Thousands were on hand to take part in the funeral for HaRav Ephraim Reuven Zureivin zt"l, a talmid muvhok of HaRav Aharon Kotler zt"l who passed on many of his rebbe's teachings to subsequent generations. He once said that he felt that his main purpose in the world was to prepare the Torah works of HaRav Aharon Kotler for publication.
He founded Yeshivas Knesses Beis Aharon in Eretz Yisroel, and served as its rosh yeshiva for many years. He was also asked to give shiurim in various other yeshivas. Seven years ago he was summoned to head Yeshivas Mateh Aharon and Kollel Ahavas Torah Vechessed in Lakewood.
An extraordinary marbitz Torah, he underwent great suffering which he bore with love and faith before he passed away two months short of his 70th birthday.
The levaya in Israel set out from Beis Medrash Pnei Shmuel in Jerusalem's Har Nof neighborhood, where for several years he served as the rov of the beis medrash and as rosh kollel. The eulogies were opened by HaRav Shmuel Auerbach, who spoke of his gadlus.
HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Slobodka and a close friend of the niftar since their days at Lakewood Yeshiva, recalled how he quickly took up his place among the top students at the yeshiva and was regarded very fondly by HaRav Aharon Kotler, adding that he is certain HaRav Aharon welcomed him in Shomayim, particularly since HaRav Zureivin published his writings, making this treasure trove available to the Torah world.
The niftar's childhood friend, HaRav Menachem Ben Menachem, described the uplifted atmosphere in the deceased's home. Stepping inside felt like stepping into a beis medrash, he said. His home was infused with a feeling of omol haTorah, a sensation that had an effect on all.
Other maspidim included his son-in-law, HaRav Doniel Wolfson, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Nesivos Hachochmoh in Jerusalem; his son, HaRav Avrohom, a ram at Yeshivas Givat Shaul in Jerusalem; his talmid muvhok, HaRav Yitzchok Vladomirsky, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Toras Yechiel; his son, HaRav Menachem, an avreich of note in Jerusalem's Ramot neighborhood.
HaRav Ephraim Reuven Zureivin zt"l was buried at Har Hamenuchos Cemetery and his survived by his wife, Hadassah, his sons and daughter, and his grandchildren.
