Rabbi Ptachia Neria, Son of Founding Figure of Religious Zionism, Passes Away

Rabbi Ptachia Neria, son of Rabbi Moshe Tzvi Neria, a founding figure of the Religious Zionist Torah world and known as the 'father of the knitted kippah generation,' has passed away. His funeral is scheduled for today at 5:00 PM in Kfar HaRoeh. Rabbi Ptachia Neria was part of the prominent Neria family within Religious Zionism and dedicated his life to education, teaching at the Kfar HaRoeh yeshiva.

He is survived by children and grandchildren, including Meir Rubin (Neria), CEO of the Kohelet Forum, and Dr. Rivka Neria Ben Shachar, a researcher of communication, religion, and gender. His son, Lieutenant Colonel Moshe Tzvi Neria, a company commander in the Givati Reconnaissance Unit, was severely wounded during Operation Iron Swords but recovered after a lengthy rehabilitation and recently married.

Rabbi Ptachia Neria was married to Irit Sheleg, who returned to religious observance from a secular background; Sheleg was formerly an actress in Tel Aviv before becoming closer to the Haredi world. The community will honor Rabbi Neria’s legacy at the funeral in Kfar HaRoeh this afternoon.