NEW YORK (VINnews) — BDE: Rabbi Yisrael Yaakov Yokel Gross Z”L, one of the last surviving great-grandchildren of Rabbi Yeshaya ben Rabbi Moshe of Krastir ZT”L,passed away in Miami at the age of 93.
Join our WhatsApp groupSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
Rav Yokel was born to his father, Rabbi Naftali Gross ZT”L, who served as a Rebbe in Debrecen, Hungary, survived the Holocaust, and after much suffering, reached the United States where he established a synagogue in the Crown Heights neighborhood. He served as Rebbe under the title Kerestir-Berbesht Rebbe.
Rabbi Naftali was the son-in-law of Rabbi Avraham Steiner of Krastir ZT”L, who was the direct successor of Rabbi Yeshaya ben Rabbi Moshe.
Rabbi Yokel himself lived in Miami, where he served as the head of the community at the Beis Midrash “Kehillas Beis Yeshaya” in Miami. In the synagogue, he was known for honoring the worshippers and guests and was widely recognized for his smile and great kindness to each and every individual, in the way of his illustrious great-grandfather.
As mentioned, he passed away at a ripe old age and left behind many descendants following in his path.
His brother, the esteemed Rabbi Yeshaya Gross ZT”L, the Rebbe of Kerestir, passed away in the month of Adar, 5776.
The funeral took place on Sunday at Kennedy Airport in New York, and his coffin will arrive today (Monday) in the Holy Land. The funeral procession will take place at 12:15 at Har HaMenuchot in Jerusalem, where he will be buried.
May his soul be bound in the bond of life.
He was a great guy. But the writer has no idea what he wrote. For starters, He still has brother alive.
He has 2 brother still alive and well.
Rav Yokel ZT”L was a wonderful loving, caring & generous person. A Torah scholar of epic stature. He was from a generation that exemplified Yiddishkeit. Having davened at Keristier for over 25 years I am so greatful for having the privelage of knowing Reb Yokel & will rember his smiling face and warm greeting. May you be a Malich Yotzer for your immediate family and for all your extended Keristeir Shtibel family. You will be so missed.
Word has it that he never had mice in his house