R’ Yaakov Moshe Schlass, a longtime member of Anash in Yerushalayim’s Old City, known for his open home and decades of hachnosas orchim, passed away on Wednesday, 29 Av.

He was 86 years old.

R’ Moshe was born in Poland on 30 Av, 5699 (1939). During World War II, his family fled to Russia, later returning to Poland and spending time in Germany before immigrating to the United States in 1949.

After arriving in New York, he learned for a time in Yeshivas Torah Vodaas and had the merit to visit the Frierdiker Rebbe twice. In his younger years, he traveled extensively around the world before returning to New York and opening The Cauldron, a vegetarian restaurant in Manhattan’s East Village.

R’ Moshe’s return to Yiddishkeit began after he attended a Lag B’Omer parade by the Rebbe, where he was offered to put on tefillin. He soon began attending Tanya shiurim and becoming increasingly observant. His restaurant followed the same path, becoming kosher and Shabbos observant and serving as a place for minyanim, Mivtza Tefillin and other Jewish activities.

During a visit to Eretz Yisroel, R’ Moshe received a brocha from the Baba Sali that he would soon find his shidduch. A short time later, he met Leah Yocheved.

When a question arose over whether their wedding should take place before Pesach or be postponed until after Shavuos, they asked the Rebbe. The Rebbe instructed that they marry before Pesach.

R’ Moshe married his wife Leah with the Rebbe’s brocha, and with the assistance of the Rebbe’s mazkir Rabbi Yehuda Leib Groner, the couple settled in the Jewish Quarter of Yerushalayim’s Old City.

Their home became renowned for its hachnosas orchim, welcoming thousands of guests over the decades. Their home and rooftop were an open address for visitors to Yerushalayim, with Friday night meals regularly drawing dozens of guests.

R’ Moshe also became involved in disseminating Chassidus. In 5740 (1980), he founded the Gal Einai organization and helped publish the teachings of Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh. During those years, R’ Moshe would periodically travel to the Rebbe, bringing publications and reports on the organization’s activities and receiving answers and directives regarding its work.

In later years, R’ Moshe became a familiar figure at the Kosel, where he spent hours photographing visitors and speaking with the many Yidden he encountered. His photographs reflected the same interest in people that characterized his decades of hachnosas orchim and outreach.

He was also a longtime mispallel at the historic Tzemach Tzedek Shul in the Old City.

He was known for his warm personality, engaging conversations and ability to make every guest feel welcome, and over the years helped bring many Yidden closer to Yiddishkeit.

R’ Moshe passed away peacefully on Wednesday, 29 Menachem Av, surrounded by his family, one day before his 87th birthday.

The levaya will take place on Thursday, Rosh Chodesh Elul, at 11:00 AM from Shamgar in Yerushalayim, followed by kevura on Har Hazeisim.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Leah Schlass, their children and extended family.

Baruch dayan hoemes.