Chief Rabbi Weeps at Funeral of Rabbi Ephraim Rubinstein
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Chief Rabbi Kalman Bar wept at the funeral of Rabbi Ephraim Rubinstein, a prominent rabbi at the Kerem Yavneh Yeshiva. Rabbi Bar and other speakers, including Yeshiva President Mordechai Greenberg, praised Rubinstein's humility, dedication to Jewish law, and care for others. Rubinstein, who served the yeshiva for decades, was known for his meticulous halachic rulings and his open home. His students expressed deep affection and concern for him, especially during his final illness.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Chief Rabbi Kalman Bar wept at the funeral of Rabbi Ephraim Rubinstein of Kerem Yavneh Yeshiva.
- Rabbi Rubinstein was eulogized for his humility, dedication to Jewish law, and care for others.
- Rabbi Rubinstein's home was always open, and he personally raised funds for those in need.
- He once wore leather shoes on Yom Kippur to accompany a sick student to the hospital.
- Mordechai Greenberg, president of the yeshiva, noted Rubinstein's decades of service and halachic expertise.
- Students and colleagues expressed deep affection and concern for Rabbi Rubinstein throughout his life.
Chief Rabbi Kalman Bar delivered an emotional eulogy, weeping, for Rabbi Ephraim Rubinstein, a prominent rabbi at the Kerem Yavneh Yeshiva, who passed away. Rabbi Bar spoke of Rubinstein's character, his dedication to others, and his meticulous adherence to Jewish law. "I am sorry for you, my brother, you were very dear to me," Rabbi Bar began, visibly moved. He shared that Rubinstein's wife had sent a message to his own wife stating, "The heavens have won." Rabbi Bar described Rubinstein as a "complete, perfect man" whom "everyone wanted," highlighting his exceptional concern for those in need. He would personally raise funds and contribute his own money to help anyone facing hardship, and his home was always open, especially on Shabbat and holidays.
Rabbi Bar recounted an incident on Yom Kippur when an American student felt unwell and required hospitalization. Rabbi Rubinstein accompanied the student to the hospital, even wearing leather shoes, which are forbidden on Yom Kippur, for the journey. He left the shoes at the hospital to avoid carrying them and proceeded in his socks. As a Cohen, he had to remain outside the hospital and waited on the grass without a prayer book until one was brought to him.
Mordechai Greenberg, president of the Kerem Yavneh Yeshiva, also eulogized Rabbi Rubinstein, detailing his decades of service, his mastery of Jewish law, and his consistent humility. Greenberg noted that Rubinstein was the first group in the Kollel when Greenberg became its head in 1975, and his humility was evident even then. For about twenty years, Rubinstein handled the yeshiva students' halachic questions, presenting them to leading rabbis. The yeshiva's head later tasked Rubinstein with making halachic decisions for the yeshiva's daily life, including kitchen matters. Initially hesitant to teach, Rubinstein eventually agreed to give classes, making halacha a symbol of the yeshiva, with its graduates known for their adherence to it.
Rabbi Benjamin Bari, a veteran rabbi at the yeshiva, spoke of Rubinstein's warmth and care, and the deep affection his students held for him. Despite his declining health, students constantly called to inquire about him and sought to visit, though visits were limited due to his condition. Rabbi Yosef Ephrati, a member of the Degel HaTorah Rabbinical Committee and a yeshiva alumnus, emphasized Rubinstein's spiritual growth and his unique blend of pleasant demeanor with uncompromising halachic precision.
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