Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Wilschansky, 74, OBM

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Wilschansky, one of the Rebbe’s Shluchim to the Holy Land, passed away on Motzei Shabbos, 9 Adar, 5785. He founded the Chabad Lubavitch Yeshiva in Tzfat, served as its Rosh Yeshiva for decades, and educated many students.

He was 74.

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Wilshansky was known for his unique educational approach and personal care for every student, raising generations of devoted Chabad chassidim. He was a genius in both Nigleh and Chassidus, and was deeply connected to the Rebbe.

Recently, his health had deteriorated, and members of the community and students prayed for him. He passed away this evening after a prolonged illness at the age of 74. He is survived by his wife and children, who continue his work in shlichus and education.

His passing is a significant loss for the entire Chabad community, his thousands of students, and his esteemed family.

He was born in France on the 3rd of Adar, 1951, to Rabbi Rafael Wilschansky. When he was about three years old, his mother passed away, and he was raised by his grandfather, Rabbi Alexander Sender Menkin of Paris, and by his uncle, Rabbi Yehoshua Dubrawsky.

As a young man, he studied at the Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva in Brunoy, France, under the leadership of Rabbi Yosef Goldberg. In the month of Tishrei, 1969, he traveled to study at the Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva at 770. In the month of Iyar 1971, he was part of the group of students sent by the Rebbe to Australia.

In 1973, after returning to 770, he joined the team responsible for publishing the Rebbe’s Sichos, taking part in editing the weekly “Likkutei Sichos.” In Elul 1975, he married Mrs. Malka Perel, daughter of Rabbi Moshe Ashkenazi, and began studying at the Rebbe’s yeshiva for married men, while continuing his work in spreading the Rebbe’s teachings.

In 1976, the Rebbe sent him to the Holy Land as part of a group of Shluchim. In the month of Iyar 1977, he established the Chabad Lubavitch Yeshiva in Tzfat, which, by the Rebbe’s instruction, combined Chabad students with Baalei Teshuva. Over the years, the Yeshiva grew to become one of the largest in Chabad.

His Books

Shaarei Yeshiva – Shiurim: A book collecting some of his lessons, delivered at the Yeshiva in the “general shiurim” given every Thursday, and presented with light editing.
Shlichut Shel Adam K’Motoh: A pamphlet compiling all the Rebbe’s talks regarding the laws of shlichus (mission), along with discussions and inquiries into the Rebbe’s words, based on the lessons he gave. The compilation was edited by his son-in-law, Rabbi Levi Nislevitch.

He is survived by his wife Malka Perel and children: Rabbi Menachem Mendel Wilschansky – Haifa, Israel, Rabbi Meir Wilschansky – Tzfat, Israel, Rabbi Chaim Eliezer Wilschansky – Tzfat, Israel, Rabbi Shmuel Alexander Sender Wilschansky – Milan, Italy, Rabbi Yisrael Shneur Zalman Wilschansky – Tzfat, Israel, Rabbi Betzalel Wilschansky – Haifa, Israel, Mrs. Zlata Lipshitz – Migdal HaEmek, and Mrs. Chaya Mushka Nislevitch – Tzfat.

He is also survived by his brother Chaim Eli Wilschanski of Crown Heights and Mrs. Devorah Reicher of Florida.

Mayor of Jerusalem and the Minister of Tradition, Meir Porush, stated: “Baruch Dayan HaEmet. Among thousands of Chabad Chassidim and his many students, I mourn the passing of the great scholar and Chassid Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Wilshansky zt”l, Rosh Yeshiva of Chabad in Tzfat, one of the great educators of our generation. He devoted his life to spreading Torah, Chassidus, and connection to the Rebbe with every fiber of his being.

“I had the privilege of maintaining a warm relationship with him over the years, listening to his wisdom, and consulting with him. His leadership was always evident, with a deep responsibility for the Jewish people and an unwavering commitment to spreading Chabad teachings and the Rebbe’s path. His passing is a heavy loss to Chabad and the world of Torah. My condolences to his family, students, and all who cherished his memory.”

The Levaya will take place tomorrow, Sunday, the 9th of Adar, at 12:00 PM, departing from the “Heichal Levi Yitzchak” synagogue in Kiryat Chabad, Tzfas. It will pass by the Yeshiva Gedola on Jerusalem Street around 12:45 PM, and from there, proceed to the Yeshiva Ktana. The funeral procession will then continue to the cemetery in Tzfas, where the burial will take place.

Chaim Eli Wilschanski will be sitting Shiva at 789 Montgomery Street Between Albany & Troy
Shiva hours:
Sunday: 12:00-3:00 & 6:00-9:30
Monday-Thursday 10:00-1:00 & 6:00-9:30

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.