Prominent Hasidic Leader Rabbi Shalom Look Passes Away in England After Fall

Rabbi Shalom Look, a respected Hasidic leader of the Gur community, passed away last night in England at the age of 78. Born in England on January 14, 1948, he was the eldest of nine children to Rabbi Pivil Chizkiyahu Look, a notable figure who had connections with the Amrei Emes Rebbe in Vienna. Rabbi Shalom grew up in a devout household and studied at the Gettes Talmud Torah in England before continuing his education at the Sfat Emet Yeshiva in Jerusalem, where he served the Beit Yisrael Rebbe of Gur as a personal attendant.

He married Rabbi Menachem Mendel Galkoff from Antwerp and became a prominent member of the local synagogue, also working in the restaurant business near the stock exchange and in the diamond industry. Known for his generosity and kindness, Rabbi Shalom supported many families and contributed significantly to the upkeep of synagogues and study halls, including covering electricity and communal expenses. He was closely connected to the Gur Rebbe, the Pnei Menachem, and also associated with Rabbi Eliezer Abuhatzeira of Be'er Sheva.

In recent years, Rabbi Shalom lived in England but had also resided in Israel, praying at the Lublin study hall. About ten days ago, after attending a Siyum HaMasechet (completion of a Talmudic tractate), he suffered a severe fall that left him in a coma. Last week, he showed signs of spiritual awakening to his son but ultimately passed away suddenly surrounded by family, including his sons David Yehuda from Kiryat Harim Levin, Naftali from London, Avraham Mordechai from Bnei Brak, Israel Yosef Dov, and his son-in-law Yosef Paluch.

His funeral will be held today in England, with burial at Enfield Town cemetery. His family and community mourn the loss of a man known for his devotion, kindness, and leadership. May his soul be bound in the bond of life.