Rabbi Aharon Yehuda Leib Steinman, the influential leader of the Lithuanian (non-Hassidic) ultra-Orthodox community, died on Monday at the age of 104.
Steinman was hospitalized several times over the past year with various health issues. He was hospitalized again at the Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center in Bnei Brak in November.
His condition deteriorated and he suffered cardiac arrest on Monday morning. The hospital announced the rabbi’s passing at 8 a.m., saying all efforts to resuscitate him had failed.
Steinman led the Lithuanian steam in Israel since the 2012 death of Rabbi Yosef Shalom Eliyashiv. He was also the spiritual leader of the Degel Hatorah faction of the United Torah Judaism party.
Rabbi Gershon Edelstein, 94, is expected to succeed Steinman.
President Reuven Rivlin eulogized Steinman, lauding him as “a leader who bore on his shoulders the entire weight of the existence of the Jewish people, a genius, a giant and mentor who guided tens of thousands of people. His passing leaves a profound sense of loss.”
United Torah Judaism MK Moshe Gafni said in a statement, “This morning we lost the leader of this generation, a merciful and kind heart towards all. All of Israel has been orphaned.”
Shas leader Aryeh Deri said, “This is a sad and difficult day. We have lost a man who embodied 104 years of Torah learning.”
Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel David Lau said that Steinman’s passing is “a loss to millions of Jews worldwide. He was the leader of this generation and his concern and prayers protected us all.”
Opposition Leader Isaac Herzog (Zionist Union) described Steinman as “one of the most important figures in the Lithuanian stream and one of the greatest rabbis Israel has known for the past century.”
Steinman was laid to rest at the Bnei Brak Cemetery at noon on Monday. Tens of thousands of mourners lined the streets of the city for the funeral procession and attended the funeral itself.