Rabbi Itamar Schwartz's Will Leads to 10-Hour Search for Jerusalem Burial Plot
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Rabbi Itamar Schwartz, author of the 'Balvavi' series, died at 50 after a stroke. His funeral was delayed for 10 hours as his family and the Chevra Kadisha searched for a specific burial plot on the Mount of Olives, as stipulated in his will. The plot was eventually found and purchased for over a million shekels.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Itamar Schwartz, author of 'Balvavi', died at 50 after a stroke.
- His will demanded a burial plot on the Mount of Olives facing the Temple Mount.
- A 10-hour search was conducted by family, Chevra Kadisha, and students.
- The required plot was found and purchased for over one million shekels.
- His funeral was delayed until Sunday afternoon to fulfill his final wishes.
Rabbi Itamar Schwartz, the author of the 'Balvavi' book series, passed away suddenly at the age of 50 after suffering a stroke. Known for his humility and avoidance of public attention, Rabbi Schwartz had been studying in a secluded apartment in Tzur Hadassah when he fell ill. He was rushed to the hospital, but passed away on Shabbat.
Following his death, his funeral was unusually delayed until Sunday afternoon, contrary to Jerusalem custom. This delay was reportedly due to a detailed will Rabbi Schwartz had made two months prior, which included specific burial instructions. Among his requests were that only those who had immersed in a mikvah and did not possess non-kosher devices should approach his body.
The most challenging stipulation was his explicit wish to be buried on the Mount of Olives, facing the Temple Mount, with no other person buried within four cubits of his plot. This presented a significant logistical hurdle for his family and the Chevra Kadisha (burial society), as no such plots were readily available.
After approximately ten hours of searching the Mount of Olives on Saturday night, the family, Chevra Kadisha members, and many of his students discovered an open plot. It was revealed that the land belonged to a wealthy American family who had inherited it. Following negotiations, the family agreed to sell the plot for over a million shekels.
The funeral proceeded on Sunday afternoon with a large attendance, fulfilling the late rabbi's final wishes.
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