Crown Heights: Levaya of HaRav Yosef Chaim Hakohen Rosenfeld Zt”l, Longtime Executive Director of Yeshiva Oholei Torah

Rabbi Yosef Chaim Hakohen Rosenfeld, the Brooklyn-born spirited Executive Director of Educational Institute Oholei Torah in Crown Heights, a premier Chabad boys Yeshiva, passed away on Wednesday night, eve of 19 Elul, 5782.

He was 89.

Born in Brooklyn to R’ Chanoch Henoch and Esther Miriam Rosenfeld, he was one of the Talmidim Hashluchim sent by the Rebbe to comfort the residents of the Kfar Chabad village after the Yad Hachamish terror attack in 1956.

He was married on the 23rd of Kislev 5718 to Malka Reizel Lokshin and merited to have the Rebbe officiate the Chuppah in the courtyard of 770 Eastern Parkway.

One of their Sheva Brachos meals took place at a farbrengen of the Rebbe (as well as Rabbi Berel and Batsheva Shemtov) on Shabbos Parshas Miketz and merited to have the Rebbe bless them for success in spreading Judaism.

Immediately after their wedding, the Rosenfelds were sent by the Rebbe as his Shluchim to San Francisco in California.

They later returned to Crown Heights, where Rabbi Rosenfeld joined the administration of Educational Institute Oholei Torah led by its founder Rabbi Michoel Teitelbaum.

Founded in 1956 (5716) with just three students, Oholei Torah has since grown to be a premier Yeshiva for the worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch movement, educating over 1850 students of all ages.​

With the teachings of the Rebbe as an integral part of the curriculum, Oholei Torah’s unique educational standards are among the highest to be found and have led to phenomenal growth.

Upon the passing of Rabbi Teitelbaum, Rabbi Rosenfeld took on the role of Executive Director. He led the large institution for decades, with incredible dedication, strength, and a good sense of humor.

Oholei Torah today includes a preschool, elementary, Mechina, Mesivta High School, Beis Medrash (Zal) Talmudical Seminary, Gan Menachem day camp and the Yeshivas Kayitz Program in the summer.

He is survived by his children: Rabbi Menachem Mendel Rosenfeld – Montreal, Canada; Mrs. Rivkah Grossbaum – Stony Brook, Long Island; Rabbi Yitzchok Rosenfeld – Toronto, Canada; Mrs. Shterny Fogelman – Los Angeles, California; Rabbi Yisroel Rosenfeld – Melbourne, Australia; Rabbi Sholom Rosenfeld – Crown Heights, Brooklyn; Mrs. Chana Konikov – Roslyn, Long Island; and Mrs. Nechama Dina Katz – Crown Heights, Brooklyn; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mrs. Malka Raizel Rosenfeld, on 9 Iyar, 5782.

The Levaya will take place on Thursday, leaving Shomrei Hadas in Boro Park at 1 pm, passing by Oholei Torah at 2 pm and 770 at 2:30 pm.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes – R’ Yosef Chaim Hakohen ben Chanoch Henoch.

STORY VIA COL

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