A Pious Man Has Perished from the Earth • The Chassid Rabbi Avraham Chananya zt"l

A heavy mourning descended upon the "Shuvu Banim" community upon hearing the bitter news of the histalkus (passing away) to the Heavenly Yeshiva of the pious and ascetic servant of Hashem, who served with mesirus nefesh (self-sacrifice), the tzaddik Rabbi Avraham Chananya zt"l, who returned his soul to its Creator today (Monday) at the age of 71.

Rabbi Avraham Chananya zt"l was born on the 7th of Teves 5716 (1955) in Tehran, Iran, to his father R' Nuriel z"l and his mother Mrs. Esther a"h. While still in his youth, he merited to immigrate to the Holy Land together with his father as part of the aliyah of Iranian Jews. They settled in the transit camps, living in hardship but with great faith.

After his marriage, over thirty years ago, he drew close to Morinu HaRav Eliezer Berland shlit"a, and from then on, his soul was deeply bound to the Rav's soul in a powerful bond. Rabbi Avraham became one of the most devoted chassidim, walking in his light with mesirus nefesh (self-sacrifice) and pure simplicity.

Throughout his life, he was a "dweller of tents" (a dedicated Torah scholar), diligently studying with profound depth and concentration. His abstention from the pleasures of this world was renowned; his very countenance and appearance testified to his asceticism and self-denial, which were evident to all who saw him.

He was especially known for his immense meticulousness regarding immersion in the mikvah. Even under harsh conditions of freezing cold, physical weakness, and severe suffering, he never compromised on this practice, immersing himself many times a day.

For many years, he delivered inspiring shiurim (Torah lectures) and words of encouragement in all the communities of Anash (our fellowship) across the country. He awakened hearts to the service of Hashem through faith, joy, and spiritual strengthening, illuminated by the teachings of the holy Rebbe Nachman of Breslov zy"a and guided by Morinu HaRav shlit"a.

Over two years ago, he was stricken with a severe illness. Yet, even in his most difficult hours, his spirit never fell. On the contrary—he would strengthen and encourage everyone who came to visit him in the hospital. Many testified that they came to strengthen him, only to leave strengthened sevenfold themselves. He accepted all his suffering with tremendous love, rooted in the pure faith that no evil descends from Above.

About a month ago, he merited to visit Morinu HaRav shlit"a for the final time. During that meeting, he hinted that he felt his end was drawing near, but Morinu HaRav shlit"a dismissed his words and blessed him with a complete healing speedily. Rabbi Avraham, sensing what lay ahead, parted from his Rav as one saying goodbye for the very last time.

Shortly thereafter, he was hospitalized for the final time, and his condition steadily deteriorated. Countless prayers were offered in all the communities of Anash for the complete healing of Rabbi Avraham ben Esther. However, today during the afternoon hours, the mighty overcame the strongholds (a Talmudic idiom referring to the victory of the Heavenly angels in claiming a tzaddik's soul), and the Holy Ark was captured.

His funeral will take place today, the 3rd of Iyar 5786, at 5:00 PM, departing from the Shamgar Funeral Home in Jerusalem. The procession will pass by the holy residence of Morinu HaRav shlit"a at 14 HaChoma HaShlishit Street, on its way to Har HaMenuchos.

Rabbi Avraham Chananya zt"l leaves behind two sons, four sons-in-law, and dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who continue to walk in his righteous path. His eldest son, the esteemed Chassid Rabbi Nasan Chananya shlit"a, serves as the director of the "Shuvu Banim – Nechamas Tzion" institutions.

May his soul be bound in the bond of eternal life.