Prominent Satmar Hasid Dies Suddenly During Holiday, Leaves Young Son

A respected member of the Satmar Hasidic community in Beit Shemesh, Rabbi Yaakov Weiss, 47, passed away suddenly during the recent holiday. Weiss, a father of a nine-year-old son born after 16 years of marriage, collapsed at his parents' home in Jerusalem's Satmar neighborhood on the eve of the holiday. He was rushed to the hospital but died on Shabbat.

Weiss was known for his pleasant demeanor and kindness, according to neighbors and friends. He worked at the neighborhood grocery store, where he was remembered for his acts of charity, often covering the cost of purchases for children who lacked sufficient funds or were unable to afford their desired items, without embarrassing them.

He was the son of veteran activist Rabbi Yitzchak Weiss of Jerusalem and studied in Satmar institutions in Jerusalem, including the Yitav Lev Yeshiva, where he was a student of Rabbi Moshe Aryeh Freund, the chief rabbi of the Edah HaChareidis.

Weiss resided in the Ramah Bet neighborhood of Beit Shemesh with his wife, the daughter of Rabbi Reuven Ruderman. His funeral was scheduled to depart from Shagar Funeral Home in Jerusalem on Saturday night, following the conclusion of Rosh Hashanah, and proceed to Har HaMenuchot cemetery for burial.