It is with greatness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Shimon Menachem Frankel zt”l, rov of Central Tel Aviv and a revered spiritual guide to many. He was 89 years old and had been in declining health in recent years.
Rav Frankel was born on 12 Sivan 5696 (1936) to his father, the gaon Rav Yitzchak Yedidya Frankel zt”l, Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv and head of the city’s batei din, and to his mother, Rebbetzin Chana Leah a”h, daughter of Rav Chaim Elazar Brand z”l.
He married Rebbetzin Bas Tzion Esther, daughter of the rebbe Rav Yaakov Yosef Shlomo Halperin of Vaslui, the third admor in the Vaslui dynasty and father of the current rebbe. Together, they built a warm and welcoming home in Tel Aviv, where they lived for decades until her passing in Shevat 5776.
Their home was renowned as a beacon of hospitality in the heart of the bustling city, always open to those in need. Whether travelers, the lonely, or the downtrodden, many found shelter and comfort between their walls.
rav Frankel was appointed the rav of the Antopol community in central Tel Aviv, where he served faithfully for many years. For his livelihood, he had previously served as the public complaints commissioner at Bank Leumi.
A man of many talents and great breadth of knowledge, Rav Frankel was a talmid chochom, writer, and maggid shiur. He was known for his tireless pursuit of tzedakah and chesed, and he was cherished by all.
In his later years, Rav Frankel moved to Bnei Brak, where he continued his avodas Hashem despite his frailty, davening with dedication at the Mohilever shul.
He is survived by an illustrious family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all following in his path. His brother-in-law is Rav Yisrael Meir Lau, former Chief Rabbi of Israel.
The levayah was held today at his home at 2 Ovadia in Bnei Brak, with kevurah at the Nachalas Yitzchak Cemetery in Tel Aviv.
Yehi zichro baruch.
{Matzav.com Israel}