With sadness, we regret to inform you of the passing of Dayan Rabbi Yakov Yehuda Refson of Leeds, England, who passed away Sunday night.
By Anash.org reporter
With sadness, we regret to inform you of the passing of Dayan Rabbi Yakov Yehuda Refson of Leeds, England, who passed away Sunday night, 27 Adar.
He was 73.
Rabbi Yehuda Refson had been serving as shliach and the head of the regional Beth Din of Leeds, England, since 5736/1976.
Rabbi Refson and his wife were also co-directors of the Leeds Menorah School. He went to court to force the city council in Leeds to provide transportation to those attending frum schools.
Rabbi Refson was a talmid of the Gateshead Yeshiva who was niskarev to Lubavitch through Reb Bentche Shemtov. Later he traveled to the Yeshiva in Brunoy, France, where he was mekabel from the mashpia Reb Nissan Neminov. He also received smicha from Rav Moshe Feinstein, the last person to have that honor.
He is survived by his wife, Rebbetzin Ettel, and children: Rabbi Abba Refson – Five Towns, NY, Rabbi Yossi Refson – Charleston, SC, Saroleh Jaffe – Whitefield, England, Leah Wolf – Melbourne, Australia, Rabbi Michoel Refson – Athens, GA, Rabbi Sholly Refson – Long Island, NY, Chavi Steiner – Minneapolis, MN, and Rabbi Zalmy Refson – Savannah, GA.
He is also survived by his brother Rabbi Dovid Refson of Yerushalayim.
Baruch Dayan Ha’Emes.
Immense sorrow. Recognized the name like his son lchavdil ben Chaim lchayim Abba Refson Ohel shlichus. Tremendously sorry for the Refsons and klal Yisroel’s loss. Moshiach now.
Rabbi refson was a great talmid chochom. He studied under rabbi Yosef Goldberg of France, and later married his niece. He was a master teacher, with incredible knowledge.
Very sad indeed to hear of this.
He was a much loved figure and thoughtful and sympathetics in his teachings and rulings. I and my family were direct beneficiaries of his kindness and humanity.
He will be missed.
Yehi zichro baruch.
Good memories of Yehuda (Julian) from our childhood in Sunderland.
Both he and his wonderful wife Etal were very kind to my late mother.
May the Refson family derive comfort from his memory. He was wonderful man who will be mourned throughout the world. Our sincere condolences.