BDE: Reb Shmuel Eliezer Paneth, z"l, Prominent Philanthropist
YS Gold
We regret to inform you of the passing of Reb Shmuel Eliezer Paneth, a Holocaust survivor, generous philanthropist, and longtime Boro Park resident. He was 99 years of age.
The niftar was born in prewar Hungary, in Niredhaz, which is not too far from Kalov. As a child he would make his way to Kalov on the yohrtzeit of Rav Aizik’l of Kalov, and there he merited to see many of the tzaddikim such as the Ahavas Yisroel of Viznitz, the Chakal Yitzhok of Spinka, and many others.
He came to America following the war, and established himself in business. But his heart remained in Torah. He was a great talmid chochom, and delivered shiurim for many years.
He was a tremendous philanthropist—giving handily to countless mosdos and individuals around the world. A neighbor of the Spinka Beis Medrash, he had a special place in his heart for Spinka, and was a major supporter of the shul and the mosdos. Every single night he would sit in the Spinka Beis Medrash and write checks to everyone who came to him.
Despite the many challenges he had in life, Reb Shmuel Eliezer always remained upbeat and optimistic, having a smile for everyone.
For the last number of years, he was the most senior mispalel in Spinka, and was accorded a place of honor in the Rebbe’s court.
The passing of R’ Shmuel Eliezer is a blow to all those who knew him and benefited from his largesse over so many years.
The Levaya will take place in Shomrei Hadas at 2:00 this afternoon, and the niftar will be taken to Eretz Yisrael for Kevurah on motzei Shabbos.
Yehi zichro baruch.