It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Yehoshua Betzalel HaKohen Kaplan zt”l, a longtime menahel at Yeshivas Or Somayach, who was known for his lifelong dedication to Torah, chesed, and his unwavering commitment to Birchas Kohanim. He was 88.

The niftar, who lived on Rechov Panim Meiros in the Matersdorf neighborhood of Yerushalayim, served for decades as one of the מנהלים of Yeshivas Or Somayach, where he played a key role in sustaining the mosad through tireless fundraising and devotion.

Rav Kaplan, a son of Rav Yisroel Isaac HaKohen Kaplan zt”l, was deeply connected to Torah from a young age. In his youth, he learned at Yeshivas Telz in Cleveland. Upon reaching marriageable age, he married the daughter of Rav Tzvi Yaakov HaKohen Isbee zt”l.

Throughout his life, he remained closely connected to his rabbeim from Telz Cleveland, from whom he also received semichah.

He invested tremendous effort in raising funds for Ohr Somayach with true mesirus nefesh. He was known as a rodef tzedakah v’chesed, quietly assisting many and dedicating himself to helping others.

He was particularly meticulous in his עבודת התפילה, ensuring to daven vasikin regularly. Most notably, he was known for never missing an opportunity to participate in Birkas Kohanim, traveling between multiple minyanim in order to both give and receive the brocha. For many years, he was careful that no brachah would leave his lips without others answering amein.

In recent months, his health declined, and he was hospitalized several times due to pneumonia. In his final days, his condition worsened, with increasing weakness and difficulty breathing, until he was niftar Monday morning.

He is survived by a distinguished family of children and sons-in-law who continue in the path of Torah and mitzvos. Among his sons-in-law is the rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Keter Torah, Rav Avrohom Moshe Ziskind.

He was also the brother of Rav Shlomo HaKohen Kaplan zt”l, a R”M at Yeshivas Aish HaTorah.

The levayah was held at his home at 5 Rechov Panim Meiros in Matersdorf, proceeding to Har Hazeisim for kevurah.

Tehei nishmaso tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}