Rabbi Avremi Groner, a deeply beloved community rabbi, educator and youth leader, passed away in London at the age of 43.
He was born in 1973 in Brooklyn, N.Y. He grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, where his parents serve as Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries.
In 2001, following his marriage to London native Shternie Ives, the rabbi was called to the pulpit of Sutton Synagogue, a congregation in Surrey, southwest of London. Over the years, his easy smile and positive attitude endeared him to congregants of all ages.
As their family grew, the Groners moved to the heavily Jewish London neighborhood of Stamford Hill in 2008. There, he worked with young people within the Jewish community and even taught Jewish values to non-Jewish people in public schools.
A creative educator, he had a traveling show that he would bring to schools to teach children about Judaism in an exciting manner. An entertaining orator, he was a beloved storyteller and a master of ceremonies at children’s events. A patient teacher, his students included many children with special needs.
In recent years, he founded JewKlub, an organization for teens who were struggling to find their place within the community.
"[I am] Absolutely gutted," said Zalmy Cohen, a young man who described the rabbi as "a wonderful man" and "probably the only rabbi I ever saw eye to eye with."
Family members say that throughout his illness, his spirit and attitude remained upbeat, positive and filled with faith. His last hours were spent singing joyous Chassidic melodies with his children.
In addition to his wife and five children, he is survived by his parents, Rabbi Sholem Ber and Dina Groner; his grandmothers, Devorah Groner and Chana Popack; and his in-laws, Rabbi Yehuda and Yehudis Ives.
He is also survived by his siblings: Mendy Groner, Aron Groner, Rochie Groner-Jurkowitz, Sarah Warhaftig, Levi Groner, Hirshi Groner, Mushki Kotlarsky, Motti Groner and Nechama Groner.
A fund has been established to assist the Groner family. Donations can be made here.
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