Prominent Torah Scholar Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Gefen Passes Away in Bnei Brak at 82

Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Gefen, a distinguished Torah teacher and revered figure in Bnei Brak's religious community, died at the age of 82. Son of Rabbi Yissachar Berish Gefen, he was known for his humility, kindness, and dedication to Torah study from a young age. He studied under Rabbi Shmuel Rozovsky, the head of Ponovezh Yeshiva, and faithfully transmitted his teacher's deep and clear methods to thousands of students over more than fifty years.

Rabbi Gefen taught for about six decades at the Heichal Avraham Elimelech Karlin Yeshiva and the Ahavat Aharon Yeshiva. His students remember him as a compassionate mentor who cared deeply for their spiritual and personal well-being, elevating them in both Torah knowledge and character. His passing leaves a profound void in his family and among the many students who mourn the loss of their spiritual leader.

He is survived by a blessed generation of righteous descendants, including his son-in-law Rabbi Shmaryahu Yosef Finkel, a rabbi at the Mir Yeshiva in Modi'in Illit. Rabbi Gefen's funeral took place on Sunday night, August 6, 2023, from his home on Breslov Street in Bnei Brak to the Segula Cemetery in Petah Tikva. May his soul be bound in the bond of life.