Council of America, and is a member and former President of the Vaad Harabonim of Massachusetts. He serves on the board of the Jewish Community Relations Council as well as on the board of directors of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies. He is also a member of the State of Massachusetts Governor's Council on Chaplaincy.

Rabbi Halbfinger has been a strong advocate of affordable housing in the community. He is a charter board member of the Bnai Brith Housing development. Over the years, he has been very actively involved with Charlesview Housing Corporation, a housing development that is partially owned by the Congregation and which had Rabbi Halbfinger as a former President.

A member of the congregation emphasized the indispensable role of the Rabbi's wife Sylvia: "Her support and wise counsel have greatly assisted in the growth of Kadimah-Toras Moshe."