Reb Yechiel Yerachmiel Naparstek, an elder chossid who was among the original founders of Kfar Chabad and served for decades as the secretary of the Beis Rivka Seminary, passed away on Monday, Chol HaMoed Pesach, 19 Nisan.

He was 92.

Born on 12 Tammuz 5693 (1933) in Poland to Reb Reuven Dovber and Chaya Gittel Naparstek, his early years were marked by the upheaval of World War II. The family fled into Soviet Russia, where he learned Torah in the underground with profound mesiras nefesh. Tragically, his mother passed away from starvation during the severe wartime famine.

Following the war, utilizing their Polish citizenship, the family joined the famed “Great Escape” of Chabad chassidim fleeing the Soviet Union. He journeyed through the DP camps in Pocking, Germany, and then to Paris, learning in the local branches of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim along the way.

Upon arriving in Eretz Yisroel, he was among the first pioneers to settle and establish Kfar Chabad in 1949. He completed his yeshiva studies in the branches of Tomchei Temimim in Tel Aviv and Lod.

After marrying his wife, Leah Gittel, he built his home in Kfar Chabad. For decades, he served faithfully as the secretary of the legendary Beis Rivka Seminary in the village. He was deeply devoted to the Rebbe’s horaos and was active in the Rebbe’s mivtzoyim, particularly dedicating himself to Mivtza Tefillin with Chassidishe warmth and vigor until his final days.

He is survived by his wife, Leah Gittel, and their children: R’ Shmuel Yaakov Naparstek, R’ Shlomo Dovid Naparstek, R’ Yisroel Naparstek, R’ Yosef Yitzchak Naparstek, Mrs. Chaya Blau, Mrs. Chana Halperin, Mrs. Nechama Dina Naparstek, and Mrs. Devorah Weinberg.

He is also survived by his siblings: Rabbi Yechezkel Naparstek (Paris), Mrs. Henya Wineberg (Vancouver), and Mrs. Golda Golowinsky (Crown Heights).

He was predeceased by his brothers: R’ Moshe Naparstek a”h, and R’ Yisroel Aharon Naparstek a”h.

The levayah will take place today, Monday, leaving from his home at 19 Toras Shmuel Street in Kfar Chabad at 1:00 PM, and continuing from Shamgar Funeral Home in Jerusalem at 3:30 PM, followed by kevurah at the Chabad section of Har HaZeisim.

Shiva information will be announced.

Boruch dayan hoemes.