It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rebbetzin Rus Devora Avidan (Zemel) a”h, widow of the renowned gaon Rav Avraham Moshe Avidan (Zemel) zt”l. She was 87 years old.
Rebbetzin Avidan was born in Yerushalayim to her illustrious father, Rav Yirmiyahu, and her mother, Mrs. Yocheved. She came from a storied Yerushalmi family that produced generations of talmidei chachomim.
Her father, Rav Yirmiyahu Ralbag zt”l, was a distinguished talmid chacham and author of the sefer Asos Chesed, which deals with the laws and spirit of tzedakah. Her grandfather, Rav Raphael Eliyahu Yitzchak Halevi Katzenelbogen, was one of the leading rabbanim of the Yishuv HaYashan and a prominent figure in the Poalei Agudas Yisroel movement.
Throughout her life, Rebbetzin Avidan stood loyally at the side of her husband, Rav Avraham Moshe Avidan, with dedication and faith. Her husband served as the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Hesder in Shalavim and held the position of Deputy Chief Rabbi of the IDF. He was one of the closest disciples of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv zt”l and was beloved by all the gedolei Yisroel. He authored numerous halachic works, including Ahavas Tzedakah, Amaros Melech, Shemiras HaNefesh KeHilchasah, and Shabbos UMo’ed B’Tzahal.
Rebbetzin Avidan was known for her warmth, strength, and quiet nobility. She was the foundation of her family and a source of unwavering support to all who knew her. In her final years, she faced severe health challenges, which she bore with faith and acceptance. A painful chapter in her life was the passing of her daughter, Rebbetzin Michal Freiman a”h, 25 years ago.
She leaves behind a distinguished family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who follow her example of Torah, chesed, and yiras Shamayim.
The levayah took place tonight, departing from the Shamgar Funeral Home in Yerushalayim, followed by kevurah on Har Hamenuchos.
Yehi zichrah boruch.
{Matzav.com Israel}