Yisrael Meir Godovitz, a descendant of the Chofetz Chaim and the architect of the eight-story Chabad Jewish Center and Marina Roscha Synagogue in Moscow, passed away on Shavuos at the age of 92.

Godovitz carried his name with pride. Born in Chaifa in 5694 (1934), just four months after the passing of the Chofetz Chaim on 24 Elul 5693, he was the first descendant to be named Yisrael Meir after his illustrious grandfather.

His mother, Mrs. Frida Godovitz, was the granddaughter of Reb Aryeh Leib HaKohen Popko, the eldest son of the Chofetz Chaim, who served as rov of Radin, assisted his father in editing his monumental seforim, and served as his trusted right hand. Frida made aliyah in 1932 and the following year married Yaakov Godovitz. Months later, their son Yisrael Meir was born.

Though his career took him into architecture and urban planning, Godovitz always spoke about his lineage with reverence and pride. When rare historical footage of the Chofetz Chaim from the Vienna Knessiah Gedolah surfaced years ago, he was moved to tears and saw it as a message from Heaven.

Among all his projects, one that held special meaning was the grand eight-story Chabad Jewish Center and Marina Roscha Synagogue in Moscow. For Godovitz, designing the building was more than an architectural commission. It became a symbol of the revival of Yiddishkeit in Russia, and he spoke of it often and proudly.

The project also brought him personally closer to Yiddishkeit, and at the request of Russia’s Chief Rabbi and head shliach, Rabbi Berel Lazar, he began putting on tefillin.

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