It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Naftali Leibovitz zt”l, who merited to serve closely within the inner circle of the Satmar Rebbe, the Vayoel Moshe zt”l, and was entrusted with recording and preserving his Torah teachings. He passed away at the age of 92.

The levayah took place Tuesday morninghn at the Dushinsky beis medrash in Williamsburg, continuing at 12:00 p.m. at the Nikelsburg beis medrash in Monsey, and concluding at 12:30 p.m. at the beis hachaim in Kiryas Yoel, where he was laid to rest near the ohel of his revered rebbe, the Vayoel Moshe of Satmar.

Rav Naftali was born to his father, Rav Boruch Yehuda Leibovitz zt”l, who served as a shochet u’bodek in the kehilla of Hallash, and to his mother, Mrs. Yentil a”h, daughter of Rav Shraga Shmuel Schnitzler zt”l, av beis din of Tshaba, a descendant of illustrious lineage.

Throughout his life, Rav Naftali embodied Torah, yiras Shamayim, chassidus, and deep humility. He was known for his refined character, pleasant demeanor, and unwavering dedication to avodas hakodesh. For many years, he stood among those privileged to serve the Satmar Rebbe closely, playing a central role in organizing, transcribing, and preparing for publication the Rebbe’s Torah insights.

This sacred work was carried out with profound reverence, exacting precision, and deep fidelity to the Rebbe’s words. For Rav Naftali, this was not merely writing—it was a mission of kedusha, a responsibility to preserve mesorah, and a means of transmitting the light of Torah to future generations.

He merited to be among those through whom the Torah of the Vayoel Moshe zt”l was safeguarded and disseminated. This alone reflected his stature, integrity, and deep emunah in chachamim that defined his entire being. He was a true chassid—humble, unassuming, and far removed from honor, with a deep love for Torah. He conducted himself with honesty and clarity, and all who knew him recognized a man of truth, chessed, and devotion.

Among his siblings were the Admor of Hallash in London zt”l, who passed away more than two decades ago; Rav Boruch Mordechai Yehuda Leibovitz zt”l of Boro Park, who passed away in 5782; Rav Elazar Dovid; the Admor of Nikelsburg of Monsey; his sister Mrs. Chaya Leifer, wife of the Admor of Bishtna zt”l of Boro Park; and his sister, Mrs. Hinda Devorah Daskal.

Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}