Rav Moshe Eisemann zt”l, a beloved mechanech whose remarkable life carried him from Nazi Germany to England, Switzerland, Moldova, and ultimately Eretz Yisroel, has passed away at the age of 98. A survivor of the famed Kindertransport rescue effort, he devoted decades to educating generations of talmidos and bringing countless Jews closer to Torah and mitzvos. He was laid to rest at Har Hamenuchos in Yerushalayim.
Rav Eisemann was born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, to his father, Rav Shmuel Halevi Eisenman. Following Kristallnacht, he was sent alone to England as part of the Kindertransport, the rescue mission that brought thousands of Jewish children to safety before the Holocaust. His parents joined him in England sometime later.
Family members recalled that during the journey, when Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands provided kosher food for the refugee children, the young Moshe—only nine or ten years old at the time—refused to eat because he was uncertain whether the hechsher met his standards.
He later moved to Switzerland, where he became a distinguished mechanech, teaching for more than three decades and helping shape the lives of hundreds of talmidos. About 30 years ago, he settled in Kiryat Sefer, where he continued his lifelong dedication to Torah.
Even after the age of 70, Rav Eisemann accepted a mission in Kishinev, spending several months there despite living in an apartment without running water. He undertook the challenge solely to bring Jewish children and families closer to Torah and mitzvos.
About 20 years ago, he was widowed following the passing of his wife, Mrs. Chava Eisemann, a”h, née Cohen. His only sister, Mrs. Rosental, a”h, was closely associated with the Gateshead Seminary in England.
Those closest to him said his love of Torah never diminished, even during his final years. His son and sons-in-law recalled that whenever they visited him, even when illness made reading difficult, he would invariably begin by discussing a Torah question or sharing an insightful thought from the Ramban on the weekly parshah.
He is survived by his son, Rav Shmuel Eisemann of Bnei Brak; his daughters Mrs. Birnbaum, one of the founders and principal of Beis Chinuch in Kiryat Sefer, and Mrs. Schlass, also of Kiryat Sefer; as well as another daughter who lives in Antwerp.
His health declined in recent years, and about three weeks ago he was admitted to Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center, where he remained until his passing at the age of 98.
Yehi zichro baruch.
{Matzav.com}