The Hasidic world is mourning the death of the Biala Ostrova Rebbe, who passed away in a Manhattan hospital following a severe medical crisis. He was 61.
Born on the 25th of Sivan 5725 (1965) in Israel, he was the son of the previous Biala Rebbe of Bnei Brak, author of the "Lehavat David." He married the daughter of Rabbi Avraham Shlomo Biderman of Lelov, and the couple settled in Jerusalem, where he became known for his piety and devotion.
After his father's death, he assumed leadership of the Biala Ostrova community. In later years, he established a spiritual community in Manhattan, traveling there regularly to strengthen his followers and supporters.
The Rebbe's life was marked by profound personal suffering. He lost his wife after she battled a serious illness. Approximately a decade ago, his daughter, Chana Pessa Frankel, was killed in a fatal traffic accident on Route 402 in Israel. Just six months ago, his eldest son, Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Rabinowitz, died suddenly at age 36.
Despite these devastating losses, the Rebbe continued to lead his community with remarkable spiritual fortitude, offering comfort to the downtrodden and strength to the brokenhearted while maintaining his own deep faith.
Several weeks ago, while in the United States, he suffered a serious medical event and was hospitalized in critical condition in Manhattan. His followers in Israel and abroad organized prayer gatherings for his recovery. His brother, the Biala Rebbe of Bnei Brak, flew specially to New York to be at his bedside during his final days. This morning, he passed away.
His body will be flown from the United States to Israel. The funeral procession will depart from his study hall on Pinchas Kehati Street in Jerusalem's Givat Shaul neighborhood to the Mount of Olives, where he will be buried in his family's plot.
