Rabbi Yechiel Michel Vishedsky, the patriarch of a large Chabad family, who lived in the US for 30 years before settling in Kfar Chabad and serving as mashpia there, passed away on the first day of Rosh Hashana at the age of 84.

He was born in Russia in 5701 to his father, the mashpia Rabbi Moshe Vishedsky.

In 5706, the family attempted to escape the Soviet Union through the organized border-smuggling operation known as “Yetzias Russia 5706,” but they missed the opportunity and instead settled in the city of Chernovitz.

In 5709, the Vishedsky family again attempted to leave Russia via Romania, as part of the “Chernovitz Exodus” together with several other families of Chassidim who were still trapped in Russia. The attempt failed, and as a result, his father was arrested and sentenced to ten years of exile in Kazakhstan.

Only more than ten years later did the family receive the Rebbe’s blessing to finally leave Russia. On Tes Kislev 5726, the Vishedsky family arrived in Eretz Yisroel and settled in Kfar Chabad.

In Eretz Yisroel, Reb Michel learned in Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim in Kfar Chabad. Afterwards, he traveled to study at the central Tomchei Temimim in 770.

In 5728, he married Mrs. Feiga Rochel, daughter of Rabbi Shimon Stilerman of Australia. After his wedding, he lived in the United States for business purposes for about thirty years. In 5746, he returned once again to Eretz Yisroel and made his home in Kfar Chabad.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Feiga Rochel Vishedsky, and their children: Rabbi Shneur Zalman Vishedsky – Crown Heights, Rabbi Pinchas Vishedsky – Crown Heights, Rabbi Zusi Vishedsky – Los Angeles, Rabbi Rafael Vishedsky – Crown Heights, Rabbi Betzalel Vishedsky – Crown Heights, Rabbi Shimon Vishedsky – Kfar Chabad, Mrs. Basya Deitsch – New Haven, Mrs. Chanie Zeiler – Nachlas Har Chabad, Mrs. Devorah Leah Sternberg – Crown Heights, Mrs. Vogel – London, Mrs. Rivky Wilhelm – Crown Heights, Mrs. Raizy Rubashkin – Crown Heights, and Mrs. Schneerson – Los Angeles.

He is also survived by his brother, Rabbi Bentzion Vishedsky, principal of the Oholei Torah Yiddish Cheder in Kfar Chabad, and his sister, Mrs. Sarah Zaklas of Nachlas Har Chabad.

He was predeceased by siblings: Rabbi Shlomo Vishedsky – Kfar Chabad, Rabbi Sholom Ber Vishedsky – Rosh Yeshiva of Hadar HaTorah, Crown Heights, and Mrs. Dvonia Gorodetsky – Nachlas Har Chabad.

His levaya will pass 770 on Friday at 1:30 PM, and continue to kevura near the Ohel at 2:30 PM.

Boruch dayan haemes.

Photos: JEM