R’ Yisroel Francis, a Chossid and longtime resident of Crown Heights, passed away on Sunday, 22 Elul, 5782.
He was 70.
Reb Yisroel Francis first came to Crown Heights in 1984 with his family. He had tremendous hiskashrus to the Rebbe and visited him on many occasions for dollars, kuntreism and Kos Shel Brocha. His love for the Rebbe was profound and felt by all who encountered him.
The Rebbe was his guiding strength at every turn and always gave him Chizuk. The Rebbe gave him his place to stand right next to the Aron in 770, something that was a rare Zechus. The Rebbe would often have one key message for him- the power of happiness.
Reb Yisroel had a larger-than-life personality for those that knew him, and even those that did not. He was incredibly inspirational to those that needed guidance and spiritual support. He was a man with strength of character a big heart and a warm smile to all those he greeted on the street. A man that loved to learn and always did mitzvahs b’hidur and a chossid of the Rebbe, he will surely be remembered by many.
Rabbi Francis is survived by his wife Ruthie and their children, Tapharah Francis – Crown Heights, Enan Francis – Houston, TX, Gershom Francis – Cleveland, OH and Rivkah Shirah Lipkind – North Miami Beach, FL, and grandchildren.
The Levaya will take place on Monday, 9:30 am at Shomrei Hadas in Boro Park
10:30 am passing by 770.
11:30 am at old Montefiore Cemetery
The Francis family will be sitting Shiva at 686 Crown st, Until 1pm and from 5:00 pm to 9:00pm
2 Minyanim are needed
7:00 am Shacharis
6:30 pm Mincha
Maariv Bizman
Rabbi Enan Francis will be sitting Shiva in Crown Heights until Thursday afternoon and thereafter at his home in Houston Texas. Friday, Motzei Shabbos and Sunday.
Mrs Rivkah Shirah Lipkind will be sitting Shiva in Crown Heights until Thursday afternoon and thereafter at her home in North Miami Beach, FL Friday and Motzei Shabbos.
To share memories with the family, email [email protected]
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
Didn’t personally know him but he seemed to radiate many amazing qualities. Just had a great vibe.
Boruch Dayaan Haemes
Baruch Dayan Haemes.
Irreplaceable loss. Can’t control my emotions…
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes
Reb Yisroel ז'”ל was a very special Chosid who greeted everyone with a kind word and a big smile. Always. I remember him in the early nineties walking all the way to Reb Michoel Teitelbaum’s ז”ל Shul in East Flatbush to help make a Minyan. Reb Yisroel ז”ל would stay after Davening and Farbreng with all that came. He was Mekusher בלב ונפש to the Rebbe and did whatever possible to encourage the Rebbe’s Mivtzoim. May his נשמה have an Aliya to the highest levels in Gan Eden and may we be Zoche to תחיית המתים speedily in our time.… Read more »
Being asked on Shabbat to help a minyan far out, wonder if this was it? Was kinda far and Rabbi Francis was there, he gave us a ride back to ch after.
BDE
Beautiful family, beautiful children!!!
הַמָּקוֹם יְנַחֵם אֶתְכֶם בְּתוֹךְ שְׁאָר אֲבֵלֵי צִיּוֹן וִירוּשָׁלַיִם
One of the nicest and finest Chosid ever.
ברוך דיין האמת
נחמה to the wonderful Mishpacha
Moshiach Now!!
Boruch dayan haemes. So sorry to hear!
BDH 🙁 YISROEL IS THE REAL THING.
Always with a smile. Strength and dignity! May Hashem comfort his beautiful family.
So sorry about your loss. We need Moshiach. It shleps too long.
We need Moshiach Now!
Inspiring
This is a tremendous loss. Rabbi Francis was a great man who inspired everyone he met.
Baruch Dayan Emes his varimkeit and geshmack when he would sing niggunim would be felt by all that joined their Shabbos meals. My condolences to the entire family. May we share only besuros tovos betov hanireh vhanigleh going forward.
Very Sad news, a Great CHASSID!!! Moshiach Now!!! will miss him!!!
הַמָּקוֹם יְנַחֵם אֶתְכֶם בְּתוֹךְ שְׁאָר אֲבֵלֵי צִיּוֹן וִירוּשָׁלַיִם
RabbiYisroel Francis,OBM,was a very special man who loved life and truly cared about everyone and had real empathy for everyone.He was connected to the Rebbe from the core of his Neshamah.He was a source of strength,warmth,and guidance to those who knew him.He was a spiritual diamond in the truest sense of the word.His departure has left a void that cannot be filled.He ,and the Rebbe together should stand in front of Hashem and ask Hashem to bring the Geulah Shlaimah now Momish.Baruch Dayan HaEmes.
BDE
Always the warmest rare in CH!
I grew up on crown street as a young child
Remember him always passing by with a smile
These kind of people are a real loss
I’m so sorry for your loss
The man was a tzaddik. I just want to recount a story that happenned to me around 35-40 years ago. I was a bochur living in 1418 President. It was summertime and due to the heavy usage of air-conditioners and an outdated electrical wiring system, the fuse in our apartment blew – at 1 a.m. on a motzei Shabbos! Being stupid & brash – and very very hot – I decided to go to the convenience store located at President & Troy, in order to buy a new fuse. Needles to say, I was standing in line, (on the other… Read more »
I’m so sorry to hear this news. Your father was such a lovely neighbor, I remember him very well. They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and you epitomize the wonderful upbringing you received from Rabbi Francis and your dear mother, zol zei gezunt. I’m sure the zchusim your father amassed will give him a lichtige Gan Eden.
Hamokom yenachem eschem b’soych sha’ar aveilay Tzion v”Yerushalayim
Hindy Lewis, Israel
I had the honor of meeting this Tzadik at his grandaughter Ely’s Bat Mitzva in Houston Texas. Like his father of Rabbi E Frannces & Rebbetzin Gittel reflect the light of the Patriarch whose Neshama now elevates in Hashm’s next world.
Completely shocked and saddened to hear.
He’s an example of the word righteous. His kindness always shined through to everyone he met. May his neshama have an aliya and may his family find comfort. Ad mosai?! Moshiach now!!
What a decent and refined man. I remember Mr Francis from years ago, the only Jew on the subway when I used to work very early. He always had a chumash open and would give a friendly nod. I remember how comforting that sight was as a young person on my first Manhattan job. Such a loss. May he be a blessing for his family and for all of us.
Holy man
May his memory be a blessing
B”H Remember him very well from around 1979-1993 when HaShem would cause both our paths to connect in 770 when i visited from Israel a number of times. If I am not mistaken he has a Daughter and Grandchildren in Gush Etzion,Israel? May His Name and works be for a Blessing to all Bnei Yisroel! OBM Z”L
Very special man with a special connection to the Rebbe. His dear wife, Enan, Gershon and sisters should all be very proud and comforted. He is in a very holy special place and will be pushing for good things for the whole family. We will see him soon with Moshiach!
Saddened-Love to my cousin.
Baruch Dayan HaEmes!!!
My heart is truly saddened by the loss of such a dedicated loving son brother cousin and nephew. Even though I have not seen you in many many years I love you will always remain
As a young newlywed, I had the opportunity to live next door to Rabbi Francis for a few months. I remember him as a caring and noble human being with a constant warm and friendly smile—my sincere condolences to his family.
הַמָּקוֹם יְנַחֵם אֶתְכֶם בְּתוֹךְ שְׁאָר אֲבֵלֵי צִיּוֹן וִירוּשָׁלַיִם
I know the family from visits to Houston where Rabbi Enan is principal of the Orthodox Day School.. Wonderful, friendly, Chasidish family, BDE
Farewell cousin, until we meet again.