Torah Scholar Rabbi Israel Yaakov Ben Chorin Dies After Long Illness, Leaving Family in Financial Crisis

Rabbi Israel Yaakov Ben Chorin, son of Rabbi Yehonadav and son-in-law of Rabbi Asher Abadi, passed away at age 56 on the 17th of Tammuz, the day marking the breach of Jerusalem's walls. Despite suffering from severe physical and mental illnesses since youth, Rabbi Ben Chorin devoted himself entirely to Torah study, memorizing tractates such as Chagigah over 1,600 times and completing the Tanakh more than 100 times. Even in his final days in the hospital, reliant on oxygen and wheelchair, he continued his studies and sent out Torah tests from his ward.

His wife, a devoted rebbetzin, cared for him tirelessly, but with his passing, the family faces dire financial hardship. They live in a rented apartment burdened by heavy debts, with four of their five children unmarried and the youngest recently bar mitzvahed. Due to his illness, Rabbi Ben Chorin was unable to join the "Aravim" fund, leaving no safety net for his widow and orphans.

The family urgently needs community support to cover rent, utilities, and future expenses such as weddings. Donors contributing 120 shekels or more will have their names sent to be prayed for at the grave of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron. The appeal calls on the public to honor Rabbi Ben Chorin’s dedication and alleviate the suffering of his bereaved family.