02 Feb RCA MOURNS DEATH OF RABBI DR. ABRAHAM TWERSKI

The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading membership organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, mourns the death of Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski, zt”l, on a day that saw the loss of three other great rabbinic leaders, Rabbi Meshulam Dovid Soloveitchik, Rosh Yeshivat Brisk; Rabbi Yitzchok Scheiner, Rosh Yeshivat Kamenitz; and Rav Avraham Moshe Avidan, former Rosh Yeshivat Shaalavim, zt”l. Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski, zt”l- -rabbi, psychiatrist, writer, and speaker– the scion of a Hassidic dynasty and founder of Gateways Rehabilitation Center in Pittsburgh and the Shaar Hatikvah Rehabilitation Center for prisoners in Israel, advanced the wellbeing of thousands in many areas, especially those of addiction, domestic violence, and mental health through his boldness and honesty in recognizing the profound human challenges faced by so many in our community. His bravery in addressing these issues enabled many who are suffering to feel recognized and validated in their struggles, and to be able to seek the help and support they need. We are a more honest and healthier orthodox community as a result. His many books and lectures were fountains of Torah wisdom, inspiring and encouraging generations of Jews. Rabbi Daniel Korobkin, president of the RCA, said, “Through his accessible books on psychology and chassidut, as well as his pithy videos on the human condition, Rabbi Twerski was a fixture in hundreds of thousands of Jewish homes. How extraordinary was his ability to integrate with and make such meaningful contributions to the secular world of psychology. One of the tragedies of the Covid era is the proximity of all these deaths, which do not allow us to mourn each Torah luminary with the proper homage that he deserves. We hope that once we are beyond this pandemic, we will be able to better reflect on all our losses, appropriately articulate the unique contributions of each Torah leader, and eulogize each one appropriately.”