Rabbi Berel Wein, legendary Jewish historian, author, yeshiva founder, rabbi, and Giant Talmud Chacham, passed away Saturday in Israel at 91. Known for his extraordinary oratory and scholarship, he captivated audiences worldwide with thousands of recorded lectures on Jewish history and Torah, shared over decades via tapes, CDs, and online platforms.
Born in Chicago, Rabbi Wein led Congregation Bais Torah and founded Yeshiva Shaarei Torah in Monsey, New York, before moving to Jerusalem in 1997 to serve as rabbi of Beit Knesset Hanassi. He also transformed kosher supervision in North America through his leadership of the OU’s Kashrut Division, leaving a global impact on Jewish life.
Renowned for bridging generations, Rabbi Wein was personally connected to pre-Holocaust rabbinic leaders. He famously recounted meeting Rabbi Joel Teitelbaum, the Satmar Rebbe—despite being an anti-Zionist while Rabbi Wein was pro-Zionist—and described him as one of the greatest minds and tzadikim he had ever encountered.
His funeral will be held Sunday at Beit Knesset Hanassi in Jerusalem, with burial on the Mount of Olives.
Baruch Dayan Ha'emet
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