Renowned Rabbi and Father of the Arnestapel Rebbe Passes Away in Jerusalem

Rabbi Meir Zev Friedman, a revered figure of the old generation in American Jewry and father of the Arnestapel Rebbe, passed away peacefully on the Sabbath night of Parashat Vaetchanan, also known as Shabbat Nachamu. Born in Denver, Colorado in 1934, Rabbi Friedman combined Torah scholarship, Hasidism, and a medical career dedicated to serving God. He was known for his humility, devotion to Torah, and staunch defense of Shabbat observance.

Rabbi Friedman descended from distinguished Hasidic lineages, including Rabbi Shalom Shachna Friedman of Mezhbizh and Rabbi Yaakov Avertish Weinstein of Denver. His grandfather had emigrated to America to protect his children from conscription in Ukraine. As a young man, Rabbi Friedman became a devoted disciple and later son-in-law of Rabbi Ben Zion Chaim Shlomo Shulem Zusha Tversky of Arnestapel.

Following his grandfather's wishes amid prevalent Sabbath desecration in America, Rabbi Friedman pursued a medical profession to maintain independence and uphold Jewish sanctity. He became a leading physician while remaining deeply engaged in Torah study and community leadership. Eventually, he immigrated to Israel, dedicating himself fully to Torah study and raising a family committed to Jewish learning and observance.

His funeral took place at Har HaMenuchot cemetery in Jerusalem, attended by many mourners. His sons, including the current Arnestapel Rebbe and Rabbi Yaakov Friedman, are sitting shiva in Beitar Illit. The family continues to inspire through their dedication to Torah and Jewish values, with Rabbi Friedman leaving a legacy of piety, scholarship, and communal service.