It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Rabbi Yehuda (Julie) Oelbaum zt”l, a beloved mechanech who dedicated his life to the service of Klal Yisroel. He was 90 years old.
Rabbi Oelbaum was born and raised in Brooklyn, where he began his journey of chinuch at an early age. He learned at Yeshiva Torah Vodaath, where the foundations of his Torah dedication and passion for chinuch were solidified. His commitment to teaching and guiding others blossomed during his time at Camp Agudah, serving as a Pirchei leader for the Boro Park Zeirei Agudah Shul, always demonstrating a deep care for each child he encountered.
For decades, Rabbi Oelbaum served as the menahel of Machon Beis Yaakov High School in Boro Park, where his unique approach to chinuch helped mold and shape generations of bnos Yisroel. His visionary leadership, selflessness, and unparalleled devotion to his talmidos left an indelible mark on so many. His care for each talmidah was evident in the individual attention he gave, and his ability to inspire and elevate those around him was a testament to his profound ahavas Yisroel and ahavas Hashem.
Rabbi Oelbaum’s influence extended beyond the classroom. For many years, he also served as the learning director at Camp Munk, where he imparted his ahavas haTorah to countless campers.
His impact was felt in so many different facets of the Torah community, and his legacy of chinuch and chesed will forever be remembered.
Rabbi Oelbaum leaves behind a remarkable family who continues his legacy of Torah, avodas Hashem, and dedication to Klal Yisroel. His children are Rav Dovid Oelbaum, Rav Avrohom Oelbaum, Rav Eliyahu Oelbaum, Rav Yitzchok Oelbaum, Rav Shlomo Oelbaum, Mrs. Tzivi Goldstein, Mrs. Estie Rosenberg, Mrs. Chani Rajchenbach, and Mrs. Sori Saks. He was predeceased by his daughter, Mrs. Miriam Kamenetzky a”h, wife of Rav Zvi Kamenetzky.
The levayah is taking place now at Shomrei Hadas Chapels in Boro Park. From there, the aron will be flown to Eretz Yisroel for kevurah.
Yehi zichro boruch.