It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of the Spinka Rebbe of Bais Shmiel Tzvi, Rav Yosef Meir Horowitz zt”l, of Williamsburg, following an illness. He was 58 years old.

The Rebbe was a devoted manhig who led his kehillah with warmth and dedication, guiding his Chassidim in Torah and avodas Hashem and forging a close personal connection with those who looked to him for guidance.

Rav Yosef Meir was a son of Rav Berish (Yissochor Dov) Horowitz zt”l, the Dover Meisharim of Spinka, who was the eldest son of Rav Hershele (Shmuel Tzvi) Spinka zt”l, and he continued the distinguished Spinka mesorah that he received from his illustrious forebears.

Throughout his years of leadership, the Rebbe became known for his deep ahavas Yisroel and his devotion to his Chassidim. Those who came through his doors found a Rebbe who listened to their struggles, shared in their difficulties and simchos, and sought to strengthen and encourage them. His kehillah looked to him not only as their Rebbe and moreh derech, but as a source of warmth, guidance and chizuk.

The Rebbe’s avodas Hashem and the sincerity with which he approached his avodah left a profound impression upon those around him. He sought to elevate his Chassidim while remaining deeply involved in their individual needs, providing guidance and encouragement to those who turned to him.

The Rebbe had been battling an illness and, in recent days, was hospitalized at Mount Sinai Hospital, where his condition became critical. Despite efforts on his behalf, he was niftar tonight at the age of 58, plunging his family, Chassidim and kehillah into mourning.

The levayah will be held on Thursday, at 12 noon, at his bais medrash, located at 77 Walworth Street in Brooklyn, followed by kevurah at the Deans cemetery, located at 104 Deans Rhode Hall Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}