The Breslov Hasidic community is mourning the passing of Rabbi Binyamin Ze'ev Knepflmacher, one of the movement's leading influential figures, who died today at the age of 74 after a serious illness in recent years.
Knepflmacher, born in Denmark in 1951, began his spiritual path as a Vizhnitz Hasid and later became associated with the Breslov movement.
For many years he served as a lecturer and educator in Breslov yeshivas, and was a pillar of the Breslov study hall in the Mea She'arim neighborhood of Jerusalem.
Knepflmacher was particularly known for his extended prayers - he would prolong the morning service for about five hours each day, and many would come to seek his blessings. In particular on the festival of Purim, when one succeeded in receiving a blessing from him, the blessing was considered especially significant.
His funeral will be held today (Wednesday) at 14:00 from the Breslov study hall in the Mea She'arim neighborhood of Jerusalem, and from there he will be taken to Har HaMenuchos for burial.