Nafla ateres rosheinu, the crown has fallen from our head (Eicha 5:16). The Jewish people has lost a brilliant scholar, faithful leader and devoted servant. The Rabbinical Alliance of America — Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 American Orthodox Rabbis — joins Klal Yisroel in mourning the passing of HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Perlow, ZT’L, the Novominsker Rebbe and President of Agudath Yisroel of America.
Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, stated, “We at the Igud HaRabbonim respected and revered the Novominsker Rebbe as a world class Talmid Chacham and a Gadol HaDor, who personified the humility and refined character traits he spent his life teaching. With the passing of the Novominsker Rebbe, the Jewish people face a void that seems insurmountable, magnified by the pain we are experiencing as we grapple with the reality of the Coronavirus, Covid-19 pandemic. Today, the worldwide Torah community stands as orphans, painfully bereft of the profound wisdom and courageous leadership of the Novominsker Rebbe. But we continue with unbending faith that our Father in Heaven will send us proper guidance and salvation, because the children of Israel will never be abandoned. We pray that the Novominsker Rebbe serve as a Melitz Yosher for his family and the entire Klal Yisroel in this time of fear and sorrow.”
Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, stated that, “Klal Yisroel suffered a double tragedy that besides the passing of the great Gadol B’Yisroel the Novominsker Rebbe, we were unable to properly eulogize him and show appropriate final respects befitting someone of the Novominsker’s stature because of the global health crisis. Our community is mourning many great people who have been swept away by this pandemic. We pray for the memory of all those we have lost and the consolation of all the mourners among us. May Hashem Yisborach shine His mercy on the world and end this pandemic.”
Rabbi Duvid Katz, Menahel of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, stated, “The Igud HaRabbonim reminds the Jewish community to continue carefully following all governmental directives of social distancing and health precautions. Also, while we are home, we should make every effort to focus on praying, learning and saying Tehillim, while also experiencing Simchas Yom Tov. In this merit, may Hashem Yisborach end the pandemic and grant speedy recovery to all those who need and allow those who are healthy to remain safe.”