By COLlive reporter
Rabbi Avraham B. Hecht, a Lubavitcher chossid who was one of the most prominent rabbis in North America in the last century, has passed away on Motzoei Shabbos, 24 Teves 5773.
He was 90.
His passing occurred at almost the same time to the hour of the passing of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, 200 years ago in Ukraine.
Rabbi Hecht was born in Brownsville, NY, as a second generation American. He traveled to Poland in September 1939 to study in the Yeshivah of Otvosk under the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn.
But as army tanks started rolling across Poland, just a few days after his arrival, he managed to leave the continent which shortly thereafter became the battlefield for the Second World War and the Holocaust.
Back in New York, he had the distinction of being of the first 10 students of Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim in America. It is there that he developed his commitment for Judaism and care for the Jewish people.
He went on to serve as a Shliach in Boston, MA; Buffalo, NY; Newark, NJ; and New Haven, CT; establishing Yeshiva Achei T’mimim elementary schools for both boys and girls.
It was no surprise, then, that he was appointed as the Rabbi of Congregation Shaare Zion on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn, the largest Sephardic shul in North America, comprising more than 3500 families. He served there for more than 50 years.
Known as a “rabbi’s rabbi” and a scholar of Torah, he also served as President of the Rabbinical Alliance of America – Igud HaRabanim, the national rabbinic organization founded in 1942 with 800 members.
He has written two books entitled, “Spiritual Horizons” and “Spiritual Freedom” and frequently wrote in various Jewish publications in English, Hebrew and Yiddish.
Among the topics he wrote and advocated for were Mihu Yehudi – Giyur K’halacha Who is a Jew, Shleimus Haaretz, Family Values – Taharas Hamishpacha and the Seven Noahide Laws
His wife Liba (nee Greenhut) passed away 9 years ago on 21 Teves.
He is survived by his children Mrs. Nechama Kantor – Crown Heights; Mrs. Esther Kaplan – Crown Heights; Rabbi Eli Hecht – Lomita, CA; Rabbi Yossi Hecht – Nice, France; Mrs. Rochel Weinberg – Detroit, MI; Mrs. Shani Fasten – 5 Towns, NY; Rabbi Shea Hecht – Norwalk, CT; Rabbi Ari Hecht – S. Francisco, CA; and Rabbi Yisroel Hecht – Los Angeles, CA.
His oldest grandson is Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, Head Shliach of Thailand, and many of his grandchildren are spread all over the world, including Canada, California, Florida, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Illinois and Switzerland.
LEVAYA
The funeral will take place Sunday at 11:30 from Shomrei Hadas chapels in Boro Park. The procession will be passing Congregation Shaarei Tzion (Ocean Parkway between T and U) and at approximately 1:30pm will be passing 770 Eastern Parkway.
SHIVA
The family of Rabbi Avrohom Hecht is sitting Shiva at 866 Eastern Parkway, Apt 3E.
Shachris: 2 minyanim at 7:15 and 3 minyanim at 8:30
Mincha Mariv bezmano.
Please no visitors from 2:00 till 4:00 pm and after 9:30 pm.
If anyone has stories of Rabbi Hecht please email [email protected]
Baruch Dayan Haemes
Rabbi Hecht was my Rabbi 60 years ago. He was the paragon of a happy man. Always loving every Jew & serving Hashem with such joy . Chaval Al Deavdin Vela Mishtakechin.
Would you call me?
Karen at Jewish Image
718 627-4624
What everyone can learn from this family of Hechts is that when children are brought up with true Yiras Shomayim (no shtick when it comes to yiddishkeit), you can have special children who make a mark on this world-Hashem put us in.
It was a privilege to be the Rabbi’s secretary for almost forty years . His smile and words encouraged all to be their best. He will be greatly missed.
BTW, the caption under the first picture does not mention that behind Avrohom Hecht is his brother Moshe Hecht, a”h.
I had the privilege of meeting this esteemed rabbi. He will be missed.
Rabbi Abraham Hecht was my Rabbi in shaare Zion since I was a young teen. I attended his classes sitting up in the woman’s section, while I was the only girl there and the men were down in the dome. We used to walk home after words and just spoke about things in general. He always had a beautiful smile on his face. He was content with his life. I will truly miss him..
Sharon Hazan Chemtob
I was not zocha 2 know him personally but the Hechts are an Amazing Family !!! Yair Lax
dont only ask for moshiach when tragedys happen. ask for moshiach all the time!
he was a true chassid moser nefesh for the rebbes inyanim no matter what others said
🙁 :'(
BARUCH Dayin Eemes crying my head off sucha special man
The community will now need to live with a great void. He was not just a great rabbi he was my friend, a true inspiration for all toughs for crossed his path. I received such comfort from him as I visited him in the nursing home. He loved us, he loved us all. May Gd grant his children long live and the abilities to spread actor ah through out the world.
Baruch Dayan BeEmat
MMB
Baruch dayin emes you were the best zaidy
MOSHIACH must come now this is so sad
Anybody have an update. The Rabbi made the Syrian community what it is today.
A zaidy we can only wish for
long life to the whole family
and to falge tziva
He Koched in Moshaich, and spoke very clearly in Gan Isroel- Yarchi Kallah, saying he knows he may not be invited again for saying what he thinks. Masar Nafshai for the rebbe’s inyonim, Kepshutoi, lost his esteemed position for Shleimus harets and
Mah zaroy bachayim af hu bachaiyim !!!
To the family. Hamokoim yenacheim eschem besoich sha’ar aveylei tzion veYerusholayim.
There are so few left now…what will become of us?
2 special people
BDE. Hamakom Yenachem Eschem B’soch Shaar Aveilie Tziyon v’Yiyirushalaim
A Hecht relative
You are already greatly missed by everyone mmc
what a tragedy. Such a great dynasty. such a great man. So much impact on the world.
Also survived by his youngest brother Shalom (Sidney) Hecht