Leading Israeli Kosher Slaughter Expert Rabbi Mordechai Galai Dies at 70s
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Rabbi Mordechai Galai, a leading Israeli expert in kosher ritual slaughter and inspection, died at the age of 70s in Bnei Brak after a serious illness. He served for decades in senior roles at the Badatz "She'erit Yisrael" and was highly respected by prominent rabbis for his expertise and piety. His funeral was held on Sunday in Bnei Brak. His passing is considered a significant loss to the rabbinate and the field of kosher slaughter.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Mordechai Galai, a leading Israeli kosher slaughter expert, died after a serious illness.
- He served for decades in senior roles at the Badatz "She'erit Yisrael" overseeing slaughterhouses.
- Prominent rabbis, including Chief Rabbi Kelman Meir Bar, eulogized his dedication and expertise.
- Rabbi Galai was known for training and certifying new ritual slaughterers and inspectors.
- He recently mourned the loss of his son and had a brother who passed away in 2021.
Rabbi Mordechai Galai, a prominent figure in Israel's kosher slaughter and inspection community, passed away overnight at Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center in Bnei Brak following a severe illness. For decades, Rabbi Galai was recognized for his expertise in kashrut and ritual slaughter, earning the trust of leading rabbis for his knowledge and piety.
Despite his illness over the past year, Rabbi Galai continued his work, with his condition worsening in recent days. Prominent rabbis visited him during his final days. Born in Haifa, he was the son of Rabbi Shalom Galai, a student of Rabbi Chofetz Chaim, and was a respected member of the Ramat Elchanan neighborhood in Bnei Brak, close to its rabbi, Yitzchak Zilberstein.
Rabbi Galai was particularly known for his skill in inspecting knives and performing ritual slaughter, with the late Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky relying heavily on his expertise. He held senior positions for many years at the Badatz "She'erit Yisrael" (Remnant of Israel Rabbinical Court), overseeing slaughterhouses and supervising their operations. He also trained and certified new ritual slaughterers and inspectors for work in Israel and abroad.
Chief Rabbi Kelman Meir Bar eulogized Rabbi Galai, highlighting his dedication to the perfection of ritual slaughter even while suffering. He noted that many prominent rabbis specifically sought out meat from Rabbi Galai's slaughtering and inspections due to his deep halachic knowledge and professional skill. The Chief Rabbi stated that Rabbi Galai was uncompromising in his standards, ensuring the next generation of slaughterers and inspectors were properly trained. Even after falling ill, Rabbi Galai continued to conduct examinations, traveling from his sickbed to Haifa just last week to supervise an inspection process.
"The departure of Rabbi Galai is a great loss to the Chief Rabbinate, the world of slaughter, and the generations of slaughterers and inspectors who grew up under his guidance," Rabbi Bar said. Rabbi Galai had recently mourned the loss of his son, Yechiel Yehoshua Galai, who also suffered from a serious illness. His brother, Rabbi Yaakov Moshe Galai, who established Torah institutions in Kiryat Ata, passed away in 2021. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Another brother is Rabbi Shimon Galai.
The funeral procession is scheduled to depart from his home at 11 Abnei Nezer Street in Bnei Brak on Sunday at 11:00 AM.
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