Philanthropist Zev Wolfson, supporter of traditional Jewish educational institutions, dies

NEW YORK (JTA) — Zev Wolfson, a philanthropist who supported Torah institutions worldwide, has died.

Wolfson died Monday in New York following a short illness, according to media reports, and was buried the next day in Israel. He was 84.

He helped spread Torah through kollel and outreach programs, with many catering specifically to secular Jews in an effort to bring them closer to traditional Judaism.

Wolfson was born in Vilna, Poland, in 1928 and immigrated to America at the age of 17 with his mother and young brother. He immediately went to work while sending his brother to yeshiva. In his 20s, Wolfson amassed a significant wealth through his investments in real estate.

For many decades, Wolfson focused on furthering Jewish education, helping to develop and maintain yeshivas, Bais Yaakov girls’ schools, day schools and other projects all over the world, including the United States, Israel, France, Morocco and Russia, reported Matzav.com.

Wolfson was known for his close relationship with many prominent rabbis. His wife, Nechama, who founded the Shalom Task Force 20 years ago, is well known for her efforts to combat domestic violence within the Jewish community.