IN TRIBUTE: Reb Yaakov Grunfeld, z”l, Legendary and Beloved Cameraman

YS GOLD 

On Chol Hamoed, Boro Park lost a cherished and familiar face, Reb Yankel (Yaakov) Grunfeld, a beloved figure, especially in the Bobov-45 kehilla.

He hailed from Baltimore, but was drawn to Boro Park—specifically the court of the Divrei Shloime of Bobov of which he became part of the fabric. 

He would work in the Bobover matzoh bakery, and he was present at seemingly every tish and public event in the chassidus—but his camera is what stood out. It was always with him. Over the years, he captured thousands of moments in the Bobov-45 chassidus which he joined and became an integral part of for many years.

At every wedding and tish, there was Reb Yaakov—clad in the beaver hat which he later donned—snapping and clicking. 

He became beloved by young and old—in part on account of his humor… he was always sharing jokes and positive vibes. 

Throughout the years, he rarely missed a tefillah in Bobov-45–and with his passing, his takes along with him his sad smile and his relative silence, and leaving behind a circle of friends and admirers. 

The levaya took place on Sunday evening, second day Chol Hamoed, at the Bobov-45 Beis Medrash where Reb Yaakov was given a respectable kovod acharon.

Yehi zichro baruch.