BDE: Passing of Haga’on Rav Feivel Cohen, Torah World Plunged into Mourning
By: Yehuda Alter
The shocking news comes out of Lakewood that one of America’s preeminent poskim abruptly left the world this morning at the age of 85. Rav Feivel Cohen served as the rov of Khal Tomchei Torah on Ocean Avenue in Flatbush for decades and is one of America’s most revered poskim.
Rav Feivel, zt”l, was a talmid of Yeshivas Rabbeinu Chaim Berlin and a beloved student of Rav Yitzchok Hutner, zt”l. He was recognized even in his youth for his brilliance and his hasmodoh. Throughout the decades, Rav Cohen maintained his kesher with the yeshiva and was respected by the entire community.
He is perhaps most known for his chibur, Badei Hashulchan on Yoreh De’ah, a sefer is modeled on the Mishna Berurah. It has been studied in the world of halacha and p’sak ever since it came out more than thirty years ago.
A number of years ago, Rav Feivel retired from his rabbonus and settled in Lakewood, where he dedicated himself fully to Torah learning without any disturbances. That tranquility was brought to a halt this morning.
Hatzolah was called to his home in Pine River Village on Sunday morning after he suddenly stopped breathing. He was niftar a short time later. The Levaya will take place at 2:00 p.m. today at Beis Medrash Govoah in Lakewood, followed by a 5:00 p.m. Levaya in Flatbush, at the shul he had led for decades. There will be no hespedim, as per the directives of his tzavaah.
The aron will then be flown to Eretz Yisroel for kevurah.
Yehi zichro baruch.