BDE: The Krechnif-Sigheter Rebbe, zt"l, Longtime Rebbe in Williamsburg

YS GOLD 

A pall of sadness descended upon the world of Torah and chassidus with the passing of Rav Zeida Eliezer Zev Rosenbaum, Admor of Krechnif-Sighet who served as a Rebbe in Williamsburg for two decades. He was 75 years of age, and had been unwell in recent years. 

The Rebbe was the second son of Rav Hershele of Krechnif, and the son in law of the legendary Rav Chaskele Mertz. Over his tenure as Rebbe, he enflamed the hearts of Yidden toward a life of avodas Hashem, infusing them with chiyus and holiness. 

The Rebbe was born on the night of Pesach in the town of Kiryat Atah, where his father then resided. The Rebbe grew up in the court of his saintly father, and his grandfather, Rav Chaim Mordechai of Nadvorna. He traced his lineage to the tzaddikim of Krechnif and Nadvodna from both of his parents families. 

He was known for his great intensity in avodas Hashem from his earliest age. He invested himself completely in every mitzvah even as a young child. The fire that burned within him was evident for all to see. 

This intensity, fire, and fervor continued throughout his life, even into his seventies. He infused pure emunah and fire into the hearts of children, bachurim, and balebatim alike. His tischen and singing emanated directly from his pure heart. 

The Rebbe sadly lost his Rebbetzin twenty-seven years ago, and was left with a home filled with orphans. He persevered with pure emunah, and remarried in Williamsburg. He assumed the place of his father who was niftar in 2006, and later moved his court to the Beis Yisroel neighborhood of Yerushalayim. 

Over the years, the Rebbe's children opened Shuls in various cities, including Beit Shemesh, Williamsburg, in Kiryas Yoel and in London. 

The Rebbe tragically collapsed during mincha of erev Shabbos, having suffered a stroke which resulted in further complications. Despite the fervent tefillos, the Rebbe sadly returned his holy neshamah to its Maker on Monday evening. 

He leaves behind incredible and illustrious children who follow in his beautiful ways.