Renowned Kabbalist Rabbi Alter Dovid Chaim Stern Dies at 93

NETANYA, Israel — Rabbi Alter Dovid Chaim Stern, one of the senior Kabbalists of this generation, passed away early Wednesday morning at Laniado Hospital in Netanya’s Kiryat Sanz neighborhood. He was 93.

Known for decades as a spiritual guide and a man of extraordinary kindness, Rabbi Stern devoted his life to helping others and offering blessings sought by followers from Israel and abroad.

Born in Sareda, Slovakia, Rabbi Stern was the son of Rabbi Israel Zecharia Stern and Chaya Sarah Levia. He studied at prominent yeshivas including Chachmei Lublin, Hebron, and Ponevezh, where he received guidance from leading Torah scholars. He was a close disciple of the Ponevezh Mashgiach, Rabbi Yechezkel Levenstein, and also had ties to the Chazon Ish.

Rabbi Stern married Rebbetzin Sarah Gittel, daughter of Rabbi Chaim Moshe Mendel, and later, in a second marriage, Rebbetzin Bransdorfer, widow of Rabbi Aharon Bransdorfer. Despite coming from a wealthy family, he devoted his resources to acts of charity, founding the Chazon Ish – Beit Avraham fund over 60 years ago to assist needy families.

He helped establish multiple Torah institutions, including Yeshivat Ofakim and Be’er Yisrael, and maintained close ties with fellow Kabbalist Rabbi Yehuda Ze’ev Leibovitz, commemorating his teachings annually at his gravesite in Bnei Brak. Rabbi Stern also traveled regularly to the gravesite of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron, where he prayed for the welfare of the community and individuals.

In recent years, despite his advanced age, Rabbi Stern remained active in prayer and blessing others. His health declined over the past weeks, culminating in his hospitalization at Laniado.

He is survived by a large family of sons and daughters, many of whom continue his spiritual and charitable work. His sons include Rabbi Meir Yosef Stern, Rabbi Aharon Yitzchak Stern, Rabbi Nachum Shlomo Ozer Stern, Rabbi Yehuda Dov Stern, and Rabbi Shmuel Stern, leaders of yeshivas and communities in Israel.

Rabbi Stern’s funeral wis taking place as this is posted, from his home in Bnei Brak to the Ponevezh cemetery.