The Chief Rabbi of Ashkelon HaGaon HaRav Yosef Chaim Blau ZT”L was niftar in the hospital on Monday, 23 Elul about a month after the petira of his rebbetzin Odel Hadassah a”h.

The rav’s condition deteriorated significantly in recent weeks. He was 81-years-old and admitted to Barzilai Hospital in serious condition of late.

The rav was known to be an outstanding talmid chacham and known for his keen ability to speak with each person on his/her own level.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)