Rabbi Yosef Ze’ev Feinstein, Head of Amala Shel Torah Yeshiva, Dies at 54

Rabbi Yosef Ze’ev Feinstein zt"l, the esteemed head of the Amala Shel Torah Yeshiva in Beitar Illit, passed away at the age of 54 on Wednesday evening, the eve of Purim, after a valiant struggle with a severe illness. The news, announced from Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem, sent shockwaves through the Haredi community, where Feinstein was revered as a towering Torah scholar and a devoted educator who shaped the lives of thousands of students over decades.

Born on November 22, 1970 (2 Kislev 5731) in Bnei Brak, Feinstein hailed from a prominent Kretchnif Hasidic family. His father, Reb Aryeh Feinstein z"l, was a key figure among Kretchnif Hasidim and a major benefactor of the sect’s Talmud Torah, his name etched on the building’s exterior as a testament to his generosity. His mother, Shifra, survives him. From a young age, Feinstein—affectionately called "Ze’evi"—displayed exceptional diligence, earning a reputation as an "oved" (worker) in his spiritual and scholarly pursuits.

Feinstein’s educational journey began at the Or Yisrael Yeshiva in Petah Tikva, followed by advanced studies at the prestigious Ponevezh Yeshiva in Bnei Brak. There, he thrived under the guidance of Rabbi Berel Povarsky, immersing himself in Torah and mastering its depths. Even in his youth, he was tested in-depth on the entire Talmud, a feat that marked him as a prodigious talent. After marrying Nechama Elke, daughter of Rabbi Meir Rosenbaum z"l of Lakewood, he channeled his passion into teaching, eventually serving as a spiritual guide at the Kretchnif Yeshiva in Rehovot.

About 25 years ago, Feinstein founded the Amala Shel Torah Yeshiva, initially in Jerusalem’s Gush 80 neighborhood. The pan-Hasidic institution quickly grew into a leading center of Torah study, reflecting his vision of blending rigorous scholarship with Hasidic warmth. He sacrificed part of his own home to establish its dormitory, underscoring his personal commitment. Just last year, the yeshiva relocated to a spacious new facility in Beitar Illit—a milestone marred by his declining health. Plans for Feinstein to move into an apartment within the building from Jerusalem were cut short by his illness.

Known for his marathon prayer sessions in the distinctive Kretchnif style, Feinstein often lingered over the Amidah long after others finished, even during the sect’s already lengthy services. His devotion extended to his Rebbe, the Kretchnif Admor, whom he served with fervor—funding Passover matzah baking annually and rallying Hasidim to support the community’s institutions. He maintained close ties with other luminaries, including the late Gaavad of the Eida Haredit, Rabbi Yitzchak Tuvia Weiss zt"l, and Rabbi David Abuchatzeira.

Feinstein’s health took a sharp turn several years ago when he suffered a sudden stroke, weakening him significantly. In recent months, he became ill, prompting widespread prayers for his recovery. The addition of the name "Alter" as a spiritual remedy offered fleeting hope, but he succumbed on March 12, 2025, leaving his wife, children, grandchildren, and an expansive network of students and admirers in grief.

His legacy includes not only the yeshiva but also a family steeped in Torah: his brother, Rabbi David Feinstein, and brothers-in-law Rabbi Avraham Postavsky (head of Birkat Yitzchak Yeshiva in Or Yehuda) and Attorney Rabbi Yehuda Leibovitz carry on his tradition.

Baruch Dayan HaEmet.