Jerusalem's Beloved Drummer Pesach Krishievsky Dies at 90

Pesach Krishievsky, a well-known figure in Jerusalem's Haredi community and famously nicknamed "the Jerusalem drummer," passed away at the age of 90. For decades, he was a familiar presence at weddings and celebrations throughout the city, playing his signature drum and becoming a beloved local personality.

Krishievsky was married to Chaya Bracha Krishievsky, daughter of Rabbi Chaim Rubinstein, who predeceased him. Ten years ago, he was severely injured in a terror attack on Malchei Yisrael Street in the Geula neighborhood of Jerusalem. While waiting at a bus stop with his cousin, Rabbi Yeshayahu Akiva Krishievsky, who was murdered in the attack, Pesach was struck by a vehicle driven by the assailant. The attacker then exited the car armed with a knife and assaulted them. Pesach was hospitalized at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center, where he underwent treatment and rehabilitation.

After his release, Pesach returned to the site of the attack accompanied by family and friends, where he recited a blessing acknowledging the miracle of his survival. Despite his injuries, he resumed participating in family celebrations and continued playing his drum well into his later years. Throughout his life, Pesach endured the loss of two of his children: his daughter Chava Saarel and Yehudit Stern, and his son Chaim Shalom Krishievsky, a follower of the Rachmastrivka Hasidic dynasty. He is survived by other children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.