Many Bnei Brak residents turned out on Motzei Shabbos Parshas Eikev to lay to rest Rabbi Refoel Halperin zt"l, who passed away at the age of 87 following an illness.
Rabbi Refoel Halperin was born to HaRav Chaim Yaakov Halperin, a well-known rabbinical figure and one of the founders of Bnei Brak's Zichron Meir neighborhood. HaRav Chaim Yaakov was among the generation's leading Torah benefactors and had close ties to the Chazon Ish.
Refoel studied at Yeshivas Lomzha in Petach Tikva and later at Yeshivas Chevron in Jerusalem. After his wedding he began to engage in commercial affairs. He lived a colorful life and over the course of decades he was known for his generous donations to Torah institutions, synagogue and mikvah renovation, and efforts to strengthen Shabbos observance throughout Eretz Hakodesh. He funded the installation of neighborhood sound systems to announce candlelighting time in places around the country and made openhanded contributions to needy families.
He devoted the last 20 years of his life to writing numerous Torah books, publishing over 50 volumes on various topics.
At the well-known chain, Optika Halperin, Rabbi Halperin helped make glasses affordable for avreichim and bnei Torah families.
His health declined recently and on Shabbos Parshas Eikev he returned his soul, refined through suffering, to his Maker.
The levaya set out from his home toward Yeshivas Ohel Yaakov on Rechov Halperin in Zichron Meir, with many city residents following. He was buried at Zichron Meir Cemetery, which was founded by his father.
Rabbi Refoel Halperin zt"l is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who carry on the traditional Jewish legacy.
