Reb Menachem Klugman, one of the longest-serving and most prominent writers and commentators at the Hamodia newspaper and a distinguished Gerer chossid, passed away Monday at the age of 90.
Reb Menachem fainted Monday morning at his home on Rechov HaRav Shach in Bnei Brak, prompting emergency responders to rush to the residence. Several hours later, he passed away.
The levayah was held this evening, departing from his home at 58 Rechov Rav Shach in Bnei Brak and proceeding via the Gerer shtiebel on Strasser Street to the Kiryat Shaul Cemetery, where he was to be laid to rest.
Reb Menachem was born on 22 Kislev 5696 to his father, Reb Yitzchok Avigdor Klugman, and his mother, Elke. His parents raised him with a strong commitment to Torah and refined middos.
Upon reaching marriageable age, he married the daughter of Reb Yehuda Aryeh Leib Halevi “Leibel” Ehrenstein.
Reb Menachem became one of the defining figures of an earlier era of Chareidi journalism. For decades, he served as a leading writer at Hamodia, where much of his writing appeared under the pen name M. Navon.
His sharp writing and strong hashkafic perspective helped shape Chareidi public opinion on some of the most contentious issues involving religion and state. Remarkably, his final column appeared in Hamodia just this past Friday, Erev Shabbos, on the newspaper’s opinion pages under the headline, “The Left Is Convinced of Its Victory.”
Friends and acquaintances recalled his extraordinary dedication to his writing and to conveying a Torah outlook. In recent years, his physical condition weakened considerably and he completely lost his eyesight. Yet he refused to put down his proverbial pen. He continued formulating his articles with the same depth and regularly dictated them to his son, Reb Ben Tzion Klugman.
Reb Menachem was also an accomplished talmid chochom with outstanding middos who possessed an extensive command of Shas. Alongside his decades of journalism and commentary, he devoted himself diligently to Torah learning. He was a respected figure in Bnei Brak and one of the leading members of the Gerer Strasser shtiebel in the city. Known for his pleasant demeanor and warm countenance, he treated everyone graciously. Whenever he spoke publicly, his words were listened to with seriousness and close attention, reflecting the great respect accorded to his perceptive and Torah-based outlook.
A prominent Gerer chossid, Reb Menachem enjoyed a deep and close relationship with the Gerer Rebbes over the generations and with the current Gerer Rebbe. His work at Hamodia and throughout his years of communal involvement was characterized by complete loyalty and deference to the directives of the Gedolei Yisroel and the leaders of the community.
He became particularly renowned for his legendary Hamodia opinion column, “Ipcha Mistabra.” Through the column, Reb Menachem articulated the Chareidi position on contemporary issues with clarity, wit and conviction, consistently defending what he regarded as the authentic Torah perspective.
His contributions extended well beyond journalism. For many years, Reb Menachem served as deputy chairman of the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Religious Council as a representative of Agudas Yisroel. In that capacity, he worked extensively to strengthen religious observance in the city, particularly in matters involving Shabbos, mikvaos and kashrus.
Reb Menachem was also the patriarch of a family of respected Chareidi writers and journalists. His son, Reb Ben Tzion Klugman, is a noted Chareidi author and researcher who wrote the Torah-historical series Ohr Zarua LaTzaddik, chronicling the history of the Gerer Rebbes.
Reb Menachem leaves behind an extensive legacy and generations of descendants, including sons, a daughter, grandchildren and further descendants who are devoted to Torah and mitzvos and continue in the path of Torah and Chassidus.
Yehi zichro boruch.
{Matzav.com}
