Shlomo Zalman Dovid Ben Ephraim Yaakov Fried
Niftar 18 Menachem Av 5761
It is extremely painful to
realize that our close friend -- beloved son,
husband, father, and grandfather -- Reb Shlomo Fried, alav hashalom, is
no longer with us.
The office of Nesia Travel on New Utrecht Avenue in Brooklyn, where we would
discuss the latest knotty Talmudic problem on the proprietor's mind while
waiting for tickets to Israel or Uman or almost anywhere in the world, is
closed forever.
The animated Shabbos meals at the Fried home, their ample table laden with
Mrs. Fried's delicacies and lined with children and guests -- often including
one of the Gedolei Breslov visiting from Israel -- singing Breslover Zemiros
and discussing Rebbe Nachman's teachings, will never be the same.
Reb Shlomo became a Breslover through Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld, z"l,
at age 11, and remained an ardent Chassid throughout his life. Indeed, many
Breslover Chassidim today owe the encouragement and guidance they received in
exploring Rebbe Nachman's path during their early years (as well their later
years) to Reb Shlomo Fried.
A widely respected travel agent in the Borough Park community, he attracted a
wide clientele that included prominent Rebbes and Roshei Yeshiva, as well as
the humblest Yid and Yiddeneh. He and his devoted wife Miriam won the loyalty
and friendship of whomever they served. For more than a decade Reb Shlomo was a
key organizer of travel to the Rosh Hashana gathering in Uman, and sponsored
trips to Uman and other Kivrei Tzaddikim around the world throughout the year.
He died peacefully in his sleep on Monday night, Parshas Ekev, and was buried
on Wednesday afternoon in Tiveria, Israel, in keeping with his instructions to
his family.
Rav Elazar Mordechai Kenig, Rav Ephraim Kenig, and Reb Yitchak Kenig of Tzefat,
Rav Shmuel Moshe Kramer of Jerusalem, as well as many other Chassidim from
Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, and Tzefat were present at the kevurah. Rav
Nachman Burstein of Jerusalem chanted the K-el Malei Rachamim for his
lifelong friend.
Reb Shlomo's grave is beside that of the Stechiner Rebbe, and near those of Reb
Mendele Vitebsker, Reb Avraham Kalisker, and the original Chassidim who came to
Israel during the 1790s.
His Shloshim in the Breslov Shtibel in Borough Park was attended by friends
from all quarters of the Jewish community, including both Chassidim and
non-Chassidim. A number of Stoliner Chassidim were present, including Rav
Shmuel Dishon, for whom Reb Shlomo had great affection and respect. Reb Nachman
Fried delivered one of the most moving eulogies those in attendence had ever
heard for his beloved father.
May Reb Shlomo Fried be a meilitz yosher, an eloquent intercessor before
the Divine Throne for his family, friends, and for all Israel, amen.
