Ra'anana Remembers Rabbi Ben Zion Bilitzky
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ra'anana held a memorial for Rabbi Ben Zion Bilitzky 30 days after his death.
- He served as rabbi of the "Yavneh" synagogue and ex-chairman of the Religious Council.
- Speakers praised his leadership, humility, and ability to connect communities.
- He integrated Brazilian immigrants into his synagogue, revitalizing it.
- Rabbi Bilitzky is remembered as a bridge between different Jewish streams.
A memorial event was held in Ra'anana to commemorate Rabbi Ben Zion Bilitzky, the former rabbi of the "Yavneh" synagogue and ex-chairman of the city's Religious Council, thirty days after his passing. The event took place at the "Yavneh" synagogue, where Rabbi Bilitzky served for decades and was a beloved figure.
Rabbi Shabtai Yagel, rabbi of the "Bnei Yeshivot" community in Ra'anana, spoke about Rabbi Bilitzky's founding role in the "Yavneh" synagogue over 40 years ago and his deep connection with the congregation. He described Rabbi Bilitzky as a beloved and admired leader of the religious-nationalist community, who officiated at lifecycle events and offered Torah insights. Rabbi Yagel also highlighted Rabbi Bilitzky's public service as chairman of the Religious Council, where he worked on behalf of religious institutions like mikvahs and eruvs, noting his humility and ability to connect different segments of the public.
Rabbi Yagel further elaborated on Rabbi Bilitzky's unique ability to bridge different Jewish communities, citing his personal background from the Haredi world and his rabbinate in a Religious Zionist synagogue. He observed that Bilitzky's children also represented these different streams, yet united beautifully at his funeral. A significant initiative mentioned was Rabbi Bilitzky's effort in his later years to integrate a community of new immigrants from Brazil, led by Rabbi Yaakov Zilberman, into the "Yavneh" synagogue. This move, which revitalized the synagogue with a younger, active congregation, was initially met with some resistance but ultimately demonstrated Bilitzky's inclusive spirit.
The event also featured a poignant moment when Rabbi Chananiel Etrog, head of the Susiya Yeshiva, spoke privately with Rabbi Bilitzky's widow, Rabbanit Chana. Rabbi Yagel explained that Rabbi Etrog had a long-standing personal connection to the family, having grown up attending the synagogue and visiting their home as a child.
In conclusion, Rabbi Yagel characterized Rabbi Bilitzky as a model of a community rabbi from a previous generation, who combined Torah scholarship, public leadership, and personal connection. He noted that Rabbi Bilitzky, who passed away after a battle with illness, left a significant void in the community.