Rabbi Yehuda Kelemer, Mara D’atra of the Young Israel of West Hempstead, is niftar. Rabbi Kelemer, HaRav Yehuda Ben Rivka Leah, has led the shul since 1983.
The levaya took place Sunday morning at 11 a.m. Shiva for Rabbi Yehuda Kelemer, zt”l, will be observed at the Kelemer residence, 689 Adams Avenue, West Hempstead, until Friday, January 15.
Rebbetzin Kelemer can be reached by phone from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 516-538-9267 or 516-639-0056. Shiva visiting hours are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Shacharis is at 8:30 a.m. and Mincha/Maariv at 4:30 p.m.
Rabbi Kelemer received semicha from Rav Chaim Shmulevitz zt”l of the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem and also learned in Telz where he was a chavruta of Rav Mordechai Gifter zt”l the rosh yeshiva.
He began his rabbinical career in Switzerland and then moved to Brookline, Massachusetts to serve the Young Israel of Brookline. Rav Soloveitchik zt”l would often refer people in Boston to Rav Kelemer for complex halachic .
Rabbi Kelemer is considered a pre-eminent posek among pulpit rabbanim in America and has an amazing mastery of a myriad of Torah sources. His shul, comprised of over 700 families, is proud of his devotion, kindness and tzidkut.
Rabbi Kelemer authored several sefarim and is involved in the kashrut supervision of various establishments throughout the country.
The shul will discuss other opportunities for the community to give “due and proper kavod to Rabbi Kelemer zt”l, as well as support and comfort to the family.”
