Prominent Religious Leader Rabbi Reut Kalach Passes Away, Mourned by Religious Zionist Community

The untimely passing of Rabbi Reut Kalach, a prominent religious leader, halachic decisor, and spiritual guide within the Religious Zionist community, has sparked widespread grief and numerous tributes. Kalach, who was also an attorney, was remembered for her sharp intellect, deep piety, and commitment to Torah scholarship.

Mourning her loss, institutions like Midreshet Lindenbaum, where she studied and taught, stated, "The family of the Midrasha deeply mourns the passing of Rabbi Reut Kalach, a scholar and halachic decisor. She studied and taught in the Beit Midrash, the world of Torah is so lacking." The 'Da'at' Kollel expressed sorrow, calling her "a righteous woman departed from the land" and mourning a "friend, alumna, and student."

The organization 'Kolech' expressed profound shock, noting that Rabbi Kalach "left us bereft and heartbroken." They highlighted her active participation in various projects, including writing weekly Torah portions and recording content, remembering her as "pleasant among scholars, radiant, wise, and modest." Einat Barzilai of 'Kolech' added, "Deep sadness and even deeper shock this morning. She captured my attention and my heart. She was modest, very wise, patient, and radiant. Approaching her was always a moment of tenderness and inclusion."

Aviad Sanders spoke of her unique character and professional sacrifice, noting that she left a senior position in Israeli legal counsel to study halacha at Midreshet Lindenbaum for five years. She excelled in rigorous halachic examinations, focusing on Choshen Mishpat in her final two years. Sanders described her as a woman of "good character, inner joy, and love of Torah," recalling her saying that "what cannot be said with moderation, is a sign of more pathos than substance."

Rabbi Shirlie Mirovis of Merili also paid tribute, stating, "Thank you for the privilege of learning from you, not only sections of Choshen Mishpat and complex Gemaras. I learned integrity, charity, justice, and joy from you. You set a moral standard of goodwill and finding merit in everyone in the people of Israel, quietly and pleasantly. What a loss, beloved Reut. What a loss." Rabbi Hamutal Shoval also mourned her loss, calling her "an exceptional student of the Torah, with clarity of thought, immense knowledge, and above all a great heart and goodwill."