Rabbi Meir Shoshan, Torah Devotee and Community Builder, Dies at 95

Rabbi Meir Shoshan, a founder of a synagogue in Kiryat Shmona, cantor, Torah reader, and teacher, passed away at the age of 95. His son, Rabbi Shlomo Shoshan, described him as a man who combined hard physical labor with an unwavering love of Torah study. Rabbi Meir will be buried today at 5 p.m. in the Netivot cemetery.

Born in Morocco to a family of Torah scholars, Rabbi Meir gave up studying in a Casablanca yeshiva at his grandfather's request to help support his family. His grandfather blessed him that this sacrifice would ensure his descendants would be God-fearing and devoted to Torah, a blessing Rabbi Meir believed in deeply throughout his life. Even after losing his eldest son and working three jobs to support his family, he never abandoned Torah study or asked for charity.

After immigrating to Israel, Rabbi Meir lived in Kiryat Shmona and later Bnei Brak. Upon retirement, he moved to Neve Dekalim in Gush Katif and then to Nitzan following the evacuation. Despite working physically demanding jobs such as construction and agriculture, Torah remained central to his life. He personally built a synagogue in Kiryat Shmona, serving as its cantor and Torah reader, and continued this leadership role after moving to Bnei Brak.

Rabbi Shlomo emphasized his father's defining traits: his love of Torah, optimism, and generosity. Conversations with him always ended with Torah teachings, stories, or parables, which left a lasting impression on his family. Even in his advanced years, discussing Torah was what energized him. Rabbi Meir Shoshan leaves behind nine children, a large family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a legacy of dedication to Torah and community.