It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing this past week of Reb Yaakov Shlomo Biegeleisen z”l. He was 93.
Reb Shlomo was the owner of the legendary Biegeleisen Seforim Store on 16th Avenue in Boro Park, which he operated with his brother. The store, first founded by their father, Reb Yisroel, a Belzer chossid, on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, is an iconic landmark, a destination for seforim-lovers and lomdei Torah who knew that in Reb Shlomo they’d find a treasure trove of knowledge and a familiarity with every volume among the many thousands contained in the store.
Reb Shlomo had a kind word and a good vort for one and all, and his passing has left a void in the heart of all who knew him.
Reb Shlomo sustained the loss in his lifetime of his beloved son Shimmy Hy”d, who perished in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Mrs. Gina Biegeleisen; his brother, Reb Moshe; and his son and daughter.
In light of the coronavirus lockdown, the aveilim can be reached only by telephone at 718-851-7043 or 718-851-8204.
Yehi zichro boruch.
{Matzav.com Newscenter}
A unique individual whose expertise covered both traditional academic seforim. I asked him for all seforim in a particular area where i have expertise and he would get me seforim from the previous 2 centuries that I had not heard of before. Yehi zichroh baruch
In this Eis Tzara we must express our HaKoras HaTov to Rav Yaakov Shlomo ZT”L for his tremendous long-time Harbotzas HaTorah, making available to us Sforim Chashuvim Meod to enable us to learn Torah at the highest levels. As the ARIZAL said (“BeCha Yiheyu Chosmim”): the Ribono Shel Olam promised Avraham Avinu that his Midos (Chesed and Harbotzas HaTorah) will bring the Geulah Shleimah, BV”A.
From his place in Gan Eiden, Rav Yaakov Shlomo ZT”L should be a Meilitz Yosher for Klal Yisroel.
To his family: HaMakom YeNachem Eschem BeSo Shear Aveilei Tzion ViYerushalaim.
Some relevant points.
1) The business operated out of a house in B.P. before the store was opened in Manhattan, only later to move back to Brooklyn when the Lower East Side declined as a Jewish center.
2) The family had a connection to Dombrova (Source: SA).
3) The niftar was an early student of Yeshiva Toras Emes of Borough Park.
4) He used to daven in Congregation Sfas Emes of B.P., before the Belzer shtiebel opened there.
(Source for several of the points: I Remember Boro Park, by Dr. P. Kipust)
יהי זכרו ברוך
A real and diligent powerhouse!
As a regular customer at Bigelisen when they were yet on the East side I remember standing in amazement how he would convey info different Seforim and Mechabrim of past generations with knowledge and clarity
“Chaval Al DeAvdin Vlo Mishtackchin” A great loss for the Kllal.
ת נ צ ב ה