Famous Hasidic Rebbe, Admor of Kretchnif, Passes Away at 75

Rabbi Zeida Eliezer Ze'ev Rosenbaum, the revered Admor (spiritual leader) of the Kretchnif Sighet Hasidic dynasty, has passed away at the age of 75 following a severe stroke. The rabbi, known for his deep Torah scholarship and leadership within the ultra-Orthodox community, succumbed after several days in critical condition at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem.

On Friday evening, August 22, 2025, during the Mincha (afternoon) prayer service at his synagogue in the Beit Israel neighborhood of Jerusalem, he suddenly collapsed midway through the service, prompting immediate medical response. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a massive stroke. Despite intensive care and widespread prayers from his followers and the broader Hasidic world, his condition deteriorated, leading to his passing on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Rabbi Rosenbaum, born on April 2, 1950, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, was a direct descendant of the founding figures of the Kretchnif Hasidic dynasty, which traces its roots to the Nadvorna lineage in pre-World War II Romania. The dynasty, originally based in Crăciunești (Kretchnif in Yiddish), was reestablished after the Holocaust by survivors, including Rabbi Rosenbaum's forebears. He assumed leadership of the Sighet branch after the passing of his father, Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Rosenbaum, in 2006, relocating to Jerusalem where he built a vibrant community centered around his synagogue on Rappaport Street.

Under his guidance, the Kretchnif Sighet community grew, attracting thousands of followers who admired his blend of revealed (nigleh) and hidden (nistar) Torah teachings. He was known for his miraculous stories, scholarly depth, and commitment to Hasidic traditions, often drawing large crowds for holidays and Shabbat gatherings.

News of his passing has sent shockwaves through the Hasidic world, with thousands expected to attend his funeral in Jerusalem. Community leaders have called for prayers and mourning, describing him as a "great and mighty figure" whose loss is deeply felt. "A prince and giant has fallen," one statement read, echoing the grief among his disciples.

Funeral arrangements are being finalized, with details to be announced shortly. Rabbi Rosenbaum is survived by his family, including children and grandchildren who continue his legacy within the Hasidic community.