By COLlive reporter
Rabbi Yehoshua Binyomin Gordon, the Head Shliach who oversaw the growth of Chabad of the Valley in California and a teacher to many, passed away on Monday, 29 Shevat 5776.
He was 66 and suffered from an illness.
Rabbi Gordon and his wife Deborah Gordon arrived as Shluchim of the Rebbe in Encino in 1973 as one of the first Shluchim operating in the State of California under the auspices of Head Shliach Rabbi Shlomo Cunin.
Following much legwork and personal encounters, their small operation has become known as Chabad of the Valley, leading to the establishment of over 26 Chabad centers in the urbanized San Fernando Valley located in Los Angeles County.
With its headquarters in Tarzana, Rabbi Gordon built a sprawling network of synagogues, Mikvahs, adult education classes, holiday programs, Hebrew schools, summer camps and other youth and educational activities.
For his success in community building and dedication to the Rebbe, Rabbi Gordon has become a role model for many Shluchim over the years. His colorful ties were only an exterior to his relentless energy, sharp mind and honest approach.
Beyond California, Rabbi Gordon was known as a master teacher who engaged tens of thousands of people in his daily online classes given on Chumash with Rashi, the book of Tanya and the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah.
His precise explanations and lucid delivery have brought the joy of Torah study to students around the world. In a unique delivery style, Rabbi Gordon drew upon a great reservoir of personal experiences, Chassidic tales and anecdotes to make his classes come alive.
“I’m grateful for Rabbi Gordon’s kind, loving patience that shines through his elucidations of the most abstract concepts and humble humor that helps give over the content,” said Zevulun Brewer, a rice farmer in Thailand who tuned in daily.
These popular classes aired on Chabad.org, have led the Judaism website to develop a mobile app to provide a seamless learning experience with Rabbi Gordon’s daily videos in one place for easy viewing.
Many of the gems Rabbi Gordon would share have been personally heard from members of his illustrious family, among them his father, the Shliach Rabbi Sholom Ber Gordon and his grandparents, the known chassidim, Rabbi Yochanan Gordon and Rabbi Eliyahu Simpson, the secretary of the Frierdiker Rebbe.
Rabbi Gordon said that he was motivated to teach by the example his late father has set by teaching in his synagogue in New Jersey every day for nearly 60 years. “I guess you can say it’s in my DNA,” he commented in an interview.
“Imagine if the Internet would have been accessible then as it is now; the world would have been able to study with him,” he added. “There are many scholars more learned than myself, but I’ve been given the gift of clarity, the ability to make things simple and understandable.”
Asked once how he found time to teach on a daily basis, Rabbi Gordon said: “This is the greatest therapeutic gift there can be. At all other times, my mind is always wandering as I think about the pressing issues of the day. When I’m preparing—and especially, when I am teaching—a class and I know that it will be recorded and I need to get it right, I’m able to push myself to focus 100 percent. If anything, this is my most relaxing moment of the day.”
Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, Chairman of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch, the educational arm of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, said in a statement: “His many accomplishments, and the inspiration he brought to so many individuals and families through his classes and his leadership, make this a very sad day. His premature passing will leave a huge void.”
He is survived by his wife Rebbetzin Deborah Gordon, and their children, Rabbi Yossi Gordon – Woodland Hills, CA, Yochanon Gordon – Tarzana, CA, Faygie Herzog – Encino, CA, Rabbi Eli Gordon – Encino, CA, Dena Rabin – West Hills, CA and Chaya Mushka Drizin – Los Angeles, CA; and grandchildren.
He is also survived by his siblings Mrs. Yocheved Baitelman – Brooklyn, NY; Mrs. Chanie Friedman – St. Paul, Minnesota; Mrs. Bluma Rivkin – New Orleans, Louisiana; Rabbi Yossi Gordon – Melbourne, Australia; Rabbi Mendel Gordon – London, England; Mrs. Frumie Posner – Birmingham, Alabama..
The Levaya will take place today, Monday, Shvat 29, at 1:30pm at Chabad of Encino, 4915 Hayvenhurst Ave, Encino, CA 91436. The Kevurah will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery, 7231 E Slauson Ave, Commerce, CA 90040.
Baruch Dayan Haemes.
READ MORE:
+ “Thank You for Your Condolences”
+ This Rabbi Has His Own App
+ Valley Kinus Hosts 36 Shluchim
+ Rabbi Gordon on Positive Thinking
I feel Rabbi raised me. He taught me what it takes to be an authentic child of God. I love him as if he were my very own father. I am so thankful that his teachings are recorded and still available. For me he will live forever. To his family, thank you for sharing this wonderful man with the world.
I am not sure where to begin.He is my teacher and we never meet. I always wanted to thank him for his great effort of doing all this videos so we can do Jitas!!!! I feel sorrow for this great loss!!!! an extraordinary man!!! BDE
A kind and true friend to my mom and me,will be missed,his family always so kind to us,so appreciatime to have known him
I was extremely honored to be taught by Rabbi Gordons Father at the Lubavitcher Yeshiva in Newark N.J. and met Rabbi Josh Gordon approximately 9 years ago when our Daughter moved nearby. When I forst came to the shul on a shabbos morning ,He asked me what brought me here. “I said Your Fathers Neshama”. I come here whenever I’m in town and learned with him on Encino.live.com. I now have him daily on my phone on Podcast.. He has been an inspiration to us all. Boruch Dyan Emes
the world wont be the same
In response to Chana, emails can be sent to [email protected] for the family
Rabbi Josh was a dear friend. Knowing i’m a trumpet player he made sure, despite his busy schedule, to set aside an hour a week to teach me halacha of shofar. I’ll never forget, shortly after relocating the family to Encino, coming directly over to shul after the Northridge earthquake to see if anyone needed help. And as a physician learning Rambam with Reb Josh and sons. He was a genuine Rabbi and human being. I was shocked to learn of his passing. BDE. May you all be comforted with the mourners of Tzion & Yerushalayim, and may his Neshama… Read more »
I remember when I told Rabbi Gordon that my mother and my father passed away, Rabbi Gordon would say these words to me……
“I am sorry!” ” They passed away too young!”
Well Rabbi Gordon, you passed away too young, too young!! We still need you here!
To all of his family throughout the world-Thank G-d our Rabbi Gordon is no longer suffering!
I just want to say thanks for all your teachings -fp
Baruch Dayan Emes! I am shocked and saddened at the news of Rabbi Gordon’s passing… Hamakom Yenachem Eschem Bsoch she-ar aveilei Tziyon vi’Yerushalayim. (May Hashem comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Yerushalayim) A small consolation, is feeling quite sure he is embraced by his beloved parents and loved ones in Gan Eden, and is no doubt HASTENING the IMMINENT ARRIVAL of the GEULAH with Moshiach Tzedkeinu, so we may be re-united with ALL OUR LOVED ONES in the in the Beis Hamikdosh Shlishi IMMEDIATELY, MAMMOSH!!!
Krana Nebenzahl and Family
Rabbi Gordon was a role model of a devoted Chosid and Shliach.
והקיצו ורננו שוכני עפר” והוא בתוכם”
בגאולה האמיתית והשלימה תיכף ומיד ממש
His words are eternal,
Indebtedly,
Alto,Michigan
all ways a good word to say a real mentch
Rabbi Gordon I am shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Rabbi Joshua Gordon of Chabad of Encino at the way too young age of 66. I first encountered Rabbi Gordon in 1973 when my Father, the late Lewis H. Small, was searching for a more Orthodox way of Judaic worship upon our return from having lived in Israel for part of 1972. Shortly thereafter, my Dad found Rabbi Gordon’s nascent place of worship, Chabad House of Encino, which was truly only a house. The Chabad House was located one block away from my parent’s house. Rabbi Gordon… Read more »
You will be missed…
Rabbi Gordon, you were a tremendous Chosid, Ohev Yisroel and a super star Schliach of the Lubavitcher Rebbe , it is in the Zchus of Ba’aley Chesed of your type that we’ll merit to see Moschiach Tzidkenu, bekarov mamash, and at that time you will be among the living again, may this happen right now.
very sad news some good memories from montreal nearly50years ago. to mendel and the whole mishpocha,hamokom yenachem eschem besoch shaar avaiai zteon veyrusholiem
chaim and mirjam hyams.
I am not sure where to begin.He is my teacher and we never meet. I always wanted to thank him for his great effort of doing all this videos so we can do Jitas!!!! I feel sorrow for this great loss!!!! an extraordinary man!!! BDE
All us Shluchim are heartbroken. Reb Yehoshua you are the picture we all strive to be, that we wish to be — the ultimate כל בו. Whether your caliber of חי”ל, your תמצית, your חיות, your overflowing talents and wisdom, your camaraderie and of course your unparalleled wise humor. Most of all we will miss the loss of your availability and true compassion, -everyone of us knew that if they called you they would have your ear and your time. I say this as a Shliach who never actually called you (we are of a different age bracket) yet I… Read more »
does anybody know the family’s email address to write to. I have some encouraging storIes
it give over. anyone? Thanks, Chana
I was once working in a fancy hotel. He was once of the guest lecturers. I once asked him if I can meet with him, to discuss my future. He said, “sure”. In the back of my head, I didn’t think he was serious. So I forgot that he set up a time to meet.
Later that day, he came to me and asked, “I was waiting for you”…..
So impressed by his care for total schlepper hotel worker.
The loss is huge!!! May Hashem comfort the esteemed family with the coming of moshiach now.
Baruch Dayan Emes! I am shocked and saddened at the news of Rabbi Gordon’s passing… Hamakom Yenachem Eschem Bsoch she-ar aveilei Tziyon vi’Yerushalayim. (May Hashem comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Yerushalayim) A small consolation, is feeling quite sure he is embraced by his beloved parents and loved ones in Gan Eden, and is no doubt HASTENING the IMMINENT ARRIVAL of the GEULAH with Moshiach Tzedkeinu, so we may be re-united with ALL OUR LOVED ONES in the in the Beis Hamikdosh Shlishi IMMEDIATELY, MAMMOSH!!!
Krana Nebenzahl and Family
I listened to his classes a few times and they impacted me deeply. I downloaded the Rabbi Gordon app and hope to listen to them even more… Baruch dayan haemes.
Very sad
that literally half the videos are of rabbi gordon. vehachai yiten el libo, i’ll start looking at them
I never met Rabbi Gordon, and yet today I felt so tremendously sad. But I imagine that as a shaliach of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Gordon wouldn’t want his passing to cause depression ch”v, but rather a growth spurt in learning torah and disseminating the teachings of chassidus. I feel so inspired to keep up with chitas and rambam. What a true mentch and lover of yidden. I’m certain that he’s farbrenging with the Rebbe and all of the other chasidim just waiting to come back down with Moshiach. It should happen mamash NOW!
… No words!!! A Rabbi who inspired me daily…
To the family… May Hashem comfort you as only He can
To all of us… May we all be comforted!!!
I am a Shliach, had major debts… went to Ohel, as I left the Ohel called my Mashpia for guidance and he told me not to start my day without Chitas and Ramabam, tried it for few weeks but did not followthru. Few months later the debts were a major pressure in my life again went to Ohel, again my Mashpia told me not to start the day without Chitas and Rambam, this time I did it with Rabbi Gordon, thanks to the app jewishtv , start before the kids got up, continued in the car and then in the… Read more »
Just from the comments alone, I feel so much sadness. I never knew much about him, but tonight I listened to his Tanya shiur, and I plan to continue bezH. Moshiach now!!!!!!!
Such a tragic loss for us all
BDE
When my husband told me, I was in shock. everyday we learned together (on line) with Rabbi Gordon. He was an inspiration and a teacher for us from here in Efrat.
The way Rabbi Gordon treated the Shluchim in the Valley was simply amazing. I remember visiting the Valley and saw and heard firsthand his dedication and care for the Shluchim. And the Valley Shluchim are all proud to be under the auspicious of Rabbi Gordons Chabad of the Valley. BDE.
Besides all these 100’s of people who wrote in about his Shiurim online, which in itself is unbelievable! and how his lessons have done for them all, I just want to add that when the Sem was open in LA by Mrs Hadassa Spalter, 2 years ago,the students, my daughter amongst them were privileged and honoured to have him as their teacher, ‘in the flesh’! And what a teacher he was to these girls! They could not get enough of his classes! His influential lessons will be with them for life, and the impact his classes left on these girls… Read more »
I remember you from 40 yrs ago in camp……..
I also was lucky enuf to have Josh’s father as my teacher in Sem……..
In the zchus of all Josh’s teachings & Maasim Tovim may he be the MAN that will finally get us out of this GOLUS!!!
hamokom Yenachem eschem…………….MOSHIACH THIS SECOND!! This Rosh Choidesh!!!
We will forever miss our friend Yehoshua Binyamin – a man who truly inspired us as our mashpia, as our friend, as our mentor. Josh, there is not a dry eye amongst your friends. We all truly miss you and wish your family to one day overcome the grief, sorrow and pain of your absence.
NZG
Every day I would listen to your Rambam Shuir You made the learning exciting , always with Humor as the Great Tanonim of old , your Anecdotes of your Dear Father and your Childhood memories injected a very special dimension of Chinuch ,lesson in Kibod Av and Yiras Shomayin every day You will continue to teach us EVERY day , You will continue to inspire us EVERY day , Very soon you will teach us in person in the Beis HaMikdosh HaSlishi To the whole Family , Chabad of The Valley and Chabad Family World Wide a heavy loss of… Read more »
What a loss
B’DE
Yom Kippur Katan. Devastated!!!!!!! No words!!!! Pure Grief! Can’t imagine what his family (we are also all part of his spiritual family) are going through!!!!! WHY HASHEM???
Just one anecdote comes to mind.
Years ago, I worked on a booklet that had me calling shluchim and asking them for practical tips on Ahavas Yisroel.
One shliach I spoke to was Rabbi Gordon.
He had many things to say, but I only remember one: “We are in the business of being nice people.”
Yehoshua brought the yidden into Eretz yisroel ,and rabbi Gordon brought thousands into the holy land of Torah learning,through his hartzikeh shiurim
Every yid shared the chelekof shevet binyomin because the mikdash was here .every yid could identify with the rabbi
I learned with him my first Rashi’s. Baruch Dayan HaEmet.
I didn’t interact much with Rabbi Gordon. But from the meeting I remember and speeches he had given I was always inspired.
What a loss.
May his neshama be lifted to the highest places in shamayim.
The world has lost an amazing man. I listen to him every morning and he made you feel as though you were sitting there in the class.
I will keep listening to him and hope these posts bring some comfort to his family.
This news is had to swallow. Although I did not know Rabbi Gordon personally I came to know him through his amazing classes. Totally and utterly shocked by this news. Why Hashem, why? How much more pain and suffering must we endure in order for Moshiach to come? The only comfort I can think of is what Rabbi Akivah told his colleagues when they saw a fox crawling through the Kodesh Hakodoshim, if this is the pain… imagine the forthcoming joy!
Please rabbi Gordon storm the heavens! Moshiach nowß
Love doing chitas with Rabbi Gordon. The only way I can understand anything what’s written inside. Love the humor. Was a pleasure to see him farbreng in crown heights and hear him read a letter from the Rebbe that was not delivered until many years it was written to him.
Rabbi Gordons father was a teacher of mine in Bas Rivkah Seminary some 40 years ago , and his chassidic stories and teachings had a tremendous impact me as a young girl , and when his son started teaching on the internet it brought alive his fathers teachings again for me , now as a bubby, so similar ,so down to earth ,with warmth, humor and a true empathy for all living things as if to say two bodies in one neshma. Their authenticity when teaching was so refreshing and special to me .. as I think back how so… Read more »
I learned Chumash with Rabbi Gordon this morning. Then I heard the terrible news. And tomorrow morning I will learn with him again iyH.
over a hundred people responded so far and it’s all about Rabbi Gordon’s classes and teachings. Who could ever know the impact a class or a gut vort can have on multitudes of people, Jew and non-Jew alike.
Rabbi Gordon’s legacy is worldwide and does not even take into account the accomplishments as a shliachj par excellence and his transformation of the valley into a makom torah.
BDE
When I did a project on Tanya, whenever I didn’t understand it or looked for extra clarification I listened to Rabbi Gordon’s videos. BDE, thank you Rabbi Gordon.
To the Gordons – Hamokom Yenachem Eschem Besoch Shaarei Tzion Uveryerushalayim
its amazing how so many people feel the same , basicly every one is saying the same thing . just different wording . that says a lot . that we all feel the same as one voice one family . our dad our teacher josh obm
My husband and I are balei tshuva and when I heard that he passed I actually began to cry. We have learned so much from his videos on jewish.tv and I feel terribly that we never got to thank him. We are so grateful for his immense Torah knowledge and his clear teaching style. He has brought so much Torah into our home and into our life. Our sincerest condolences and wishes for comfort in your time of healing. Baruch dayan emes.
bd”e
We are Christians but have tuned in to rabbi gordons chumash lessons every day and have learned much from him. A great rabbi and very much a part of our home!
We send our deepest condolences to all rabbi gordons loved ones and our warmest regards to chabad for their teachings particularly rabbi gordon. A blessed memory
I have been listening to Rabbi Gordon for years to his Chumash and Tanya classes. But I never got to REALLY listen until someone coerced me into giving Tanya lessons to a group. I use his classes as a base for my classes and the people love it. I cannot even take credit because the explanations, clarity and humor are what I gained from Rabbi Gordon. He is such an inspiration. It is with things like this that Rabbi Gordon will continue to live in hearts and minds. May we merit to be with him together soon with the coming… Read more »
Great teacher, R. Gordon ,I loved his shiurim, Chumash , Parsha of the week, Tanya, the way he teached with humor , sad to loose such a Teacher, a real shaliach of the Rebbe. We need Moshiach now . May Hashem comfort his Familly
I lived in Encino in 199-2001, not quite frum then, but getting there. I was amazed how he worked his crowd on Shabbos, his speeches; he was the first (and still most) successful chabad rabbi (in terms of a gashmius accomplishment and ruchnius) I feel I have met. I also got to go to his Shabbos table often, he was good to me – and I even witnessed him somewhat express some gevurah, but in a good way.
I never knew him but I being crying for hours we listen to him every day together in the way to school and back from Winnipeg Manitoba Rabbi Gordon Good Morning and good bye…z”l
Rabbi Gordon teaches me so much through his online classes. I am in shock. Bde.
BDE. back in the 1980s I attended his Chumash and Rashi shiur after daily morning minyan. There were only a handful of attendees; as if his great teaching wasn’t enough, we had permission to raid the shul refrigerator and have leftover pan cake from the previous Shabbos.
I am a shliach in CA and there is a special Jew that lives near me in the middle of nowhere that used to be frum and live in Rabbi Gordon’s community. This Yid was a huge supporter of Chabad and many of the LA projects through the 1980s (he even has a letter in his office from President Reagan praising him for his generosity). This Yid became unobservant over the last 15 years and I am the only rabbi near him (we just moved out on shlichus 2 years ago to the area where he lives). This Shabbos (Friday… Read more »
Many shluchim have turned to him for advice on how to deal with boss and employees shluchim issues. He was always very helpful as he also led by example. What an amazing boss! Terrible loss!
To the Gordon family
From the Shul where he grew up, Cong. Ahavath Zion in Maplewood NJ, we were so saddened to hear the news of his passing. He has left a tremendous Torah legacy for so many, and so many more who will continue to benefit from his teachings. He will be sorely missed and may Hashem comfort you all.
Hamakom Yenachem Eschem Bsoch she-ar aveilei tziyon virushalayim.
Rabbi Yeheskel and Pearl Lebovic and Cong. Ahavath Zion Maplewood NJ
His shiurim can be found on Chabad.org
Click Learning & Values
then click Daily Studies
A recording of a talk he gave got me through some of my darkest moments. I don’t know how I would have coped without it. Thank you Rabbi. We love you and miss you.
He will be greatly missed
I was a counselor in Encino in the early days, in 1976 and 1977. I have the fondest memories of those summers. I too, as so many others have written, listened to his tanya shiurim which made it so palatable. His anecdotes were so inspiring and humorous. I guess I’m feeling the same as most of the people who posted previously. This is a major loss to Chabad and the world at large. Hamokom yenachem eschem btoch shaar aveilei tzion v’yerushalayim.
Libby wolf
A great man and a ibergegeben Shliach. His Tanya Shiurim where an inspiration to me. I have since started learning Tanya daily.
what is the app that has his shiurim?
No words.
Moshiach Now
Such a tragic loss. Rabbi Gordon, a great, loving and compassionate chassidisher yid. A real dugma Chaya to all. Such a love for life and every single Yid no matter who. He did so much for so many people and was kind to everyone who met him. Warm wishes of comfort and nechama for your tragic loss. I hope hashem will give you the strength to carry on and continue accomplishing all that your father wanted accomplished. knowing your father, I have no doubt he will be always looking out for each and everyone of you from above. He will… Read more »
BDE
My heart is broken from hearing the news of the passing of Rabbi Josh Gordon. He was always available for me in a time of need and I will never forget him. The reality of this loss has not yet settled with me even though I have been aware of his illness. I am looking forward to seeing his sweet smile very soon again with the coming of Moshiach!!
Like so many others have written, Rabbi Gordon was part of our household every evening; His voice would fill our room, we’d listen and learn, , , , and laugh! He inspired us beyond all imagination, as has been mentioned over and over again amongst these comments How many of us have suffered such a great loss with his passing, how many of us are going to be lost without him , once again Hashem has taken the best, the creme de al creme May he be the one one who will finally beseech Hashem for the true and ultimate… Read more »
I personally benefited from his wise counsel and members of our Chabad House 3000 miles away really enjoyed his Chumash Rashi lessons.
Rabbi Gordon we will miss u so much. such a special nechama Thank you for all your teachings. we need mashiah now!!
So sad and upset to hear about the passing of Rabbi Gordon. Why Hashem? Rabbi Gordon was such an inspiration and a real dugma chayo of a chosid,lamden and yerei shamayim. Most humble and Emesdik person. May Hashem comfort us all and send Moshiach Now!!
BDE
A recording of a talk he gave got me through some of my darkest moments. I don’t know how I would have coped without it. Thank you Rabbi. We love you and miss you.
He was a fabulous Rabbi, teacher, leader and wonderful person to me.
Bde. I am heartbroken! My daily teacher, my learning partner! Your teaching and your personal humor, devotion and light will live on . May you be our guide now to bring on Moschiach. May your memory be for a blessing. Ad mosai!.
Im listening to Rabbi Gordons Tanya for today. Its all about utelizing every minute of our lives to do mitzvahs.learn torah..a kind word.
Pretty powerful.
Vhachai yiten el libo
absolutely devastated..this man was a giant period end of story!
I am a former Bais Rivka student. The world was a bit smaller those days so although I was not a classmate, we all knew one another. I am sending you warm wishes of comfort and nechama for your tragic loss. Together with your esteemed husband t’lctv, your Shlichus is amazing, and we are so proud of your accomplishments. May you continue to carry on with the koach of The Mishaleach, and have Nachas. Hamokom Yinachem Eschem Bsoch Shaar Avaylay Tzion Vyerushalayim.
…impossible to understand. Rabbi Gorden accomplished in 66 years what others could not accomplish in ten times that number.
May Hashem give his extraordinary family and extended family the ruchniusdikeh,gashmiusdikeh and emotional strength to continue as he would have wanted them to. Moshiach NOW.
debbi, yocheved, chani, bluma, i am speechless.
love u. zat shtark. its’ almost over.
BD”E
Since my father died grief has been elusive. The news of this brought me to cry while I drove. The atmosphere of achdus I saw in that Chabad House was so unique. Each shliach had a role to play yet went home for Shabbos to their own melucha if their own Chabad house shul. The good humour and simchas hachayim of Rabbi Gordon permeated everyone and everything. I still recall him proudly showing us his tashlich inside the shul. I remember his wide grin when I asked how he made sure not to repwat sermons year after year. I recall… Read more »
We mourn not only the loss of our dear friend but also of our beloved rabbi. When we moved to Encino 41 years ago we met rabbi Gordon and Debbie. Our children grew up together as did the chabad of the valley. Rabbi GORDON gave so much of himself to our community. We will always be grateful and appreciative for his friendship, warmth, and spiritual leadership.
Baruch Dayan Hemet,
The Cole Family of Encino
Rabbi Gordon is part of my daily routine. And I recommended his classes to so many people. But not only that- my 98 year old father also listens to his daily Chumash classes. Such a loss!!! I am in shock. Even though I never met Rabbi Gordon he had a very big influence in my life. May his family be comforted!!!
Great loss. BDH
Dear Rabbi Gordon,
Please, fight upstairs for the Geula now.
You are a true Chosid. A real Yid. A Shaliach par excellence.
May your family be comforted amongst all of us in Chabad.
We will miss you, your strength, your courage, your love and your very popular Shiurim.
Heshy Kornblit & Family, Flatbush Brooklyn NY
He, along with few others, were the “great ones”.
But great or not, rich or poor…his passing, is a sobering thought for us mortals…makes us pause, clarify life, and prioritize, if only for the moment…
I can hear him, say this, right now.
GREATEST LOSS TO EVERY JEW AROUND THE WORLD, ONE OF THE KIND,,,SHLOOM TO ALL JEWISH PEOPLES,,,,
SHLEMOO, SAGE
A great, loving talmid chacham w/ a love for life and every Yid. When I returned to Encino as a chasson after 3 years learning in Eretz Israel, he welcomed me w/ open arms and put me up in his shul’s purple guesthouse. Blessed my kallah & I w/ a Shabbos seuda at his regal home a generously inscribed gift sefer. His poignant humor and heartfelt relevant teachings made worlds of difference for us and countless others. May his memory inspire and motivate us all to do good. May Hashem bring his family and kehila much chizuk and nechama. Besuros… Read more »
Rabbi Gordon took such a love to all of us, religious and non religious alike. He taught each of us as if he were giving the class just for me.
Thank you Rabbi Gordon for being that GOOD EXAMPLE of being a JEW.
RABBI GORDON… I MISS YOU. 😢
I am writing this with tears in my eys!
Rabbi Gordon changed my life!
No one can understand what terrible loss this is for Klal Yisrael!!!!!!
Ad Mosai Ad Mosai?!
Rabbi Wagner
Krefeld, Germany
What a great loss!
I am not affiliated with Chabad but once came across Rabbi Gordon’s online Chumash and Tanya classes and have benefited many time since.
His memory will live on through his many shiurim – שפתותיו דובבות בקבר”
Wishing All the Gordon family a long healthy life.Baruch Dayan Emes
What a loss. May his family be comforted and may we have Moshiach now!
I just want to share with you the fact that living here is France I have been listening to Rabbi YB Gordon’s shiurim daily. And really feel like there is a void if for whatever reason I missed it. His humor and clarity really made Tanya so close to my heart, there is no end to the thanks that I owe him.
Boruch Dayan Emes.
Am in a state of shock… I started Rambam 3 chapters a day and could never have continued had it not been for Rabbi YB Gordon. I was listening only hours ago as I do every day and now I hear this am stunned. I can only realize now how fortunate I am and oy community is that he agreed to do a shabbatton in Ottawa, Canada in the summer of 2014 and I got to meet him and ask a few questions personally. I also gave him a gift and thanked him for allowing me to learn the Great… Read more »
He brought the Tanya , Chumash, and Rambam to life for me!
A loss of the epitome of positive thinking and great optimism and hope. An loss of one who was and is truly one with the Rebbe! Rabbi Gordon you will be greatly greatly missed by thousands who studied with you and who drew incredible guidance and direction from you. אני בוכיה
עד מתי!!!!!!!!!
Oh nooo im so upset no no.
Please HaShem bring Moshiach, I looked forward everyday to
learning with Rabbi Gordon everyday. I cant believe this, no
Rabbi Gordon’s classes were clear as well as entertaining which makes learning so much sweeter! To be able to give over knowledgesawesome, to be able to make someone laugh is awesome, but to be able to give over knowledge and make people smile and laugh at the same time that’s beyond awesome!!!
Moshiach now!!!
This is so sad. Josh Gordon is where my parents and I started our journey to becoming frum.
I cannot believe this! !!??? As others have pointed out he is such a great teacher that fills our homes with his voice & wonderfully entertaining way of teaching! !! BDE. .Of course Hashem has his reasons beyond our comprehension!!! The only way I can make sense of this is that He is coming back so so soon with Moshiach. .! Because why would Hashem want to take away one who teaches so many SO Much Torah!!!???? Please Hashem Reveal to us the Geulah Shleima!NOW!!!!! AD MOSAI! !!!?????
i have no words
he gets all the credit for my learning chitas
Rabbi Gordon, you are the cause of my of love and fear of Hashem and your teachings make me stronger every year that I listen to you
I love you and can’t wait to reunite on the arrival of moshiach
The article says he came 2 Encino in 73, that means he was 23, did he come as a bachur or was he already a Yingerman ?
As a shliach who benefited from his wise counsel, he continues to impact communities of people who he never met. He gave of his time with such love and humility all in the the hope that it could be helpful to others. All he asked in return is that he should be mentioned at the Ohel. The Sholom Bayis that he was often able to achieve among shluchim was his greatest Nachas. He was one of a kind, but we all need to be inspired to continue in Josh’s way, Godol Hasholom.
Before my Bar-Mitzvah there was an unlabeled black cassette tape circulating of a lecture of his. He told a fairytale/”Medrash” about the princess and the farmer and the potatoes, tomatoes and cucumbers. It was a mashal for the Baal Shem Tov’s teaching on “nafsham bahem tisataf”. He told it richly, vividly and warmly, in an unforgettable way. It helped open my eyes to parable and translation/presentation of Chassidus. Condolences to his family and his many students and the communities he changed forever.
The Levaya will take place today, Monday, Shvat 29,
1:30pm at Chabad of Encino, 4915 Hayvenhurst Ave, Encino, CA 91436.
The Kevurah will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery,
7231 E Slauson Ave, Commerce, CA 90040.
I would tune in occasionally to his shiurim on Tanya and I was greatly inspired! Thanks to his Rebbetzin who allowed him to share his knowledge with the world. I will imy”H continue to listen to his recordings.
One of my very favorite online teachers ! He goes from this world Hashamayim to the throne of Hashem . My husband died in late December at the same age. I know my husband is in good company with Rabbi Gordon OBM ! Only simchas and Rabbi Gordon , with great confidence, I know , will help bring Moshiach now !
I never met him but felt I knew him through his online classes. So gifted: humorous, great delivery and magnificent personality. I could feel his ahavas yisroel jump out of the screen. Because of him I learn Chitas everyday: on walks, in the kitchen or car. I did not know he was ill so I’m in shock. Baruch Dayan Ha Emes. May his family be comforted among all the mourners of Tzion.
So, so sorry to hear this. To the family, Debbie, Yocheved, Chanie and Blumie – may the Aibishter comfort you and may you only know of simchas in the future. Hamakom yenachem eschem b’soch sha’ar avalay Tziyon v’Yerushalayim!
A true example of a shliach and father
Very sad
He makes my days with his Tanya class, I listen to him religiously every day and feel like he’s my very own teacher. This is so sad why would Hashem take him, he does so much good…
terrible…BDE
ad matai?
I listen Daily Torah lessons. Hard to imagine that Rabbi Gordon is no longer with us. May his memory be a blessing. May his lectures, teachings, kind jokes, endless wisdom inspire old and young for many years to come.
If our task is Dira Batachtonim why is Hashem taking these Neshomos up to Him? Causing pain for us down here, if only to bring them right back down with the coming of Moshiach any second? What are these Neshomos accomplishing being “upstairs”? We need these people with us in this Dira Batachtonim
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Rabbi Gordon this morning. His voice has been filling my kitchen for several years now with knowledge, humor and a general sense of inspiration.
no words. baruch dayan Haemes….. Moshiach now!!
I found out that I had a special needs son, blind with multiple disabilities while I was alone. My husband was on shlichus in another country with the rest of the kids. I had to stay for few months in order to do tests for my son. Rabbi Gordon’s classes literally saved me. I drank from him thirstely. Even though I never met him in person I feel a that teacher of mine is gone. We should hear only good news with the coming if moshiahnow tsidkeynu.
ברוך א דיין האמת
Y Grossbaum
Just look and see how Horav Yehoshua Binyomin, lives on literally on a daily basis in the lives of thousands, shluchim, rabinim, guteh yidden, he was, is, and will continue being a fixture of learning to thousands if not millions, what a giant of a chosid who cared and shared and made a huge difference in so many lives. Rabbi Gordon together with his partner Rebetzin Devorah made a difference in so many people’s lives, thay changed people and inspired them to become better, I can say with certainty that many of us think that we had a special relationship… Read more »
May the zechus of all the thousands of students that are continuing to learn from his classes bring about the the revelation of Moshiach now!!!!!
Rest In Peace Rabbi. May your family be comforted. You will be sorely missed.
Boruch Dayan Emes. Terrible tragedy.
I listen to your chitas shiurim almost daily. Thank you for this gift.
I too, am a shlucha who listened to his online classes. Rabbi Gordon helped me learn every day – while doing a myriad of tasks.
What a great loss for Chabad and for Klal Yisroel; what a devastating loss to his family!!! Hashem should bring moshiach now!
ברוך דין האמת! My first rabbi in the USA !! I was always so inspired by him!! יהי זכרו ברוך
BDE What a great loss to his community and his Chabad Family.
May he be a gitte Better for klal yisroel
the Gniwisch Family
May Rabbi Gordon’s family be comforted amongst the Mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and know no more sorrow.
Shocking news.
Baruch dayan haemes
So Sad, our class watched his class this morning, then found out, so sad BDE
i recently was inspired by one of his online classes for a situation in my own life and was able to teach this lesson to others as well…
may his family be comforted…
BDE
Cousin, Friend and Teacher
There are no words
We are so saddened for the family’s and our extended family’s loss
What a terrible loss for klal Yisroel
He was known to despise machlokes and never ever let anyone start any machlokes within his community of bale batim and shluchim. He shut down machlokes as soon as it started to sprout. he will be missed.
R’ Yehoshua Binyomin was the best of the best. Oy. Ribono shel olam, the loss is so great.
Only the good die young. No words for the families grief.
BDE another Chosid Godol – lost to young.
We wish the family and especially our friends Dovid and Chaya to bask in his accomplishments and have Simchas in the future!!!
NF & Family
B’DE
Rabbi Gordon,
I never met you- but you are my teacher.
I never met you- but you motivated and inspired me.
I never met you- and I feel like I know you!
Even though I live overseas,
I am a student of yours through the classes you shared on Chabad.org
Even though I am a Shlucha, you made me a Baalas Teshuva.
This news is simply devastating!
May we experience the true and complete Geula speedily-today!
Admosai?????
The Rebbe MHM must end the golus now OD MOSAI???????
BDE ….WHAT BIG LOSS TO THE WORLD TO KLALL YISROALE. ESP TO CHABAD AS ONE FAMILY .
I HAVE GOOD MEMORIES FROM MONTREAL AS A YOUNG BACURE , AND TODAY TRU LEARNING CHITAS AND RAMBAM WITH HIM WHEN I DONT HAVE MY CHAVURSAH ,
WE WILL MISS YOU DEEPLY , BUT YOU WILL LIVE ON TRU YR CLASS EVERY DAY ON LINE 4 EVER AND EVER AND FOR EVER …………………AND MORE
What a tremendous loss
I learn Tanya with his explanations
I’m a great fan
Was davening for a Refuah
So sad
ויקומו וירננו שוכני עפר והוא בתוכם
Moshiach Now!
Hamokoim yenachem eschem b’soch sh’ar avelei tziyon virushayim
BDE
I learn chitas because of his shiurim.
I was waiting for new classes.
He will be so missed.
He will really live on till.Moshiach comes through his amazing contribution to us all.
I finally learned Chitas consistently, for the first time ever in my life, through his online class, over the past few years. He was a great man.
I didn’t realize he wasn’t well, just recently emailed him to ask him to teach a series on heichaltzu.
I love his daily Chumash and Tanya classes.
what a big loss.
There’s no doubt he will continue his shlichus there. Boruch Dayan Ho’emess
Sad Day. Hamokom Yinachem Eschem B’soch Shaar Aveilai Tzion V’Yerushalayim
ברוך דיין האמת
What a tragic loss to his family and thousands of other who watched Rabbi Gordon’s z”l classes every day.
I cannot believe he is gone.
What sad news. Listening to Rabbi Gordon’s Chumash classes was such a breakthrough for me. Transitioning from being a single girl to being married with small kids. Keeping up with Chitas was ( and still is) a challenge. I often listen to Rabbi Gordon’s Chumash, and Tanya classes while doing things around the house. I love his jokes, upbeat attitude and way of making things so clear.
This is so sad.
I never knew him, but I feel a tremendous loss.
יהושע בנימין. Why? U were the best of the best.
Hashem yerachem
A
Bde. What a loss. Sending love and strength to the family and his community.