By COLlive reporter
Rabbi Yekutiel Rapp, a long-time educator, and one of the most spirited activists to the safety and security of Israel, was killed in a fatal car accident on Monday, 12 Tammuz 5775.
He was 66.
He was standing with his wife on Empire Boulevard, near his home on Balfour Place in Crown Heights, when a livery cab driver drove into Rabbi Rapp. He was rushed to the Kings County Hospital Center in East Flatbush but passed away on the way from cardiac arrest.
He was born on 9 Av 5708 (1948) to Shraga and Tzippora Rapp in the religious moshav Yesodot in central Israel. In his youth, he learned in the known litvish Yeshiva Kol Torah in Jerusalem.
It was there where he discovered Chassidus through the classes in Tanya given by Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Segal, Rosh Kollel Tzemach Tzedek. Rabbi Rapp then enrolled in the Central Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva in Kfar Chabad to study under the famed mashpia Rabbi Shlomo Chaim Kesselman.
When he finally came to New York and saw the Rebbe, he quickly got involved in Mivtzoim outreach activities to bring Jews closer to their faith.
His main outpost was the JFK International Airport where he developed a close connection with the team of Israel’s national airlines El Al. His work there was later conducted under the official names Chabad at JFK.
His love for Eretz Yisroel and the safety of its people –best demonstrated by the Rebbe– had Rabbi Rapp bring Israeli government officials to 770 Eastern Parkway and later create an organization to fight Israel’s concessions to Arab countries.
His daily occupation was Mashgiach at the Central Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva at 770, a task to which he was hired already as a bochur by the Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Mordechai Mentlik and Director Rabbi Dovid Raskin.
At the Yeshiva, he helped educate generations of bochurim alongside the current hanhala Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Zalman Labkowski, Head Mashpia Rabbi Yoel Kahn, Mashpia Rabbi Shlomo Zarchi and others.
Most recently, Rabbi Rapp was working on a book titled Tikvas Menachem that was going to offer unique commentary on the connection between the daily study portion of Rambam and the weekly Parsha in the Torah. He said it was being done at the instruction of the Rebbe.
He is survived by his wife Fayge Rapp and children Chaya Mushka Moskowitz, Chanie, Yossi, and Shneur Zalman.
The levaya will take place today, Tuesday, leaving Shomrei Hadas at 3:00 pm and passing by 770 at 3:45 pm.
Baruch dayan haemes.
http://www.gofundme.com
there is a go fund me account set up. here is the link:
http://www.gofundme.com/y6k5wc
Please donate generously!!!!!!!!
we want moshiach now- i know he would have wanted me to say that
I didn’t know Rabbi Rapp personally, but he was one of the only people in 770 that I felt comfortable giving tzedaka to, since I knew he used the funds to preserve Yiddishkeit in Eretz Yisroel…
it is very sad such a young age.
this is so sad news may hashem bless you that mishiach should come write now
My Hachlata is to learn chassidus with another woman in our Shlichus community for Moshiach to come so he’ll be reunited with his wife and family
Please resend gofundme link. Ty
Me. Like many. Had the zechus to drive this aidel botul Chossid. Who never had a negative thing to say about a fellow yid.
Boruch Dayan Hoemes!
Bde along with everything else. He was poshut a chassidisher yid in a ish emes btachlis
Link to donate to his family:
http://www.gofundme.com/y6k5wc
Hello, If anyone has personal stories or a short encounter with Rabbi Rapp a”h, please send it it in to rabbirappstories@gmail. He has touched so many lives and the stories should be preserved and kept. Any short encounter is appreciated. Hebrew, Yiddish or English or any language. Thank You Please pass this on! as personal stories or a short encounter with Rabbi Rapp a”h, please send it it in to rabbirappstories@gmail. He has touched so many lives and the stories should be preserved and kept. Any short encounter is appreciated. Hebrew, Yiddish or English or any language. Thank You Please… Read more »
I don’t know the right words to say, in midst of my tears I say to you we are hear or you in this painful time. We love you and just pray to Hashem that moshiach should come now and we should be reunited with your husband/father.
Hamakom inachem eschem btoch Shari at zillion yeruhalayim
Boruch Dayan Hoemes.
What a terrible tragedy. He was such a loving and caring person. I hope his family will have the strength to find the comfort and consolation they desperately need.
והחי יתן אל לבו
The Niftar was concerned about every Jew, regardless of their background or affiliation. We should all learn from him to add in our Ahavas Yisroel, this will be a Zechus for his Neshomo
today all of chabad name is Rapp! We are one! We will not forget.
bsd
Oy Yossi!!! Moshiach now
Bde, Surely he will continue his Hisaskus Beinyanay Moshiach Vegeula to bring the Final Redemption. That was his essence
In this world caring about Eretz Yisroel and Am Yisrorl, His Holy Nesama will defiantly not rest until Moshiach comes
And Mir Velen zich viter zen mit der Rebbe do lematas Bekorev Mamash!
First I was thinking what a loss my younger boys wont spend kvutza with Rabbi Springer like their older brothers did, then the thought that perhaps they wont have the zchut of Rabbi Ashkenazi do their weddings like their older brothers had; and now kvutza without Rabbi Rapp!! I guess we need to open our eyes wider to see the imminent geula. Feyge, I am with you in your sorrow. Sarah Katz, Jerusalem
Faigy I am so terribly sorry for you and your family, this is such shocking news. my heart is with you. B”DE
Lucy
Baruch Dayan HaEmess.
He was a wonderful person who was always helpful. I never saw him when he was sad. Always cheerful. He will truly be missed by all who came in contact with him.
I remember him speaking at farbrengens in 770. He was always interesting.
To his family: Hamokom Yenachem Eschem B’Soch Shaar Aveilei Tziyon V’Yerushalayim
surely the Rebbe has enough of the best soldiers to accompany him back do, lemato……ad mosai
BDE. Along with everything else, his weekly publication of Rambam review, commentaries and stories with a Chassidishe geshmak will be sorely missed.
“The best” in ACTIONS!
Not looking to be BIG & fame, but just do what the rebbe wants, not considering if it’s “the in thing”…
And the list goes on & on, him & his family are the best people, gotta love them…
Kuti certainly went on a mission upon High representing us to bring the Geulah which he lived 24-7.Otherwise there is no logical reason for his sudden passing L”A,Moshiach Now!
Maybe there is 1,2, or 3 amongst you who will insist by the Aibershter to bring Moshiach !
May Reb Kuti be the one to insist by the Aibershter to bring Moshiach Now!
Please Reb Kuti insist Lemyla that This Golus is just too long,
Ad Mossai does Am Yisroel have to suffer. Aibershter we can no longer stay in Golus one more second let your children have Moshiach Now!!!
Ad Mossai !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs to you and ur fam we are all pained for u
This is crazy!! Hashem, how many special neshamos do you need???? They are needed down here!!!! I feel like Hashem is taking the creme of the crop in order that those neshamos will all together BEACHDUS bang on those shaarei shamayim that we have had ENOUGH of this golus, and they will all together FORCE Hashem to bring moshiach and techias hameisim NOW!!!!!!
When he passed by the Rebbe with a politician who was on his way to Washington, the Rebbe said to give over that Iran is the real threat!
Its on video, I forgot the name of the guy. I thinks its starts with RON
Totally selfless person… 100% given yo the rebbes inyonim
Had the zechus of knowing him for many years. A real Chossid. Worked for the Rebbe’s inyonim. Was a baal midos tovos that you don’t generally see. Had a good word to say all the time. Never stopped working for the Rebbe with love and selfless dedication. Will be greatly missed as we need a Chossid of that caliber. Worked in quiet dignity all the time. Was never tired. Always wanted to do more good. Reb Kutty we love and we we will miss you. Please come back we need here so much.
Baruch Dayan ha’emes
We are so sad for you now
May we awaken to find Moshiach truly here!
Bde, feigie we are here for you,
Over the last year or so I have gotten to know Rabbi Rapp at the Besht Center on Empire Blvd. He always had a vort or something to tell me. Only a few months ago, we were talking about something he wrote in one of his weekly pamphlets and he said I should walk home with him after mariv so he could give me one of them to take home. I am glad that I had the opportunity to get to know him a little. He was very eidel and sincere. Can’t believe I won’t see him again on shabbos… Read more »
Who is going to petition the city to put a cross walk there?? I hope the driver was arrested for driving recklessly and over speed limit
This Rabbi was the very best. Always welcoming now matter what. We don’t always understand the ways of Hasham.
Im sure Rabbi Rapp will be continuing his shturem for Moshiach up there, especially on 12 Tammuz. And we need to follow his example and do the same down here, more than before!
What a special family, this is terrible and not fair. At least they have the strength to know how temporary this is and they will be reunited right away.
Ad Mossai, Rebbe?!
yes, a found was created. it will go around
Our hearts are broken!
ברוך דיין האמת
i had the zchus to speak with him in the past few weeks and was a special chosid. will be missing him
Every mitzva tank should be mobilized in Rabbi Rapp’s memory. Mitzvoim should be arranged in his memory. Rabbanim, especially in Eretz Yisroel, should demand shlaimas ha’aretz. Israel is in indirect negotiations with its enemies. Ad Mosai!?
Rabbi Kuti was so close to the Rebbe. He brought dignitaries from Eretz Yisroel to the Rebbe. He arranged for the dancing in 770 during the month(s) of Adar. He did countless things in his sincere, modest way.
He lived nearby. He must have traveled those steps thousands of time and on Yud Beis Tammuz he stopped – just stopped.
I am blown away, this is insane, the pain is too much, MOSHIACH THIS SECOND, please G-D ALMIGHTY have some mercy on your children
Finding it hard to bear this terrible shocking news.
Your friends in Chicago have great respect for Rabbi Kuti Rapp o”h and great compassion for Faigie and the children.
Call your friends in Chicago for whatever you need..We will help you.
I will miss him.
I wonder if he will be having a siyum halachos of Rambam together with Reb Itche Springer a”h.
hard to believe this terrible news.
Aibershter, hubb rachmones!
What can we say horrible shocking sad ahugetragedy a huge loss for us all We need to demand Moshiach now!
והיקיצו ורנננושוכני עפר ןהוא בתובם
He was dedicated to the Rebbe totally. He always patiently answered my questions, as a bochur in 770.
Ad Masay!
He was a chossid who followed what the Rebbe what OUT cheshbons.
It’s just unimaginably terrible!!!! :”(((
BDE. When the news was told to me this evening at 770, I could have been knocked down with a feather.
I ate with the Rapps just recently. Always such positive, emesdek people — their whole focus was ruchnius & the Rebbe, and I never met a family so wholeheartedly committed to bringing Moshiach. May his family be comforted, and in Rabbi Rapp’s merit may we see the ultimate geulah shleimah mamash!
Always made me feel better about a situation i was in. Sorry for us all without him , for his family Sh”y and 770! Boruch Dayan Emes! A gute beta for Moshiach now!
My hachlot it to say chaitas, and put of tifillian. Every day.
My wife told me, R Rapp once made a whole el-al plane wait when he discovered, she was running late and will miss the flight. Thanx to him she made the flight. He didn’t even know her name before.
A tragedy of unspeakable disproportion.
Hashem until when will your children suffer? We cry now more then ever WE WANT MOSHIACH NOW
He was such a nice man.
I can’t believe it
mrs. Rapp im so sorry! you are such a special person. you are so nice and kind. Hashem should give you and your family the courage and strengh to get passed such a difficult time. we love you!
He is a true Chossid!
May his family be reunited with him very soon!
While this news makes our minds numb with grief and shock, I am sure many others will share their stories and recollections of Rabbi Rapp for the family at the appropriate time. I will always remember him as a caring father. Despite all his busy activities, I remember as his child’s teacher how he would earnestly discuss his chinuch and took a sincere interest in his progress. May their father’s love and care continue with the family strengthening them to continue to grow in the path of greatness and love that he blazed. There are no words for now… only… Read more »
Please someone start a gofundme now! People are very touched today.
It is such a dangerous corner, I saw several people almost get hit when the cross Balfour. the cars turning left onto balfour, are just trying to go as fast as they can before the oncoming traffic, and by the time they make the turn they almost crash into people crossing balfour
B.D.E. Terrible News…. Only Simchis among Klal Yisroe-l
unbelievable!!!
Ad Masai!!!???
It is time that we take an example from Rabbi Rapp and Koch in the Rebbes main Inyan, Moshiach. Let’s start Inyanei Moshiach Shiurim and Mivztoim. May all this terrible suffering end immediately with the revelation of the Rebbe MHM Now!!!
א איד א צדיק בד”ה
BDE
Its so sad he used to talk to each person and make them feel important he always used to stop me even as a young bochur and ask me how I’m doing. He would really listen.
Have Rachmanus on your dear children who are sadly still lingering in a very dark and bitter Golus! Take us out of this Golus as you promised us.. bring Moshiach Immediately NOW! We cannot and don’t want to wait another second! Teshuas Hashem K’heref Ayin!!
May Hashem comfort all with Moshiach now
I can’t stop the tears!!! What a special Tatte. No words only tears. May we finally have the day where Hashem erases
all tears.
Crying for you in Australia
MR
I too, don’t know him.. I used to see him walking with his wife. They both had such an eidel, happy, simple and unassuming presence. It’s not commonplace qualities and yet because of their unassuming air, I never made special notice to appreciatte it or get to know about them better. I agree with the above commenter, a charity campaign must be started for this family! It’s urgent. I would start it but bc I hVe no connection to them it would tKe away from my credibility. If anyone can find matchers and start I would be the first to… Read more »
This is horrific and I am in total shock. What a tzadik. Moshiach cannot be far behind.
I know the rapp family. They are all so positive, tznius, chassidus, and have beautiful middos. I’m so sorry to hear of this terrible tragedy. AD MOSAI???? We need moshiach now!!!!
I wish that somebody could petition the City to put a crosswalk over there. It is very dangerous 🙁 Empire Blvd is so dangerous.
he was such a happy man and a true believer in moshiach and the rebbes inyanim
BH
BSD
ANOTHER HUGE HOLE IN 770
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE ALL OF US
WE ALL NEED TO TRULY ACTUAL PRACTICE OF THE CHASSIDIS WE LEARN….MORE THAN EVER
me and my wifei were zocha to give this tsaddik a ride from the rain this motsoi shabbat .He asked our name i responded leib and chaya he told us this meant chayaL success .I gotta say hashem This one hit very close .BDE moshiach now
BDE terrible tragedy . We all have too mivashpesh bemasim and take upon ourself one more good deed to mivatal this terrible gezaira. Rabbi Rapp is now with the rebbi in shamayim and will be looking for the good of us all. We have to help the family with all we could , moman tarti mashma, rabbi rapp did for us all and now is our chance to help the almona & family , yehai zichro burich velo yishoma oid shoid . Amen
really need moshiach
BDE. So sad to hear. He’s definitely bringing Moshiach.
He spent his last 20+ years working to bring Moshiach. Just like down here it was impossible to have his focus directed anywhere but Beis Moshiach, so too limayla, he will not stop until Moshiach comes. Bimhaira byimainu mammosh.
BDE
GOFUNDME CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO HELP THIS FAMILY.May the dear niftar help our REBBE bring Moshiach NOW!!!
Bde 🙁 ad mosi
An exemplary chasid.
i’m so sorry for you lose, may hashem guide you and help you through this very difficult time
baruch dayan haemes
perhaps not noticed by all his mivtzoim etc.
Brought many people to the rebbe.
There is lots to learn from him
BDE.
He so amazing, so Big, true Chossid of the Rebbe and Big Ahava Yisroel.
Ad Mosai!!!! Moshiach NOW !!!!
bh
hamokom yenachem eschem besoich sha’ar aveilei tzion ve’yerusholayim.
Dear reb yossel,
we are all with you in your sorrow and pain. there are no words. none.
So sad, such an amazing man!
A wonderful man. The Rebbe’s chassid בלב ונפש. No words. A Terrible loss. Y good for the family and כלל ישראל from here on. Moshiach Now!
Such a special chossid! Big loss! Bda
Kutie always had a good vort or story and was “obsest” with details of Rebbe stories. Will be missed
Ad Moshi !!
What a great Chossid that was all ways with a smile never stop working for the Rebbes on Israel and joy in 770 and world events….
May hashem comfort the family with the coming of moshiach now!
I’m in tears – I saw him so many times in 770. He had a certain charisma that you don’t find.
He loved doss using a vort.
I did not know him well (he is older than me) but I’m going to miss him.
Wow!! very sad !! what a loss!!
Shocking! Ad Mosai?!!!
BDE . What a special man. Always positive with a Chayus. Was instrumental in our son’s Shidduch. Thank you. Now we need you to shturm the gates of Shomayim to bring Moshiach Now. May Hashem grant the family the koach they need to continue
This is a tragedy. Such a special family. Tzemach Rapp, your friends in Miami are thinking of you… Moshiach now mamash!!!
hashem enough!
ר׳ יקותיאל ראפ אדם משמו ומעלה , בעל מידות טובות לעזור תמיד לשני , אהבת ישראל היתה בולטת אצלו ויחד עם זאת היה למדן ועניו , לחם בעד שלימות ארץ הקודש ת״ו, דמות כול כך אהובה ומיוחדת , ר׳ קותי דמות כ״כ מוכרת ב770 , מי יתן לנו תמורתו , לך לרבי ואתחנן שמשיח חייב כבר להתגלות , כלו כול הקיצין , , משיח חייב להתכלות עכשיו ומיד ממש .
Rabbi Rapp was such a special neshama. Crown heights will be different place now
Boruch Dyan HaEmes
Yechi Hamelech HaMoshiach!!
Y??????
BDE
This is a tragedy of immense proportions. We should all tremble at this news and that it happened on Yud Beis Tammuz.
What an amazing person! I can’t believe it!
I remember when, as a talmid in Chovevei Torah, he would always shlep me to the airport for Mivtzoim and who could say no to your Mashgiach?
Oy vey!
Baruch Dayan Emes! Impossible to believe! I worked with Rabbi Rapp for many years for Shleimus HaAretz – he was tireless in his devotion to the security and welfare of our fellow Yidden in Eretz Yisroel. May HaShem send us Moshiach Miyad Mamomsh!
They are the nicest family! Saddest thing ever! Hashem bring Moshiach
I attended many gatherings with Rabbi Rapp. Such a nice sweet man. Always had a nice chassidesh vort. I am total shock. He will be sorely missed.
BDE
BS”D
shocking
a real Lamdin
he knew every word written by the Rebbe
Boruch dayan emes
BDH… May Hashem bring Moshiach right now.
Very sad…
BD”H
NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No words …עד מתי! Moshiach now!!!!!
oy rso,my heart goes out to his wife and kids. what a true chosid
Ad Mosai????
To the family, my heart breaks for you Hamakom Yinachem Eschem B’Soch Aveilie Tzion V’Yerushalaim
We really need Moshiach now.
Baruch Daayan HaEmet
Barouh dayan haemes
AD MOSAI AD MOSAI AD MOSAI
Hashem yirachem!!
No words! What a kind genuine person he was!
BD’E. We lost one of our greatest leaders today. And with all of the insane terror happening in Eretz Yisroel right now he’ll be missed even more. To Reb Yossel and the rest of Mishpachas Rapp we’re with you…
DEAR FRIENDS,
WE MUST GET TOGETHER TO HELP THIS FAMILY FINANCIALLY> THEY ARE SIMPLE , QUIET , EIDEL PEOPLE. NO BIG NAMES BEHIND THEM. IT IS UP TO US TO HELP THEM. WILL ANY ONE HAVE ANY IDEAS HOW TO START A GO FUND ME OR ANY OTHER IDEA???
He was the best of the best creme de la creme.A leader a friend too shocking for words! !!! MHM now please
He was a true chosid and a great man. He will be missed. Ad mosai!
He was such a chossid! One of a kind man! Enough of this Galus
a soldier of the Rebbe
Ad Mosai!
OMG, we cant no more???
For the past 6 years I Daven with Reb Kuty on Empire, he was such a loving and caring person, every Motzay Shabbos he personally thanks me for being involved in a Shul he enjoys attending. He loves helping people. He brought thousands of people to the Rebbe that they can be helped or inspired. You won’t find a JEM video he’s not in ;). He was so passionate about doing all the Rebbes Mivtzoyim and inspiring others. I don’t think there’s a person that encountered him that was not changed. I’m in such shock I just can’t believe this… Read more »
Why????? Please bring Moshiach NOW!!!!
I am so sorry for your loss
such sad news
No words!!!! 🙁
I am so sorry
Bde
Boruch dayan haemes
I was the one sitting with Rabbi Rapp at the dinner in the next to the last picture.
I have no idea why that picture was posted other than at the dinner I was able to convey to Rabbi Rapp several stories about the Greatness of the Rebbe.
He listened intently and was on 100% agreement that nobody could ever replace the Rebbe.
Shmuel Farber