Rabbi Kehos Weiss, A'h

Rabbi Kehos Weiss was born on Shavuos 5693 (1933) in Pittsburgh. His parents were distinguished members of the religious community of Pittsburgh in those days. When Yeshiva Achei Tmimim opened in Pittsburgh, Rabbi Weiss was one of the first talmidim registered at the yeshiva. In 5705 (1945), at twelve years of age, he saw the Rebbe Rayatz for the first time, and he stayed in Crown Heights to learn in Tomchei Tmimim in Brooklyn.

He married Miriam, the daughter of R’ Moshe Dubinsky, a’h, in 5715 (1955), a shidduch arranged by the Rebbe shlita!

In 5716, Camp Gan Yisroel opened for the first time, with Rabbi Weiss as the director in its early years. He had the merit of accompanying the Rebbe on his visit to the camp, and can be seen at the Rebbe’s side in the pictures. In 5722, the Rebbe sent him to Pittsburgh to run Achei Tmimim, which was headed by R’ Shalom Posner, a’h.

In 5725, he was hurt in a terrible car accident and was unconscious for weeks. The Rebbe took a great interest in his well being, and instructed that a “Mi sh’Beirach” be said for him in his minyan. The Rebbe also said they should put tefillin on him in his unconscious state. R’ Kehos finally recovered, thanks to the Rebbe’s brachos.

When he went for a yechidus on Chai Elul, the Rebbe told him that since he had missed out on learning Meseches Sota that year as is customary during S’fira, he should make up for it now along with an additional commentary.

In addition to his being menahel of the yeshiva, he also gave shiurim to baalei battim. He eventually became rav of a shul in Pittsburgh, and worked in kashrus supervision of various stores and products.

Despite his final illness, he continued his work with devotion. He passed away on 22 Adar, mourned as one of the prime supporters of the Jewish community of Pittsburgh. R’ Weiss is survived by his wife and children.