Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Antal, a respected Shliach, educator, elected official, and communal leader from Montreal, passed away on Friday night, 20 Teves, 5786.
He was 60.
Rabbi Antal was teaching a sicha in Shul on Shabbos when he suddenly suffered a heart attack and passed away.
Rabbi Mordechai Antal was a respected educator, elected official, and communal leader whose influence extended across Montreal’s Jewish and general educational landscape.
He served as President of the Union of Jewish Schools in Montreal, where he was a principled and passionate advocate for Jewish education, institutional responsibility, and the long-term strength of the community.
He also served as a Commissioner on the Montreal English School Board, an elected public role he fulfilled with integrity, fairness, and deep concern for the welfare of students and families. In every professional capacity, he was known for thoughtful leadership, ethical clarity, and an ability to bridge communities with respect and dignity.
A gifted teacher and speaker, Rabbi Antal communicated with clarity, depth, and warmth. He earned the trust and admiration of colleagues and peers not through position alone, but through consistency, responsibility, and genuine care for others.
Above all, Rabbi Mordechai Antal lived a life of shlichus. A devoted member of the Montreal Lubavitcher community, he embodied the Rebbe’s vision through action—through an open home, a welcoming presence, and tireless involvement in communal life.
Most recently, he served as a shliach at the Jewish Russian Community Centre, alongside his in-laws, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Sirota. There, he became a source of connection, warmth, and inspiration. His home was always open, his table always welcoming, and his time always available. He was deeply involved in community gatherings, celebrations, and moments of need, believing that Judaism is lived through relationships, responsibility, and care.
Rabbi Antal was deeply loved by his friends and cherished by those he taught and guided. He showed up for others in need consistently, leaving a lasting imprint on countless lives.
A dedicated and devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather, his family was at the center of his life.
He is survived by his wife Masha (nee Sirota) and children, Mendel Antal, Yitzchak Antal, Pinchas Antal, Hencha Gestetner, Tzvi Hirsch and Rivkah Antal.
The Levaya will take place today-Sunday (January 11th) at 2:30 at the Jewish Russian Community Center 5380 Bourret Ave, then approximately 2:45 at 6405 Westbury Ave (Yeshiva on Westbury).
The Kevurah at S. Sophie 2415 2e rue Ste. Sophie, QC J5J 1N5
Mincha will be at the field in the cemetery.
Mariv bzman
6355 Mountain Sights Ave – 4 minyanim
Baruch DayanHa’emes: Mordechai Shmuel ben Pinchas
BDE !!
-fellow friend
What an unbearable loss for the Montreal community! Was such a sincere, humble, extremely gifted individual. Will be sorely missed!
A man truly happy with his lot.
Always using any opportunity to make special events that brought all types of people together.
Lag Baomer won’t be the same with out you Mordechai.
BDE
BDE!!
He was such a wonderful person!!
This is an unbearable loss for his family and community. Mordichai Antal was such a kind and special man. Thinking of his lovely wife and wonderful children. 💔😔
May Hashem give the family strength and comfort. It is a huge loss for the entire community and the world.
May we have a time of only revealed good in this world. Moshiach NOW!
Oy. He’ll be very much missed.
A truly special chassid.
Hashem really takes the tzadikim. Unbearable! His wife, children – may Hashem take care of them. BDE.
Such a gentle soul. This is so sad. I remember him when we were at McGill Chabad house. Kind and open-hearted always willing to help.
May Hashem help is wife and kids and family.
I remember him from Hadar HaTorah in the early ’90’s.
I have met him a few times and he had such a loving and warm energy and was the center of his family. I am so sorry for this loss. May their family find comfort.
He is sorely missed. Met him in Tzfas after not seeing him for 25 years and invited him to farbreng/Shabbos day seudah. He mentioned how he missed Rov Hendel, who was “very machmir on Kashrus, what you put in your mouth,” but even “more machmir on Ahavas Yisroel,” and that if someone was at a Sholom Zochar who was not yet Shomer Shabbos Rov Hendel would approach it something like “Is a ganav a ganav when he’s breaking in? Yes. But is he a ganav the next day when he’s shopping?” and say that if he’s sitting around hearing Torah… Read more »
OY REBBE!!!!!!!!!! WE NEED MOSHIACH NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oy!! BDE
Mordechai was an involved member ti the Montreal community, a smile and there ti help people. May Hashem comfort his wife and children! Moshiach now!!
Mordechai was such a kind hearted man, and a sincere Chossid. He was warm, friendly, and completely, refreshingly honest. What a loss! You will be missed! His unique light will live on through his amazing family!