Moshe Drazin

Rabbi Moshe Drazin (known in America as Rabbi Morris Drazin, 5673-13 Elul 5764) was a mashpia, community rabbi in Rhode Island, shochet, sofer, mashgiach, baal tefillah and baal koreh. In his youth, he merited to serve the Frierdiker Rebbe (Admu"r HaRayatz).

Life History

He was born in 5673 (1913) in Lutishe, a settlement near Donitevitz, Poland, to his father Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Drazin, who served as a shochet and bodek, and to his mother Mrs. Sarah Minye.

In 5688 (1928), he began studying at Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Vilna, where he learned until 5692 (1932), when he transferred to Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Warsaw and Tomchei Tmimim Otwock for an additional year.

In his youth, he merited to serve the Frierdiker Rebbe (Admu"r HaRayatz) for a period of time.

After his marriage to his wife Mrs. Bushie, daughter of Rabbi Shabtai Alporin and Mrs. Shule Shulamit, he settled in 5706 (1946) in Providence, the capital city of Rhode Island in the United States. There he began serving as a shochet and bodek, and as a chazan and baal tefillah in the synagogue 'Tiferes Yisroel - Anash Kovna'. He also served as a spiritual leader in the community and gave regular shiurim in Chumash, Mishnayos, and Ein Yaakov.

Later, he moved to serve as the rabbi of the 'Bnei Yaakov' community in the city, and over the years, he was mekarev many young people to Yiddishkeit.

Among his other activities, he also served as a shadar (fundraising emissary) for the benefit of the Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva Center, and would send sums of money to the Rashag.

Throughout his years, he maintained his chassidic appearance without being affected by the prevailing winds. When Rabbi Yehoshua Laufer came to Rhode Island as the Rebbe's shliach, he assisted him with all his ability and maintained a friendly relationship with him, participating in his activities and honoring him with his presence at gatherings and similar events that he organized.

Later, around 5749 (1989), he moved to Los Angeles to be near his son. There he passed away at the age of 91, on the 13th of Elul 5764 (2004).

He was buried in the Montefiore Cemetery in the Queens borough of New York.

Family

• His son, R' Shabtai Drazin

Further Reading

• A note with his biography that he attached to his card in the Book of Chassidim
• Some of his memories, in the book 'Toldos R' Avraham HaRofeh' chapter four, page 39