Rabbi Yehoshua Binyomin (Josh) Gordon, 66, Chabad representative of Encinco, California since 1973, passed away on Monday, 29 Shevat 5776, after battling an illness.
Rabbi Gordon and his wife Deborah were among the Rebbe’s early representatives to the state of California. Under his leadership, Jewish life in the San Fernando Valley would blossom. From his headquarters in Tarzana, Rabbi Gordon oversaw the establishment of 26 Chabad centers, mikvahs, Hebrew schools, summer camps, adult education, and a host of social and religious programs serving the region.
With sensitivity and concern for the individual, Rabbi Gordon fostered a spirit of unity and camaraderie among the Chabad representatives leading the Valley’s Jewish communities. He became widely known and much regarded for the daily online classes he led on Chumash with Rashi, the book of Tanya and Maimonides’s Mishneh Torah.
“Rabbi Gordon’s success guiding the many Chabad representatives and centers under his aegis, made him a role model to many shluchim,” said Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, in a statement this morning. “His many accomplishments, and the inspiration he brought to so many individuals and families through his classes and his leadership, make this a very sad day. His premature passing will leave a huge void.”
Son of the late Rabbi Sholom Ber Gordon, a Chasidic personality and representative in New Jersey, Gordon descended from an illustrious Chasidic family.
He is survived by his wife Rebbetzin Deborah Gordon, and their children, Rabbi Yossi Gordon – Woodland Hills, CA, Yochanon Gordon – Tarzana, CA, Faygie Herzog – Encino, CA, Rabbi Eli Gordon – Encino, CA, Dena Rabin – West Hills, CA and Chaya Mushka Drizin – Los Angeles, CA; and grandchildren.
He is also survived by his siblings Mrs. Yocheved Baitelman – Brooklyn, NY; Mrs. Chanie Friedman – St. Paul, Minnesota; Mrs. Bluma Rivkin – New Orleans, Louisiana; Rabbi Yossi Gordon – Melbourne, Australia; Rabbi Mendel Gordon – London, England; Mrs. Frumie Posner – Birmingham, Alabama.
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Margarita
I didn’t know Rabbi Yeoshua Benyomin Gordon passed away in 2016. So, today, I am as sad as if I had once met him, and as if he had passed today. Such is the nature of great people. I watch his videos everyday, and he is a daily part of my life. Thank you thank you thank you
Scott Riley
It is the same for me Margarita. I just found out today of his passing. I also so enjoy daily Torah study through his work and will continue to do so.
Charles
I just found out myself feeling Sad bless his family Father
Rachmiel Cohen
I do not know where I would be today without the efforts of our beloved Tzaddik Reb Gordon Ztl.. Every day for 4 years now B”H I study his Chumash audios and videos and it embues me with a spirit to perform Mitzvahs with Alacrity , and have shared this with others who are moved by his humor and devotion to Avodat H’Shem.
BS
I’m a Chinese in Singapore just started listening to his chumash teaching and inspired to study the torah. Baruch Hashem for Rabbi Gordon