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Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Wilschanski, 74, OBM

Photo: Dov Ber Hechtman

We are deeply saddened to report on the passing of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Wilschanski, from the Rebbe’s shluchim to Eretz Yisroel and the Rosh Yeshivah of Yeshivas Chasidei Chabad Lubavitch in Tzfas. He passed away on Shabbos 8 Adar, 5785 • Full Story

By Chabadinfo Reporter

He was 74 years old.

Born in France on Gimmel Adar II, 5711 (1951) to Rabbi Refael (Fuleh) Wilshanski, Yosef Yitzchok Wilshanski faced adversity from an early age, losing his mother at the age of three. Raised by his grandfather, the well-known Shadar, Rabbi Alexander Sender Menkin of Paris, as well as in the home of his uncle, Rabbi Yehoshua Dubrawsky, he was instilled with a deep love for Torah and Chassidus.

His journey led him to Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Brunoy, where he studied under the leadership of Rabbi Yosef Goldberg. In 1969, he traveled to 770 to continue his studies in the presence of the Rebbe, immersing himself in the wellsprings of Chassidus.

In Iyar 5731 (1971), he was chosen to be among the Rebbe’s Talmidei HaShluchim to Australia, where he helped strengthen the Yeshivah. Returning to 770 in 5733 (1973), he took on a pivotal role in the Vaad L’Hafotzas Sichos, working diligently to edit and publish Likkutei Sichos, reviewed and edited by the Rebbe himself.

In 5735 (1975), he married Mrs. Malka Perel, daughter of Rabbi Moshe Ashkenazi and granddaughter of Rabbi Eliezer Karasik, Rav of the Chabad community in Tel Aviv. He continued his Torah studies in Kollel in Crown Heights while maintaining his commitment to spreading the Rebbe’s teachings.

The following year, in Shevat 5736 (1976), Rabbi Wilshanski was sent as one of the Rebbe’s shluchim to Eretz Yisroel. A year later, in Iyar 5737 (1977), he founded Yeshivas Chassidei Chabad Lubavitch in Tzfas. Under his leadership, the yeshiva flourished, nurturing generations of Talmidim, many of whom went on to become Shluchim, Rabbonim, and Mechanchim, the world over.

Rabbi Wilshanski was not just a Rosh Yeshiva; he was a “father” figure to thousands of Talmidim. His yeshiva became known as a beacon of unwavering bitachon in the Rebbe’s mission — to bring Moshiach. He was a firm advocate of spreading the Rebbe’s Besuras Hageulah. His impact extended beyond Tzfas, influencing yeshivos and mosdos across Eretz Yisroel, and beyond.

Rabbi Wilshanski’s dedication to Torah, Chassidus, and the Rebbe’s mission leaves an indelible mark. His influence lives on through his students, children, and grandchildren, who continue his legacy of education and outreach.

Rabbi Wilschanski is survived by his wife Malka Perel and children: Rabbi Menachem Mendel Wilschansky – Haifa, Eretz Yisroel; Rabbi Meir Wilschansky – Tzfat, Eretz Yisroel, Rabbi Chaim Eliezer Wilschansky – Tzfat, Eretz Yisroel, Rabbi Shmuel Alexander Sender Wilschansky – Milan, Italy; Rabbi Yisroel Shneur Zalman Wilschansky – Tzfat, Eretz Yisroel; Rabbi Betzalel Wilschansky – Haifa, Eretz Yisroel; Mrs. Zlata Lipshitz – Migdal HaEmek, Eretz Yisroel, and Mrs. Chaya Mushka Nislevitch – Tzfat, Eretz Yisroel.