Rabbi Chaim Ciment

Rabbi Chaim Ciment, a towering figure in Boston’s Jewish community for nearly seven decades, dedicated his life to Jewish education and disseminating Chassidic teachings. Born in 1930 in Kisvárda, Hungary, to Reb Yosef and Zissel Ciment, he faced early adversity with the passing of his mother at a young age. In 1938, his father remarried, and the family immigrated to the United States, settling in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. 

In Brooklyn, young Chaim enrolled in Yeshivah Torah Vodaath. His intellectual curiosity led him to seek deeper understanding, and he became involved in informal Chassidus classes led by Rabbi Yisroel Jacobson. These sessions ignited his passion for Chabad philosophy, and he soon began attending Farbrengens at 770 Eastern Parkway, immersing himself in the rich tapestry of Chabad Chassidic life. 

With his father’s blessing, Chaim transferred to Tomchei Tmimim, the Lubavitcher yeshivah established in New York by the Sixth Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn. His dedication to Torah study was evident, and he became known for his diligence and sharp mind. In a private audience, the Rebbe remarked to him, “They say that you have a good head,” and provided him with a rigorous study regimen, underscoring his potential and the expectations placed upon him. 

In late 1953, Rabbi Ciment was dispatched by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, to Boston to join the Boston Lubavitz Yeshiva—Achei Temimim faculty. By the late 1960s, he was appointed executive director of the institution, which was subsequently renamed the New England Hebrew Academy—Lubavitz Yeshiva (NEHA). Under his leadership, the academy expanded to include a preschool, elementary school, high school, and a yeshivah gedolah (rabbinical college), solidifying its role as a cornerstone of Jewish education in the region. 

Rabbi Ciment’s presence was both commanding and compassionate. Standing tall with a strong demeanor, he was deeply committed to his mission. Former students recall his serious nature in the classroom, balanced by moments of warmth and humor. One student from the 1970s reminisced about spending Shabbatot at the Ciment home, noting the rabbi’s infectious smile and the love he infused into his work. 

In 1956, Rabbi Ciment married Esther Sonn, a native of Boston. The Rebbe officiated their wedding, a testament to the close bond between Rabbi Ciment and his mentor. Together, the Ciments returned to Boston, where they became pillars of the community, dedicating their lives to education and outreach. 

The late 1970s brought significant challenges. Rabbi Ciment was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a debilitating condition that left him immobilized and in excruciating pain. Upon informing the Rebbe of his condition, he received a succinct yet profound response: “Es iz gornisht” (“It’s nothing”). Taking this to heart, Rabbi Ciment began an aspirin regimen to reduce inflammation. Remarkably, he experienced a full recovery, a testament to his faith and resilience. 

Rabbi Ciment welcomed waves of Jewish immigrants throughout his tenure, notably from the former Soviet Union in the late 1970s. He ensured that these newcomers received both secular and Jewish education, often facilitating rituals such as brit milah (circumcision) for those who had been denied such opportunities under communist regimes. His efforts ensured that countless individuals embraced their Jewish heritage and traditions. 

Rabbi Chaim Ciment’s legacy is profound. He transformed the landscape of Jewish education in New England, touching the lives of thousands. His unwavering dedication, combined with his compassionate approach, left an indelible mark on the community. 

Rabbi Ciment’s life exemplified the fusion of steadfast faith, rigorous scholarship, and a deep commitment to community—a true embodiment of Chassidic ideals.