26 Kislev · Yahrzeit
Rabbi Shaul Kassin
Rabbi Shaul ben Yaakov Kassin was born in Jerusalem in 1921 to Chief Rabbi Jacob Kassin and Mazal Kassin. As a young boy, he lived in Jerusalem among the greatest rabbis of his generation. At the age of 12, he emigrated with his family to America, where they settled in Bensonhurst, joining the Sephardic-Syrian community. Rabbi Kassin studied at various yeshivot.
In 1945, Rabbi Shaul Kassin married Frieda, and together they had eight children. While serving as a rabbi in the community, Rabbi Kassin taught at Magen David Yeshiva for over thirty years, instilling a love of Torah and Halacha in all his students. He also served as secretary of the Sephardic Beth Din, assisting his father in various matters.
For many years, Rabbi Kassin and his wife taught marriage classes and the laws of Nidda to brides and grooms throughout the community. He played an important role in the building of the very first mikveh in their community, and even helped the workers carry cement in order to complete it quickly so it could be used by the community. This was an example of his love and passion for our Torah and mitzvot. He is also the author of a book called "Light of the Law," which provides the community with guidance on Torah and mitzvot.
After the passing of Rabbi Jacob Kassin in 1994, Rabbi Shaul Kassin took on his father's leadership role and led the community for the rest of his life.
In 2018, after several months of illness, Rabbi Kassin passed away at the age of 97. Just a few weeks earlier, he had merited to take part in the wedding of his youngest grandchild, having been able to attend the weddings of all his grandchildren. His funeral took place in Brooklyn and was attended by thousands. Afterward, he was flown to Eretz Yisrael, where he was buried on Har HaMenuchot.
Rabbi Kassin devoted his life to the spiritual growth of our community, and he will always be remembered for his humility, compassion, and love for our entire community. He leaves behind a distinguished family that continues his legacy, faithfully teaching Torah, giving tzedakah, and constantly working toward the spiritual growth of society. May his memory be a blessing forever.