Rabbi Yitzchaleh Blaser's Final Wishes and Unexpected Departure
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Rabbi Yitzchaleh Blaser, a prominent figure in the Musar movement, fulfilled his lifelong dream of living in Jerusalem for three years before his passing. In his final hours, he requested prayers from his community and from Slobodka. He died peacefully on August 11th, 1907, and in his will, he requested no eulogies except in Slobodka. Despite this, his funeral in Jerusalem was attended by thousands.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Yitzchaleh Blaser, a Musar movement leader, lived in Jerusalem's Strauss Court for three years.
- He had a sudden urge to return to Jerusalem shortly before his death in 1907.
- In his final moments, he requested prayers from the community and from Slobodka.
- Rabbi Blaser died peacefully on August 11th, 1907.
- His will requested no eulogies except in Slobodka.
- Thousands attended his funeral in Jerusalem, despite his wishes.
Rabbi Yitzchaleh Blaser, a revered figure associated with the Strauss Court and the Musar movement, harbored a lifelong desire to immigrate to the Land of Israel, a dream he realized only in his later years. He lived at the Strauss Court for approximately three years, a period that left a significant impact on the community. During his recovery from an illness in a Jaffa hospital in the summer of 1907, Rabbi Blaser experienced a sudden urge to return to Jerusalem immediately, explaining to those around him that he needed to be with his family. His son-in-law, Rabbi Chizkiyahu Yosef, later understood this urgency, realizing that had he not returned that day, Rabbi Blaser would not have been able to reach Jerusalem while still alive.
In his final moments, on the night of August 10th, as his condition worsened, Rabbi Blaser, true to his nature, prioritized others. He asked his son-in-law to have the members of the Strauss Court pray for him at the Western Wall and to send a telegram to Slobodka (then located in Kovno) requesting prayers for him. Unbeknownst to Rabbi Blaser, the community gathered in prayer and supplication, ensuring their fervent prayers would not reach his room to avoid distressing him.
Rabbi Blaser passed away peacefully the following afternoon, August 11th, 1907, described as a quiet and serene death. His will contained an unusual request: that he not be eulogized anywhere except in Slobodka, continuing a practice of Rabbi Eliyahu Regler, author of "Yad Eliyahu." Despite his wishes, his funeral in Jerusalem was immense, with thousands gathering from all parts of the city to accompany him to his final resting place on the Mount of Olives.
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