With sadness we inform you of the passing of Professor Dr. Yitzchok Block, OBM, one of the first Shluchim of the Rebbe, who served the Jewish students of the University of Western Ontario, and the patriarch of a large family of Chabad Chassidim and Shluchim all accross North America.

Boruch Dayan Hoemes: Dr. Yitzchok Block, OBM

With sadness we inform you of the passing of Professor Dr. Yitzchok Block, OBM, one of the first Shluchim of the Rebbe, who served the Jewish students of the University of Western Ontario, and the patriarch of a large family of Chabad Chassidim and Shluchim all accross North America.

Dr. Yitzchok Block held a PhD in Philosophy from Harvard University, and was professor emeritus at The University of Western Ontario in London, Canada. His professional areas of interest were Aristotle and Wittgenstein.

A video of Prof. Block speaking of his special relationship with the Rebbe can be viewed here.

He is survived by his children: Rabbi Chaim Block (S. Antonio, TX), Rabbi Levi Block (Westfield, NJ), Rabbi Mendy Block (Plano, TX), Mrs. Chani Zalmanov (Queens, NY), Rabbi Shmuli Block (Crown Heights), Mrs. Rivkie Baron (Crown Heights), Mr. Avraham Block and Mrs. Basie Gurkow (London, Canada).

The funeral will be held G-d willing later this afternoon in Old Montefiore Cemetery in Queens, NY.

As is customary, due to the approaching holiday of Sukkot this evening, a full Shiva will not be observed.

Boruch Dayan Hoemes

3 Comments

  • Joshua Keypour

    Without the slightest exaggeration, I can say that my life would be completely different–for the worst–had it not been for Dr. Block’s mentorship at very important points. Like his late wife, z’l, Dr. Block did nothing but dedicate himself to Hashem, kiruv, and chassidut, and like his late wife, he will leave behind a legacy to be proud of. I have spoken to people I’ve met on planes, in schools, etc., across differrent continents, who knew who this man was, and a smile always came to their face when his name came up, with clear reverence for his accomplishments. There is a reason for that.

    This is the end of an era, sadly. BD’H.

  • Yisroel Lazerson

    BD”E

    We’ll miss him very much!

    His book, “G-D, Rationality and Mysticism”, had a profound effect on me.

  • Mendee Awad

    BDE
    When Zalman posner first brought him
    To the Rebbas Farbrengan Upstairs
    In Zal . The Rebba asked him if he had cake ? He answerd Yes
    Then the Rebba Told Zalman
    אר וואט זיין א חסיד
    א שאד די צייט