Rabbi Saadia Dahan, 80, OBM

Rabbi Saadia Dahan, a father and grandfather from Israel and later Crown Heights, passed away on Thursday, 3 Kislev, 5784.

He was 80.

Rabbi Saadia Dahan was born in Morocco to his parents, Rabbi Mordechai and Esther Dahan. In his childhood, he joined the Chabad institutions in Morocco, where he studied alongside Rabbi Eliezer Abuchatzeira and others.

In his youth, he became associated with Chabad Chassidus and was among the first Chabad Chassidim born in Morocco. He studied at the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva in Casablanca. At the age of 18, he immigrated to Israel, and after his wedding to Chasiba, he embarked on the Rebbe’s Shlichus to the town of Brosh in southern Israel, where he served as a teacher in the high school class.

Among his many students was the renowned Rabbi Yoram Abergel obm.

He regularly traveled to the Rebbe in New York, and each time took another of his children with him. After several years in Brosh, they moved to Nachalas Har Chabad, where he joined the educational staff at the vocational school, guiding and instructing many students.

In the year 5750, with the Rebbe’s blessing, they moved to Crown Heights, New York, where he became a respected member of the community. His home was open to many guests on Shabbos and Yom Tov. Every Motzei Shabbos, he participated in the Melava Malka farbrengens in 770 and shared stories of Chassidim from his remarkable memory.

After twenty years, they returned to Nachlas Har Chabad in Israel. He was a true Chassid who did not compromise on daily Torah study and the meticulous observance of Halacha.

About a decade ago, he fell ill, and he continued with his learning and Davening despite his many challenges. He leaves behind a legacy of Chasidim and Shluchim.

He is survived by his wife, Chasiba, and children Rabbi Mendy Dahan – Crown Heights, Devorah Leah Naki – Herzliya, Israel, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Dahan – Crown Heights, Rabbi Shmuel Yonasan Dahan – Netanya, Nechama Dina Ezagui – Crown Heights, Rabbi Dovber Mordechai Dahan – Montreal, Canada, Rabbi Shneur Zalman Dahan – Nachlas Har Chabad, Israel, Rabbi Shaul Dahan – Miami, Florida, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The Levaya will take place in Kiryat Malachi, Israel.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.