Rabbi Eckstein can rarely be found in his office - he is more often in the air than on the ground. I am involved in community affairs for more than 40 years, and I am in awe of the enthusiasm and dedication of this individual for the Jewish community.
The programs of that Rabbi Eckstein has founded are not numbered in dozens but perhaps in hundreds.
You cannot find a corner in the world with a Jewish community, that the Keren Leydidut, which he founded and serves president, does not provide help for the needy. But this relationship to the hundreds of the programs with which he's involved remind me of a father with many, many children. Each and every one is special to him.
Last Friday, July 5th, the staff of Chamah in Moscow had the special privilege to give Rabbi Eckstein a tour of their Moscow based programs. When he visited the social medical center in Moscow, on Leningradskaya 5280, he carefully studied each detail of the programs. He visited the soup kitchen where hundreds of elderly are nurtured, and the new medical center which provides services for the needy who are ignored by the government clinics and cannot afford private medical care.
We were amazed when Eckstein visited the newly renovated Center for Child Development - he was so involved as if this was the purpose of his entire visit.
My admiration for Rabbi Eckstein is not only personal, but the way he is dedicated to the programs that are supported by the Keren Leyididut. A few years ago, it happened that I was invited to the 25th anniversary reception of the IFCJ in Chicago. When I saw the respect that he commands from the gentiles who participate in the event, I marveled at the tremendous Kiddush Hashem.
The bridge that he has built between Jews and Gentiles is of enormous importance, and is bringing a great measure of peace and brotherhood into the world.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
(1).jpg)
