OU Mourns Passing of Rav Shalom Yosef Elyashiv, zt"l

Together with all of Klal Yisrael, the Orthodox Union mourns the passing of Rav Shalom Yosef Elyashiv, zecher tzadik livracha, at 102. Revered by many as the posek ha-dor (outstanding halachic authority), he was the preeminent leader of the Hareidi community in both Israel and the diaspora. Born in Lithuania, he was brought by his parents to the land of Israel at age 12. He was married to Sheina Chaya, a daughter of the famed Reb Aryeh Levine, and had 12 children. His advice was sought by roshei yeshiva (heads of Talmudical academies) from all over the world, and his halachic opinions on a wide variety of topics, published in three volumes entitled Ashrei Ha-Ish, helped shape the contemporary Orthodox lifestyle. As the spiritual leader of the Degel HaTorah party, he was a major influence in Israeli affairs. Tehei Nafsho tzerurah bi-tzror ha-chayim.