Sami Rohr

Reflections on the legendary renaissance man who catalyzed Jewish revival worldwide.

International businessman and philanthropist Sami Rohr, whose communal heart and financial acumen funded Jewish community centers around the globe and laid the groundwork for a rebirth of Judaism across the former Soviet Union, passed away Sunday.

The late philanthropist Sami Rohr (1926-2012) was a pillar of generosity throughout the Jewish world. This video highlights his special relationship with the Lubavitcher Rebbe and the support he gave to the Rebbe's emissaries and programs throughout the w...

The late philanthropist Sami Rohr, who was a pillar of generosity throughout the Jewish world, addresses thousands of emissaries and their guests at the movement’s 2006 convention.

Remembering the life and deeds of a benefactor, mentor and friend

One Shabbat morning, as sheets of torrential rain battered Miami and its surroundings, I spied the figure of a man walking briskly to our synagogue

He asked us many questions about how we were adjusting, whether life was not too difficult. And then he asked me with concern, ”Mrs. Glazman, do you have any friends?” I can still hear his voice and see his kind face

In spite of his very demanding business and growing family, Don Sami found time to study Torah

My siblings and I were born and raised in Bogotá, far from the New York and Montreal communities where my parents grew up, so Don Sami and Señora Charlotte became our surrogate grandparents.

Whenever Reb Shmuel would hear about a synagogue that had been nationalized by the Communist government and that there was a chance to have it returned to the Jewish community—he’d exert all possible efforts to make it happen. That was his sweet revenge.