Funeral services were held here today for Rabbi Abraham Shapira, the Rebbe of Drohobytch and popularly known as the Artist Rabbi, who died here Friday at the age of 77 after he was struck by a speeding automobile on Jerusalem’s main street. Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Nissim and leaders of the National Religious party were among those attending the services.
The last of the Drohobytch Chassidic dynasty, Rabbi Shapira took up painting some years ago and excelled in Jerusalem landscapes. His works were exhibited in New York several years ago. Except for some coaching on the use of colors by the late Hermann Struck, Rabbi Shapira’s mastery as an artist was self taught and considered of high professional standard. He assumed the mantle of the chassidic Rebbe at the death of his elder brother.
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