Rav Yisroel Meir Yosef Fadida zt”l, the longtime mashgiach of Yeshivas Ohel Yosef Heichal Tzvi, part of the Ohr Gaon mosdos in Bnei Brak, was niftar on Wednesday following years of severe physical suffering. He was 58.
Rav Fadida was known as an exceptional marbitz Torah who inspired generations of talmidim. Throughout years of serious medical challenges, including the amputation of a leg and kidney transplants, he maintained his characteristic simcha and warm countenance, accepting his suffering with remarkable emunah and love.
Earlier Wednesday, Rav Fadida suddenly collapsed at his home on Rav Ashi Street in Bnei Brak. Emergency medical personnel were summoned and performed prolonged resuscitation efforts before transporting him to Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center, where he was niftar.
The levayah was held at Yeshivas Ohr Gaon at 3 Shlomo Hamelech Street in Bnei Brak. The procession passed his home at 13 Rav Ashi Street before continuing to the Ponevezh Bais Hachaim for kevurah.
Rav Fadida was born in Bnei Brak on 13 Iyar 5728 to his father, Rav Tzvi Elyakim Fadida, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Heichal Tzvi and head of the Ohr Gaon mosdos in Bnei Brak, and his mother, Mrs. Esther Fadida a”h.
As a bochur, he learned at Yeshivas Ateres Yisroel in Yerushalayim, where he was privileged to learn under the rosh yeshiva, Rav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi zt”l, and absorbed his approach to Torah and avodas Hashem.
Upon reaching marriageable age, Rav Fadida married his wife, a member of the Ohana family, and the couple established their home in Bnei Brak.
In later years, Rav Fadida developed diabetes and ultimately had to undergo the amputation of a leg. Despite the tremendous suffering that accompanied his illness and subsequent medical ordeals, those around him recalled that he continued to radiate simcha and warmth.
For decades, Rav Fadida devoted himself to spreading Torah and yiras Shomayim at Yeshivas Heichal Tzvi in Bnei Brak, under the leadership of his father. As mashgiach, his illuminating shmuessen and personal guidance helped shape generations of talmidim in Torah and avodas Hashem. With a deep understanding of people and their struggles, he worked to uplift and strengthen those who turned to him, young and old alike, drawing upon the wisdom and guidance he had received from his own rabbeim.
Rav Fadida enjoyed close relationships with gedolei Torah who drew him near and treated him with extraordinary affection. From them, he absorbed and subsequently transmitted to others their approaches to avodah, Torah and personal growth.
Even as his physical condition deteriorated, Rav Fadida continued learning and teaching Torah in every circumstance until his final day. His home remained open to anyone in need, whom he received with a welcoming countenance and generous heart. Through years of intense and painful suffering, he accepted his circumstances with simcha, profound emunah, ahavas Hashem, tzidduk hadin and yiras Shomayim.
Rav Fadida leaves behind a distinguished family, including his father, Rav Tzvi Elyakim Fadida; his wife; his children; and his brother, noted producer R’ Dovid Fadida.
Yehi zichro baruch.
{Matzav.com}
