The Boyaner Hasidic community is mourning the death of Rabbi Eliyahu Derbaremdiker, who passed away Sunday morning in Jerusalem at age 72 after a recent decline in health.
Born in 1954, Rabbi Derbaremdiker was the son of Rabbi Ze'ev Derbaremdiker, a legendary gabbai (synagogue administrator) who served the Boyaner Rebbes. The family traces its lineage directly to Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, an 18th-century Hasidic master known as the "Defender of Israel" for his advocacy on behalf of the Jewish people.
Rabbi Derbaremdiker married the daughter of Rabbi Yechezkel Tausig, author of the Torah commentary "Tiferet Yechezkel," and settled in Jerusalem after his wedding.
Beyond his distinguished ancestry, he was recognized as an accomplished Torah scholar. For decades, he served as a respected examiner at Torah schools and yeshivas throughout Israel, testing thousands of students with warmth and patience. Educational administrators and teachers held him in high regard for his gentle manner and encouraging approach.
He is survived by 13 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, many of whom serve in rabbinic and communal leadership positions. Among his sons is Rabbi Yechezkel Derbaremdiker, a prominent rabbi in the Boyaner community who serves as rabbi of Modi'in Illit and leads the Hasidic community in the Soferim neighborhood of Bnei Brak.
The funeral procession departed Sunday at 11:30 a.m. from the Shamgar Funeral Home in Jerusalem, passing through the main Boyaner kloiz (prayer house) on Malchei Yisrael Street before proceeding to Har HaMenuchot cemetery for burial.
