It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Rabbi Yisrael Weingarten zt”l, the founder and leader of the Darchei Miriam organization of Yerushalayim. He was 64 years old.
Rabbi Weingarten had been hospitalized at Colombia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Rabbi Weingarten was flown from Haddasah Medical Center two weeks ago to undergo heart transplantation, but unfortunately his situation deteriorated.
At his bedside were his three brothers, R’ Lipa, R’ Yehuda and R’ Tzvi, and three of his sons.
Darchei Miriam was established 10 years ago after R’ Yisrael’s wife, Miriam, passed away. Darchei Miriam provides transportation to oncology patients and their family members and has grown to provide many thousands of rides per year. In addition, Darchei Miriam operates eight Bikur Cholim rooms in hospitals.
R’ Yisrael had a superb character, was always smiling and always had a good vort for every person he met. He was a tremendous talmid chochom who loved reminiscing about his days learning in the famed Chevron Yeshiva.
R’ Yisrael is survived by his 13 children, including well-known talmidei chachamim and askanim.
The levaya took place yesterday in Yerushalayim, followed by kevurah on Har Tamir.
May he be a meilitz yosher for his family and all of Klal Yisroel.
Yehi zichro boruch.
{Matzav.com Israel News Bureau}
