Rabbi Chaim Meir Chazan, a prominent Chossid in Nachlas Har Chabad who helped establish Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim in Kiryat Gat and served for decades as a shochet, passed away on Wednesday evening, 29 Nissan.

He was 78.

Born in Soviet Russia in 5708 to Rabbi Aharon and Nechama Leah Chazan, his early years were defined by mesiras nefesh as he received a Chassidishe education under the oppressive communist regime. In 5726, he successfully managed to leave Russia.

In 5729, he traveled to the Rebbe to learn in 770 for his year of Kvutza. Shortly after, following Pesach of 5730, he was part of a select group of bochurim dispatched to help build and establish Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim in Kiryat Gat.

After marrying his wife, Mrs. Chava Chazan (daughter of R’ Chatzkel Brod), the couple established their home in Nachlas Har Chabad. There, Rabbi Chazan worked for many years as a shochet. He was a beloved and respected fixture in the community, widely regarded as one of the prominent elders of Anash in Eretz Yisroel.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Chava Chazan, and their children: Mrs. Chani Weinfeld – Beitar Illit, Mrs. Batya Havlin – Kiryat Gat, Rabbi Yitzchak Dovid Chazan – Beitar Illit, Rabbi Sholem Ber Chazan – Shenzhen, China, Rabbi Yisroel Chazan – Kiryat Gat, Rabbi Shmuel Chazan – Kfar Chabad, Rabbi Moshe Chazan – Kfar Saba, and Mrs. Rivkah Klein – Even Yehuda.

He is also survived by his siblings, including: Rabbi Yitzchok Chazan – Rome, Italy, Rabbi Shalom Yankel Chazan – Crown Heights, and Mrs. Rivkah Avtzon – Crown Heights.

Boruch dayan hoemes