R’ Yaakov Bergman, 79, OBM

By COLlive Reporter

R’ Yaakov Bergman, a Lubavitcher business owner who dedicated his time and energy to communal service, passed away on Wednesday, 24 Shevat, 5786.

He was 79 years old and had been ill in recent months due to an infection.

A 10th-generation resident of the holy city of Jerusalem, R’ Yaakov was born on 4 Tishrei, 5708, to his parents, R’ Yosef Moshe and Chana Yehudis Bergman.

As a youth, he played a key role in arranging live broadcasts of the Rebbe’s farbrengens from 770 Eastern Parkway in New York for Chassidim living in Jerusalem and Lod.

He married Miriam, the daughter of R’ Yoel and Breindil Fleishman. His sister, Rivka, is married to Rabbi Zalman Gopin, the Head Mashpia of the Central Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim in Kfar Chabad.

To provide for his family, R’ Yaakov opened Bergman Deli and Catering in Jerusalem, a business he operated for many years. He was well-known for his signature salads and dishes, which became staples at local simchas and events.

He was a familiar face at the Chabad Shul in the Ramot neighborhood of Jerusalem and helped found the local Talmud Torah.

Motivated by the Rebbe’s Mivtza Kashrus, he spent years volunteering to kasher kitchens free of charge alongside his friends R’ Tzvi Vigler and R’ Avrohom Porush. Beyond his own labor, he trained many others in the craft to ensure the campaign’s continued success.

R’ Yaakov was also a dedicated member of the Chevra Kadisha of Jerusalem. He was considered an authority on burial customs and was known for his profound sensitivity in supporting families during their hours of grief. Additionally, he worked to restore graves on Har HaZeisim, frequently visiting the site despite it often being a target of local unrest.

He is survived by his wife, Miriam Bergman, and their children Mrs. Ayala Segal – Beitar, Israel; Mrs. Dina Weisberg –  Moscow, Russia; Rabbi Shimon Bergman – Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; Mrs. Tamar Salamon – Sofia, Bulgaria; R’ Shmuel Bergman – Jerusalem, Israel; and Mrs. Naama Shur – London, England; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes: Yaakov ben Yosef Moshe.