HAFTR pays tribute to Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Beth Shalom at annual dinner

Rabbi Dr. Gilbert Klaperman, Esq, became the first rabbi of Congregation Beth Shalom in 1950 after moving to Lawrence and was involved in establishing the shul’s building as it stands today. Realizing the need for a modern Orthodox yeshiva in the Five Towns, Rabbi Klaperman, along with other community leaders, then established Hillel Day School, the precursor to HAFTR. He also initiated the acquisition of the site of the current campus of HAFTR Elementary School.

Klaperman received smicha from Dr. Samuel Belkin and Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik. Until recently he practiced law, was a professor of Law at Hofstra School of Law, a professor of religion at the Univ. of Iowa and YU. He has also authored a number of books, including, with his late wife Libby, a four-volume history of the Jews. In addition to his local community service, Rabbi Klaperman was very active in Jewish affairs world wide, including his his leadership role with the New York Conference on Soviet Jewry in 1956, and on various organizations including the Rabbinical Council of America, the Rabbinic Alumni and the College Alumni of Yeshiva University and the National Rabbinic ORT Committee. He also was a chaplain in the Canadian Army in World War II.

Rabbi Klaperman is married to Susan Alter and has three children, four grandchildren and is a recent great-grandfather.

HAFTR is also honoring Michelle and Scott Sulzberger, the guests of honor, and Miriam and Avi Kestenbaum, the Yachad awardees. The Dinner will take place Saturday night, February 25,at The Sands of Atlantic Beach.