It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Chaim Shmueli zt”l. He was 86.
Rav Chaim was born in France. During his youth, he witnessed the horrors of the Nazi regime’s conquest. He was compelled to hide for a year in a foreign family’s home as the Gestapo went from house to house searching for hidden Jews. Miraculously, each time, he narrowly escaped their grasp, often posing as a non-Jewish boy. Throughout this period, his lips continually praised and thanked Hashem for saving him.
Upon reaching adulthood, he immigrated to the Holy Land, establishing his family there.
Two years after his marriage, he began his chinuch pursuits. Rav Chaim’s unparalleled kindness, mastery of language, and tremendous enthusiasm for teaching Torah endeared him to his talmidim. Even years after studying under him, his talmidim felt a profound connection to him, characterized by a deep ahavas talmidim.
For many years, he taught at Talmud Torah Sanhedrin in Har Nof and Talmud Torah Avnei Shlomo in Givat Shaul.
Furthermore, he served as a menahel at Talmud Torah Shirah Chadashah in Ramat Shlomo.
Rav Chaim was among the foremost experts in teaching children how to read. Many individuals with reading difficulties turned to him for guidance, as he, with incredible patience, provided them with lessons in the intricacies of precise pronunciation. At times, even accomplished educators sought his guidance on inyonei dikduk, viewing him as an authority in this field.
In addition to his teaching duties, he dedicated hours each day for limud haTorah and was continuously learning.
Rav Chaim lived in Ramot Polin and later in Modi’in Illit, where he was highly esteemed by the entire community.
He leaves behind a wonderful family – sons, daughters, and descendants who continue in his path.
The levayah was held at his home in Modi’in Illit, followed by kevurah at the bais hachaim in Elad.
Yehi zichro boruch.
{Matzav.com Israel}