With profound sadness, the Orthodox Union joins the entire Jewish community in mourning the passing of Moreinu HaRav Gershon Edelstein, zt”l, at the age of 100. Rav Gershon was recognized as the preeminent leader of the Haredi community in Israel and served as the Rosh Hayeshiva of the Ponevezh Yeshiva in Bnei Brak, where he taught for more than seventy years.

Rav Gershon’s hallmark was his measured and clear voice with which he taught his students until his final days. That voice avoided controversy and guided his students and community b’darchei no’am, always preferring to address issues and relationships with pleasantness. His leadership and messages consistently employed a positive tone and stirred internal reflection rather than criticism of others. He guided teachers and parents to prioritize their investment in showing care and concern for every child, regularly expressing encouragement and love rather than coercion and criticism.

We are all in mourning over the loss of this giant of Torah and model of humility and kindness. Rav Gershon’s example will inspire all of us to aspire to greater heights in the service of G-d, the study of Torah, and the care and kindness we extend to one another.

Yehi zichro baruch. May his memory be a blessing.

[Press Release]