Yaakov Perlow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rav Yaakov Perlow |
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| Religion | Judaism |
| Alma mater | Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin |
| Personal | |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | November 16, 1930 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Died | April 7, 2020 (aged 89) Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Spouse | Yehudis (Eichenstein) Perlow, Miriam (Eichenstien-Londinski) Perlow |
| Children | Grand Rabbi Yehoshua Heshel Perlow, Grand Rabbi Yisroel Perlow, Mrs.Faigie Horowitz, Mrs. Sara Chana Treiger |
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| Senior posting | |
| Title | Novominsker Rebbe |
| Predecessor | Rabbi Moshe Sherer |
| Position | Rosh yeshiva |
| Yeshiva | Yeshivas Novominsk Kol Yehuda |
| Position | President |
| Organisation | Agudath Israel of America |
| Began | December 1998 |
| Other | Head of Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah (Council of Torah Sages) |
| Yahrtzeit | 13, Nissan |
| Buried | Mount Lebanon Cemetery |
| Residence | Brooklyn, New York |
| Dynasty | Novominsk |
Yaakov Perlow (November 16, 1930 – April 7, 2020) was an important American Hasidic rabbi. He was known as the Rebbe of the Novominsk Hasidic group. From 1998 until he passed away in 2020, he led Agudath Israel of America. This group helps and represents Orthodox Jewish people. He was also in charge of their special council called the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah (Council of Torah Sages). Rabbi Perlow was a highly respected leader in the American Orthodox Jewish community. People admired his deep knowledge and great speaking skills.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Growing Up in Brooklyn
Yaakov Perlow was born in Brooklyn, New York. His father was Rabbi Nochum Mordechai Perlow, who was also the Novominsker Rebbe. His mother was Beila Rochma Morgenstern. He was named after his great-grandfather, the Shufra D'Yaakov. This ancestor started the Novominsk Hasidic group. His mother's father was Rabbi Yitzchak Zelig Morgenstern. He was a very important rabbi from Poland.
His Education Journey
Rabbi Perlow started his religious studies at Yeshiva Toras Chaim. This school was in East New York, Brooklyn. He then went to Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin in Brooklyn. Later, he studied at Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood. He also went to Brooklyn College and graduated with high honors.
Rabbi Perlow's Career
Teaching and Leading Yeshivas
After he got married, Rabbi Perlow taught at Hebrew Theological College. This college was in Skokie, Illinois. Later, he moved back to Brooklyn. He joined the administration of Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin. In 1969, he became a rosh yeshiva (head of a yeshiva). This was at the Breuer's yeshiva in Washington Heights, New York. He held this important job for 11 years. He also served as the rabbi of Congregation Bais Yosef in that city.
Becoming the Novominsker Rebbe
When his father passed away in 1976, Yaakov Perlow became the Novominsker Rebbe. In 1980, he started the Novominsk Hasidic Center. He also founded his own yeshiva. It was called Yeshivas Novominsk Kol Yehuda. This yeshiva was named after his uncle. It is located in Borough Park, Brooklyn.
Leading Agudath Israel of America
Rabbi Perlow became very involved with Agudath Israel of America in 1975. He was a main speaker at a big event called the 7th Siyum HaShas. He also became a leader of the Torah Umesorah organization. In December 1998, Rabbi Perlow was chosen to be the president of Agudath Israel of America. He took over after Rabbi Moshe Sherer passed away. He also led the organization's special group, the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah (Council of Torah Sages).
Speaking Out on Important Issues
Rabbi Perlow often spoke about issues important to the American Orthodox Jewish community. He talked about using the Internet wisely. He also spoke about the cost of Jewish weddings. He even shared his thoughts on U.S. politics. In 2015, he spoke directly to President Obama. He asked the President to rethink a deal with Iran.
Personal Life and Family
Rabbi Perlow's first wife was Yehudis. She passed away in 1998. They had two sons and two daughters. In 2004, Rabbi Perlow married Miriam Landynski. She was his first wife's sister.
His Passing
In March 2020, Rabbi Perlow told American Orthodox Jews to follow health rules. This was because of the coronavirus outbreak. He said that Jewish law requires listening to doctors. Soon after, he became sick with COVID-19. On April 7, 2020, he passed away at 89 years old.
His funeral was a private ceremony. The speeches and prayers were broadcast over the phone. This was done to help stop the virus from spreading. After his burial, his twin sons became the new Rebbes of the Novominsk group. Rabbi Yehoshua Heshel now leads his father's synagogue in Borough Park. Rabbi Alter Yisroel Shimon leads the Novominsk center in Lakewood, New Jersey. Both sons lead Yeshivas Novominsk Kol Yehuda together.
