Longtime Cleveland Chabad Leader Rabbi Leibel Alevsky Passes Away at 86

Rabbi Alevsky directed local Chabad institutions for decades and oversaw immense growth, including building a replica of 770 in Cleveland.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:40pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a Chabad menorah icon repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the celebratory energy and iconic imagery of the Chabad movement.The vibrant legacy of Rabbi Leibel Alevsky's decades of Chabad leadership in Cleveland is celebrated through a bold, pop art interpretation of a symbolic Chabad icon.Akron Today

Rabbi Yehuda Leib (Leibel) Alevsky, the longtime shliach to Cleveland, Ohio, who directed the local Chabad institutions for decades, passed away on 3 Iyar at the age of 86. He was born in Chernigov, Ukraine, and studied in the Tomchei Tmimim yeshivas before moving to Cleveland in 1972 to join his father-in-law in expanding Chabad activities in the city.

Why it matters

Rabbi Alevsky's passing marks the end of an era for the Cleveland Jewish community, as he had been a central figure in the growth and development of Chabad in the city for over 50 years. His leadership and vision helped establish Cleveland as an important hub of Chabad activity, including the construction of a replica of the iconic 770 Eastern Parkway building.

The details

Over the decades, Rabbi Alevsky led the Cleveland Chabad community and oversaw immense growth, famously building a replica of 770 in Cleveland as the headquarters for their activities. He is survived by his 10 children, who continue his legacy of service in cities across the United States and around the world.

  • Rabbi Alevsky passed away on 3 Iyar.
  • He moved to Cleveland in 1972 to join his father-in-law in expanding Chabad activities.

The players

Rabbi Yehuda Leib (Leibel) Alevsky

The longtime shliach to Cleveland, Ohio, who directed the local Chabad institutions for decades.

Rabbi Shlomo Schneur Zalman Kazen

The pioneer shliach and father-in-law of Rabbi Alevsky.

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The takeaway

Rabbi Alevsky's legacy will continue to shape the Cleveland Jewish community for years to come, as his children and grandchildren carry on his work of spreading Chabad teachings and values in cities around the world.