A wave of sorrow has swept through the Chareidi community in Kiryat Gat following the petirah of Harav HaChassid R’ Yaakov HaKohen Levin z”l, a prominent member of the Gerrer Chassidus in the city, who was niftar Tuesday morning after a difficult illness. He was just 40 years old.

R’ Yaakov was widely admired as an ehrliche yungerman known for his yiras Shamayim, humility, and devotion to helping others.

For many years, he managed the neighborhood Mishnas Yosef chessed food distribution center in Kiryat Gat’s Chareidi neighborhood, where he worked tirelessly to ensure local families received their needs with dignity and care. He davened regularly at the Gerrer shtiebel on Gaon HaYarden Street, where he was considered one of the beloved figures of the beis medrash.

During his illness, R’ Yaakov maintained close contact with Harav Elimelech Biderman, who regularly called to encourage and strengthen him. About a month ago, Reb Elimelech visited his home and spent an extended period speaking with him privately.

He leaves behind seven young yesomim.

The levayah will begin Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. from his home on Shenir Street in Kiryat Gat and will pass the Gerrer shtiebel on Gaon HaYarden Street. It will then continue to Yerushalayim, where it is scheduled to arrive at 4:00 p.m. at the Gerrer beis medrash on Yirmiyahu Street before proceeding to Har HaMenuchos for kevurah.

Yehi Zichro Baruch.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)