BDE: Professor Herman Branover, 94, OBM

With great sadness we report the passing of Professor Herman Branover OBM, a pioneering scientist, devoted chossid, and tireless advocate for Jewish life behind the Iron Curtain. He passed away Monday, the 17th of Iyar, 5786.

He was 94 years old.

Born in Riga, Latvia in 1931, Professor Branover rose to international prominence as a leading physicist in the field of magnetohydrodynamics, earning advanced degrees in the Soviet Union and achieving the rare distinction of full professorship under a regime hostile to religious expression. Yet even as he excelled in the scientific world, his life took a transformative turn as he began a personal search for truth and Yiddishkeit.

Under the oppressive conditions of the Soviet Union, Branover became one of the courageous “refuseniks,” enduring harassment, interrogations, and the loss of his academic position for his desire to live openly as a Jew and immigrate to Eretz Yisroel. During those years, he was deeply involved in the underground Jewish revival, teaching Torah and inspiring countless others, even at great personal risk.

His connection with the Rebbe, profoundly shaped his life’s mission. Encouraged by the Rebbe to unite science and Torah, Professor Branover became a living example of their harmony. The Rebbe famously guided him to use his scientific platform to spread meaningful life lessons, urging him to “radiate” like the sun—sharing light and warmth with others.

After finally leaving the Soviet Union in 1972, Branover settled in Eretz Yisroel, where he continued both his scientific and spiritual work. At the Rebbe’s directive, he founded the SHAMIR organization, which supported thousands of Soviet Jewish scientists and professionals in rebuilding their lives while reconnecting to their heritage. Through SHAMIR and its publishing efforts, millions of Russian-speaking Jews gained access to authentic Torah literature, with Branover personally overseeing translations of foundational Jewish texts.

In addition to his scientific achievements, he authored numerous works and founded the journal B’Or HaTorah, providing a platform for dialogue between Torah and contemporary science—an initiative launched at the Rebbe’s encouragement. His efforts helped bridge worlds that many saw as incompatible, inspiring a generation of intellectuals to explore Yiddishkeit.

Throughout his life, Professor Branover remained a deeply committed chossid, dedicating his talents, influence, and energy to the Rebbe’s mission of spreading Torah and Chassidus. Whether in the Soviet underground, academic institutions, or global Jewish initiatives, he embodied mesirus nefesh and unwavering dedication.

His passing leaves a profound void, but his legacy lives on—in the countless lives he touched, the Torah he helped disseminate, and the powerful example he set of a life devoted equally to intellect and emunah.

He is survived by his son Rabbi Daniel Branover (Crown Heights), and grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mrs. Fania Branover OBM, who passed away on the 2nd of Shvat, 5772.

The Levaya will take place today, Monday, passing by 770 at 6:30pm. The Levaya will continue in Yerushalayim tomorrow.

Shiva information to be announced.

Boruch Dayan Hoemes