Rabbi Frank, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, Dead; Was 76

Impressive funeral services, in which religious leaders of both the Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities participated, as well as leaders of the Government, members of the Cabinet, and other leading Israeli personalities, were held here today for the late Rabbi Zvi Pessah Frank, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, who died yesterday at the age of 76.

Rabbi Frank was born in Lithuania. He arrived in Palestine when he was 16, coming here with his father, the late Yehuda Leib Frank, one of the founders of Hadera. A leading rabbinic figure in this country all his adult life, Rabbi Frank has headed the Jerusalem Rabbinical Court since 1936.

The Israeli Cabinet, which usually meets on Sundays, recessed its weekly session early today, to permit members of the Cabinet to attend the funeral. Many thousands walked behind the bier carrying the remains of the rabbi through the streets of this city, as soldiers aided police in directing traffic and keeping the crowds flowing on the way to the cemetery.

Eulogies were delivered by Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Nissim, Tel Aviv Chief Rabbi Issar Unterman, and Chief Rabbi Reuvan Katz, of Petah Tikvah. Official eulogies were published on behalf of the Israel Chief Rabbinate, the City of Jerusalem, Poale Agudat Israel, and the Council of Sephardic Communities.

The rabbinical courts were closed for the day in mourning for Rabbi Frank’s passing, and Yeshivahs from all over Israel sent delegations of mourners here to participate in the funeral services.