It is with great sadness that Matzav.comreports the petirah of the Biala Rebbe, Rav Betzalel Simcha Menachem Bentzion Rabinowitz zt”l. He was 89.
In recent months, the Rebbe had dealt with several hospitalizations. He passed away this morning.
Born in Siedlce, Poland, on 8 Adar I, 5695/1935, the Rebbe was the youngest son of the Chelkas Yehoshua of Biala. His mother, Rebbetzin Chana Fesha, hailed from a prominent Biala Chassidic family in Voldova.
During the Nazi occupation of Poland, his family endured persecution, prompting his father’s flight to Barnovice, then under Russian rule. Following a series of miraculous events, they found refuge in Siberia before eventually settling in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, near the Persian border, prior to their journey to Eretz Yisroel.
Under the guidance of his father, the Chelkas Yehoshua, the Rebbe embarked on a challenging journey to Eretz Yisroel via Tehran, Iran, where they resided briefly before traveling through Transjordan, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way.
Upon arriving in Israel, he initially stayed in Botei Avos, established by the Ponovezher Rov, and later with his great-uncle, Rav Yosef Tzvi Kalish of Bnei Brak.
Renowned for his exceptional scholarship, he distinguished himself as one of the brightest talmidim in the Ponovezh Yeshivah, under the tutelage of roshei yeshivah.
In 5717/1957, he married his wife, Rebbetzin Beila Bracha, daughter of Rav Avrohom Moshe Babad, the rov of Sunderland. Following his marriage, he resided in Gateshead, England, serving as rosh kollel there.
Later, in 5739/1979, he assumed the position of rov in Lugano, Switzerland, before relocating to Yerushalayim.
Upon the passing of his father, the Chelkas Yehoshua, in 5742/1982, the Rebbe succeeded him as the Biala Rebbe, dividing his time between Lugano and Yerushalayim.
With the decline of the community in Lugano in 5771/2011, he permanently settled in Yerushalayim.
Throughout his life, the Rebbe established yeshivos and chinuch institutions, blending Chassidic teachings with Torah learning, underpinned by his profound knowledge and devotion.
Despite facing health challenges in his later years, he continued to inspire and lead his Chassidim with warmth and chochmah until his passing.
His prolific writings, encompassing over a hundred sefarim in the Mevaser Tov series, reflect his erudition and dedication to Torah dissemination.
He served as a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisroel in Eretz Yisroel.
His is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous Chassidim.
The levayah was held this afternoon in Yerushalayim, followed by kevurah on Har Hazeisim.
Yehi zichro boruch.
{Matzav.com Israel}