Pinsk-Karlin Mourns the Death of Beloved Chazzan R' Mota Shipman

The Pinsk-Karlin Hasidic community is mourning the death of Rabbi Mordechai Alter Shipman, known affectionately as R' Mota, who died on Thursday at age 71. He was a prominent and much-loved figure in the community, steeped from childhood in the traditions of Karlin-Stolin and known for his deep Torah learning, his command of old and new Karlin melodies, and his role as a regular prayer leader on festivals and especially during the High Holidays.

Shipman was born in Jerusalem into an established Karlin family. Over the years, חסידים said, he became a key repository of community memory, answering questions about customs, tunes, and the teachings of the rebbes. In recent years his health had deteriorated. A defining moment came when he collapsed while leading the Neilah prayer, after which he weakened further. Despite his illness, he remained devoted to the community, and on Simchat Torah two years ago he was brought in a wheelchair to recite the verses of "Atah Hara'ita".

The funeral took place on Thursday, 26 Sivan 5786, with hundreds of mourners accompanying him. He was buried at Har HaMenuchot in Jerusalem and is survived by a large family.