A respected mechanech and prominent member of the Chabad community in Nachalas Har Chabad-Kiryat Malachi, Rav Menachem Chavakuk Blau z”l, passed away at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness.

The levayah was held tonight at his home at 7 Kakal Street in Kiryat Malachi before continuing to the cemetery in Kiryat Malachi.

Rav Blau was born on the 24th of Tammuz 5709 to his father, Rav Yaakov Zalman Blau, z”l, and his mother, Tzila, a”h.

In his youth, he learned in Yeshivas Slabodka in Bnei Brak, where he was highly regarded by the roshei yeshiva. During his years there, he became drawn to Chabad, eventually embracing its teachings as his derech in life. He later continued his learning in Yeshivas Toras Emes of Chabad in Yerushalayim.

As a young man, he would travel to the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s court in Brooklyn, spending Tishrei and other opportunities in the Rebbe’s presence. He was known for his remarkable mastery of Chabad niggunim, which he would sing with depth and emotion.

Upon reaching marriageable age, he married his wife, the daughter of Rav Chaim Wolf Rosenhaft, z”l.

Rav Blau was a beloved and devoted educator who dedicated his life to chinuch. For decades, he served as a mechanech in the Talmud Torah in Nachalas Har Chabad, where he shaped generations of talmidim with Torah values and refined middos. Members of the community recall that his dedication extended far beyond formal responsibilities, as he gave of himself completely to his students. Even after retiring, he continued his holy work, teaching struggling children with patience, devotion, and love, never accepting payment and viewing each child as a עולם מלא.

Holding a doctorate in special education, he devoted particular attention to children requiring individualized support, investing tireless effort into their growth and success, even when others had given up hope.

In recent years, he battled a serious illness. Even during this difficult period, as long as he had the strength, he made every effort to attend shul regularly.

He leaves behind a distinguished family—children, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—continuing in the path of Torah. Among his brothers are Rav Koppel Blau, a respected member of the Chazon Ish kollel, and Rav Yitzchok Blau, a prominent chossid of Nadvorna.

Yehi zichro boruch.