Rabbi Yerachmiel Stillman, Rav and Shliach in California, passed away on Friday, 3 Teves, 5781.
He was 76 and passed away after suffering a heart attack.
Rabbi Yerachmiel and his wife Ruchie (nee Bukiet) served as Shluchim at UCLA for many years, impacting thousands of students.
They ran the Jewish Student Center at UCLA together with Rabbi Shlomo Schwartz (“Schwartzie”) where Jewish students would flock to in search of meaning.
The Stillman’s Chabad Center became a second home for many of the students, many of whom changed their lives dramatically due to their influence.
Rabbi Stillman pioneered many Chabad programs in Los Angeles. He was known as a Chossid who loved Yiddishkeit, and went to great lengths to fulfill every minhag, all in his humble and quiet way.
For many years, he studied with many in the Chabad Shul in the La Brea community in Los Angeles. He became a mentor to many, and a dear friend to hundreds in the Los Angeles community.
He assisted in the shlichus of his daughter and son-in-law Shaina and Rabbi Eli Friedman in Calabasas, CA.
He is survived by his wife Ruchie, daughter Shaina Friedman – Calabasas, CA, and grandchildren.
The Levaya will take place on Friday in Los Angeles, 11:30 at CLY – 356 N La Brea
12:30 at Mt Olive Cemetery- 7231 Slauson Ave, Commerce CA
Shiva info will be posted when available
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
BDE
A VERY SPECIAL CHOSSID
THE FAMILY SHOULD BE COMFORTED
I remember him fondly. He was deeply attached to the Rebbe, and “hot zich ge’kocht in Dem Rebbe’s ah vort”. He also served in the early years of Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon – Chabad, as a mashgiach, especially for Seder Chassidus at night. There is at least one letter where the Rebbe mentions him in the context of Chabad House at UCLA. It is a letter that the Rebbe wrote in praise of the Chabad House (addressed to Allan Lazaroff?), and (in describing the diversity of the staff?) mentions that the staff come from several places, and mentions Boston specifically. That… Read more »
The Stillman’s were the hidden leaders of Gayley Avenue
We will miss you Shtool.Please forgive me for introducing you to the Rebbe with your nickname.The Rebbe laughed and you turned a little red.Thank you for making me A chossid of the Rebbe. The last tzaddik nistor
Boruch Dayan hoEmes, my sincere condolences to the family
Such a shock to read this.
He was so learned and yet so humble. We need more like him.
Chana K.
I remember how Rabbi s would Have a sense of humor yet always be serious about keeping halacha
I also remember him from my early days when I was just becoming religious. He was such a special soul.
Eliezer Cohen
i remember Rabbi Stillman from Yom Kippur of 1976 when i attended the services
since then i used to go to Chabad on Westwood and enjoy a very meaningful every shabbat during my college year
he was one of the most humble man i have ever met
Gd Almighty bless his pure soul
Bennie Amin
I loved this man soooo much. My heart is breaking! What a loss.
So in the hopes that Ruchie and Shainie will see this here,
המקום ינחם אתכן בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
and may we share only good news in the future.
love from your long-ago friend,
Chana K.
BDE so sorry to hear the loss of Rabbi Stillman,to Ruchie & Shaina.he was a great person.had a great time at their house in Westwood,and chabad house.he will surely be missed Leah Beck