Elazar Kalman Tiefenbrun, 88, OBM

By COLlive reporter

R’ Elazar Kalman Tiefenbrun, a Chabad chossid and prolific artist specializing in portraits of Rebbes and rabbonim, passed away on Wednesday, 15 Shvat 5778.

He was 88.

Tiefenbrun, a descendant of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, was born and raised in London. During Israel’s War of Independence, he served as a volunteer in the Israel Defense Force. For the last 35 years, he has been the director of the Chinuch Atzmai Organization in England.

Included in his work were portraits of the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Yechezkel Landau, Rabbi Akiva Eger, Hasam Sofer, Ksav Sofer, Rabbi Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin, Rabbi Hayyim of Brisk, Chofetz Hayyim, Gerrer Rebbe (“Imrei Emet”), Chazon Ish, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, the Steipeler and many others.

“In his portraits, he has endeavored to depict, not only the physiognomy of his subjects but also to bring out their spiritual and moral stature,” commented the late historian Rabbi Tovia Preschel.

“He has also sought to communicate to the viewer something of his own reverence and feelings for Gedolei Yisrael. His pictures are not solely for decor. They are meant to serve as reminders of the ideals and moral excellence, the portrayed personalities represent.”

As a Chabad chossid, he took special pride in painting portraits of the Rebbe. During a Yechidus in 5732 (1972), the Rebbe told him, “You should have success with the pictures, since you have the ability to express Judaism in a painting.”

In another Yechidus later that year, the Rebbe told Tiefenbrun, “Your success should be such that it is good for you and good for those who receive the pictures.”

“The Rebbe of Lubavitch, who has encouraged artists and poets to devote their talents to the advancement of Yiddishkeit, praised Tiefenbrun on several occasions for his great ability to present Yahadut through art,” Preschel noted.

“Tiefenbrun has interpreted the Rebbe’s words to mean that the work involved in the portrayal of rabbinic leaders – the study of their lives and bearing and the hours long concentration, during the actual painting of the rabbis’ facial expressions – was enormously rewarding, spiritually for the artist.

“As for those who acquired his pictures — the portraits of Gedolei Yisrael would be sources of inspiration and would help create a better spiritual and moral atmosphere in their homes.”

He is survived by his wife Mrs. A Tiefenbrun – London, UK; children Rabbi Aharon Tiefenbrun – London; Rabbi Elimelech Tiefenbrun – Crown Heights; Rabbi Naftoli Tiefenbrun – London, and Mrs. Rania Fajnland – Long Beach, CA; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his son Rabbi Yossi Tiefenbrun OBM.

Levayoh details and Shiva to follow.

Baruch Dayan Haemes: Elazar Kalman ben Aharon.