As he cared for his ill wife during the midst of the coronavirus pandemic in Israel, Rabbi Yosef Chaim Berkowitz was intent on being careful, but nevertheless contracted COVID-19 and passed away on April 8, the first night of Passover.

He was a beloved and well-known figure in the Viznitz Chassidic community.

As a young man, he became close with Rabbi Chaim Meir Hager, the fourth rebbe of Viznitz—known as the “Imrei Chaim”—and served as his personal attendant. After Rabbi Hager’s passing, Berkowitz maintained warm relationships with the rebbes of the day.

A proud family man, he was a familiar face at community events and in the synagogue, where he was known as a cantor with a powerful voice.

Mourners also recall his friendly, cheerful demeanor.

A kosher supervisor by profession, he was known for his meticulous attention to detail throughout his more than 40 years in the industry—a job he performed with diligence.

He is survived by extended family.

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