London: Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Elimelech Schlesinger Passes Away at 105
Rabbi Elimelech Schlesinger, 105-year-old head of London's Haramah Yeshiva and spiritual leader of Britain's Haredi community, has passed away. A living link to pre-WWII Torah scholarship, he led the yeshiva for decades and championed Jewish education autonomy.
The Haredi Jewish community in Britain and the Torah world are in deep mourning following the passing of Rabbi Elimelech Schlesinger, who served as the spiritual leader of the Haredi community in Britain and head of the "Haramah" Yeshiva. He was 105 years old.
Rabbi Schlesinger was the oldest Rosh Yeshiva of his generation and served as a living bridge between the pre-World War II Torah world and the current generation. For decades, he led the Haramah Yeshiva in London and served as a spiritual compass for thousands of students and followers worldwide.
Born in Vienna in 1922, Rabbi Schlesinger immigrated to Israel as a young man. He studied under leading rabbis of the generation, including at the Dushinsky Yeshiva under Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Dushinsky, and later at the Kaminetz and Lomza yeshivas in Petach Tikva. After marrying the daughter of Agudath Israel leader Rabbi Moshe Blau, he was appointed head of the "Pnei Moshe" Yeshiva in Jerusalem.
Later, on the advice of Rabbi Velvel Soloveitchik (the Rav of Brisk), he moved to Europe, where he established the Haramah Yeshiva in London, named after the author of the "Ktav Sofer."
Rabbi Schlesinger was known for zealously preserving the traditions of previous generations. He was very close to the Chazon Ish and the Rav of Brisk, and documented his memories of them in his renowned book "The Generation and the Era." His positions were firm and uncompromising regarding the autonomy of Haredi education. In recent years, he stood against British education regulations, instructing heads of institutions to show self-sacrifice in resisting government interference.
Alongside his zealousness, he was known as the central address for protecting Jewish cemeteries in Europe and served as chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Jewish Graves, fighting for the dignity of the deceased across the continent.
Jerusalem and London are mourning the loss of a leader known for his vast knowledge and wisdom, which he delivered with clarity and strength to his students. His passing leaves a great void in the heart of the Haredi community in Britain and the entire Torah world, which has lost one of the last remnants of a generation of giants.
Details regarding funeral arrangements will be announced.