BDE: Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Far Rockaway, R’ Yechiel Yitzchok Perr ZT”L (Updated)

With deep pain and sorrow, we announce the Petirah of the Rosh Yeshiva of Far Rockaway, R’ Yechiel Yitzchok Perr ZT”L. He was 89.

The Rosh Yeshiva was the founder and long-time Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Derech Ayson (Yeshiva of Far Rockaway/ “YFR”) in Far Rockaway, alongside the prized Menahel, R’ Aaron Brafman ZT”L.

R’ Perr grew up in South Ozone Park, Queens, where his father, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Perr served as Rav or over 50 years. He attended high school at Mesivta Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin. After completing high school, he studied at Yeshiva of Philadelphia and then at Lakewood Yeshiva from 1954 to 1962.

He married Rebetzin Shoshana Nekritz, daughter of Rav Yehuda Leib Nekritz, granddaughter of Rav Avraham Yaffen, and great-granddaughter Novardok, Rabbi Yosef Yozel Horwitz. After his marriage, he came into contact with the Novardok tradition. He went on to study at Yeshivat Beis Yosef-Novardok in Brooklyn, New York.

In 1969, he established Yeshiva of Far Rockaway and quickly became a precious gem of the 5 Towns & Far Rockaway communities for decades. Former Talmidim and residents seek his guidance, intelligence, and warmth from all corners of the globe.

The levayah will take place tomorrow, Sunday, May 5th at 11 am at the Yeshiva, 802 Hicksville Road, Far Rockaway, NY. Levaya livestream can be viewed by clicking here.

Kevurah will be at Har HaMenuchos- details to be announced. Shivah details will be forthcoming.

We urge all attendees to walk to the levayah, if possible.

Yihi Zichro Baruch. Ubala Hamavas Lanatzach.

I am saddened to hear about the passing of Rabbi Yechiel Perr – the founding Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva of Far Rockaway.

He inspired thousands with his teachings and through decades of steady leadership. The Far Rockaway Jewish community will be in my prayers. May his memory be for…

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) May 5, 2024