Rabbi Naftali Zvi (Hershel) Weinberg, a distinguished figure in Jerusalem's Slonim Hasidic community, passed away suddenly this morning (Monday) at the age of 73.
Born in Tevet 5712 (1952) to his father, Rabbi Mordechai Zeidel, who was among the prominent members of the Slonim Hasidic community and a descendant of the Slonim Rebbe, author of "Yesod Ha'avodah."
Rabbi Weinberg married the daughter of Rabbi Yosef Erlanger. Throughout his life, he was known for his exceptional dedication to religious practice and Torah study, maintaining a close relationship with the Slonim Rebbe and regularly attending his court.
He served as one of the important rabbis within the Slonim Hasidic community and was known as a gifted speaker at community events.
In a tragic turn of events, in Adar I 5776 (2016), he lost his son, Israel (Srulik) Weinberg, who was 26 when he was killed in the "Death Bus" incident.
The accident occurred between Egged bus 402 and a parked truck on Highway 1 near the Latrun Interchange, claiming six lives and injuring 10 others in February 2016. The bus, traveling from Jerusalem to Bnei Brak, struck a marble-transporting truck that had stopped due to mechanical issues.
Israel Weinberg, Yaakov Heshin (27), Hanna Peasa Frenkel (23) and Levy Yitzhak Amdadi (17) lost their lives tragically. The bus's right side was severely damaged in the collision, with passengers reportedly thrown from their seats.
The truck driver, Rizq Zarina, had stopped due to gear malfunction and was awaiting assistance. However, passenger testimony suggested the bus driver, who had been involved in a similar accident three years prior, was driving at excessive speed. The accident occurred on a "Mehadrin line" primarily serving ultra-Orthodox Jewish passengers.
Rabbi Weinberg is survived by his mother, his wife, and generations of children and grandchildren who are engaged in Torah study and religious observance.
The funeral procession departed from the Slonim synagogue in Jerusalem to the Har Hamenuchot cemetery, where Rabbi Weinberg will be laid to rest.
Kikar HaShabbat and Ynet contributed to this article.
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