BDE: Rabbi Sholom Dov Ber Sanowicz, 93, OBM

With great sadness we report the passing of Rabbi Sholom Dov Ber Sanowicz OBM, a renowned Talmid Chocham, Shochet and Mohel. He passed away on Shabbos, the 5th of Kislev, 5781, just shy of his 94th birthday.

His father, Harav Hachasid Chaim Yitzchok, was sent to Odessa by the Frierdiker Rebbe to strengthen the chassidim of Odessa. At the height of communist persecution, he was sent with Mesiras Nefesh – at a very young age – to Tomchei Temimim in Kutaisi, Georgia together with his brother R’ Azriel A”H. Later, he went on to become a Talmid Muvhak of the Mashpia R’ Nissen Nemanov, in Brunoy, where he was one of the founding bochurim. He devoted himself in his later years to publishing R’ Nissen’s Biurim on Tanya, which he had transcribed as his Talmid. He later became a Shochet upon the request of the Frierdiker Rebbe. Although he arrived in the USA with nothing, he became successful in business, which he entered upon the recommendation of the Rebbe. He recently founded a generous Gmach for Shluchim.

He was indefatigable in his quest and devotion for learning, and rarely was found without a Sefer in hand. In his later years, he gave Shiurei Gemarah in various Shuls in Crown Heights and was a Maggid Shiur in Yeshiva Chovevei Torah. In addition to his sefer on R’ Nissan’ Biurim on Tanya, he recently published a Sefer, Maaseh Sholam, based on his Chidushim and Shiurim. A noted Baal Tefillah, he davened for many years by the Amud at 770 before the Rebbe. His life personified Torah and Tefillah.

He leaves behind a distinguished legacy of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a family of illustrious Roshei Yeshivos, Shluchim, and Mechanchim who follow in his ways.

He is survived by his dear wife, Mrs. Sarah E. Sanowicz (nee Loksin), and his children, Rabbi Chaim Yitzchok Sanowicz (Los Angeles, CA), Rabbi Nachman Sanowicz (Crown Heights), Mrs. Hindy Kalmenson (New Haven, CT), Mrs. Reevy Pevzner (Paris, France), Mrs. Rashi Itkin (Scranton, PA), Rabbi Zalmy Sanowicz (Crown Heights), Rabbi Yossi Sanowicz (Montreal, Canada), Mrs. Chanie Hertz (Bensonhurst, NY) and Mrs. Dinie Gorman (Toronto, Canada), as well as many grand-children and great-grandchildren.

Levaya at Shomrei Hadas, Sunday 11:15, and will pass by 770 at 12:30 pm.

Shiva information to be announced.

Boruch Dayan Hoemes