Rav Yaakov Horowitz zt”l, Rosh Yeshivas Ofakim

Thousands gathered today for the levaya of Rav Yaakov Horowitz zt”l, who served as rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Ofakim for 32 years. He was 65. Rav Horowitz led the yeshiva alongside the renowned gaon, Rav Chaim Kamiel zt”l, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Ofakim, who was niftar five years ago.

Rav Horowitz learned in his earlier years in Yeshivas Hanegev, and was from the most prominent talmidim of Rav Yissochor Mayer. Rav Mayer is currently overseas and was therefore not able to attend the levaya.

Rav Horowitz had fallen ill several years ago, but he recovered, and in fact made a seudas hodaah on Purim night five years ago in light of his recovery. He was a big baal yissurim, however, and he used to take special medications before delivering his shiurim to his talmidim so that he would have the strength to do so. His love of Torah, his love for his talmidim, and his mesirus nefesh were remarkable.

Rav Horowitz was not blessed with any children, but he leaves behind thousands of talmidim, who were children of his in Torah and avodas Hashem, as they followed his path of dedication to limud haTorah and serving the One Above.

Yeshiva Ofakim will now be led by the Rav Eliezer Einhorn, who was designated by Rav Horowitz to take over as rosh yeshiva. 

The levaya was held today at Yeshivas Ofakim, where the maspidim included Rav Eliezer Einhorn, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Ofakim; Rav Eliezer Farbstein, mashgiach of Yeshivas Ofakim; Rav Yosef Goldenthal, founder of and rosh yeshiva at Yeshivas Ofakim; Rav Aviezer Piltz and Rav Yaakov Friedman, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Tifrach; Rav Yisroel Yaakov Pincus and Rav Yehudah Chesner, rabbonim in Ofakim; Rav Aryeh Levi and Rav Dov Lev, roshei yeshiva of Yeshivas Hanegev; and Rav Dovid Gottlieb, brother-in-law of the niftar.

The levaya proceeded to Yerushalayim, where it stopped at the Shamgar bais halevayos on the way to Har Hamenuchos, where kevurah took place.

Yehi zichro boruch.

 {Yair Alpert-Matzav.com Israel}