BDE: Reb Mordechai Housman, z”l

YS GOLD 

Stoliner chassidim in America were stunned and saddened Friday afternoon with the passing of Reb Mordechai Housman, z”l, a longtime Monsey resident and respected member of the Stoliner community there. He was 63 years of age, and had suffered from health ailments in recent months. 

The niftar was the son of the Karliner Chossid Reb Dovid Hoizman of Yerushalayim, and the family traced their roots over generations in the holy land. 

Reb Mordechai was a transmitter of these exalted traditions to later generations. Similarly, he was a veritable repository of traditions of minhagim, nusach hatefillah, and niggunim—and he shared these traditions generously with everyone around him. 

Mottel was as friendly as he was deeply brilliant. He would “farbreng” with the bachurim in yeshiva for hours—regaling them with stories and anecdotes. 

Given his incredible musical ear and his supersized heart, he was a tremendous ba’al Tefillah who warmed the hearts of mispalelim with his tefillos.  

More privately, he was an introspective eved Hashem. Journalist Rabbi Yochanan Donn, who spent countless hours in conversation with, ybl”ch, the niftar, recalls certain kabbalos that he undertook in private. He was also versed in numerous Chassidic works.  

Mottel married and joined the monsey community, where he was a respected personality. 

He struggled with health challenges in recent months, and was taken into the hospital on Friday morning. He passed away a few hours later, plunging his family and many friends and admirers into mourning. 

The Levaye of Reb Mordche Houzman z"l will take place Sunday morning, 10am, at Stolin Shul 52 Main St.

Yehi zichro baruch.