Rabbi Reuven Tzvi Beloy, Last Disciple of Dushinsky Gaavad, Passes Away at 99 in Jerusalem

Rabbi Reuven Tzvi Beloy, the eldest Hasid and devoted attendant of the late Gaavad Maharitzi of Dushinsky, passed away in Jerusalem at the age of 99. Born in the Austrian town of Tzehelim to Rabbi Yechiel Beloy, a respected community leader, he was set to celebrate his 100th birthday on the upcoming Simchat Torah. In 1940, he immigrated to the Land of Israel with his family on one of the last certificates issued, traveling alongside Rabbi Aharon Rata, the Shomer Emunim leader. During the voyage, Rabbi Beloy was included in the prayer quorum by the Shomer Emunim, who advised his father to settle the family in Jerusalem for their spiritual growth. Upon arrival, they established their home in the Batei Ungarin neighborhood.

Rabbi Beloy studied at the yeshiva of the Maharitzi of Dushinsky, quickly becoming a prominent student and his close attendant, known as "Viz Bachur." During the 1948 War of Independence, when the Maharitzi relocated to a hotel due to frontline dangers near Shaul Hanevi Street, Rabbi Beloy was entrusted with safeguarding his teacher's residence. Notably, on the eve of Passover 1948, under heavy shelling, he bravely transported the Rebbe’s Passover utensils to the hotel. He remained a loyal disciple until the Maharitzi’s death in 1949, even securing special government permission to be with him in Tel Aviv during his final days.

Rabbi Beloy married the daughter of Rabbi Aharon Kinstlicher, son of the Gaavad of Seaben. After his teacher’s passing, he remained close to the Maharitzi’s son and successor, the current Dushinsky Rebbe. He founded the "R.Ts. Beloy" company, a legendary Jerusalem supplier of office equipment and religious books, supporting many Torah institutions financially and personally. Despite declining health in recent years, he remained deeply connected to his spiritual heritage. He is survived by his son Rabbi Aharon Beloy, a prominent communal figure in London, his daughter Tchi, grandchildren, and descendants.

The funeral procession took place on Tuesday at noon, departing from the Dushinsky Great Study Hall in Jerusalem to Har HaMenuchot cemetery, where he was laid to rest beside his grandfather, the Gaavad of Seaben. His passing marks the loss of one of the last direct links to the founding generation of the Dushinsky Hasidic dynasty.