Jaunjelgava / Friedrichstadt / Neiru

Born in 5629 (1869) in Utzian.

He served as rabbi in Jakobstadt, and from 5668 (1908) as rabbi here.

During the First World War he was exiled with his community to Russia and served there as rabbi in Yaroslav.

In 5683 (1923) he emigrated to the United States and served as rabbi of the congregation Ohovei Tzedek in Plainfield, New Jersey.

In 5687 he moved to serve at the synagogue Tiferet Adat Yisrael in New Haven, Connecticut, and when the yeshiva Achei Temimim was founded there in 5704 he helped establish it.

He passed away on 29 Shevat 5714 (2 February 1954), and on 12 Elul 5718 he was transferred to rest at Har HaMenuchot in Jerusalem.

Author of the books: LeMa'an Tzion (Vilna 5650), Davar LeYaakov — homilies (St. Louis 5685), Mesila LeYahadut (St. Louis 5689), Or Torah (New York 5700).

In Hadarat Tzvi a eulogy he delivered for R. Tzvi Hirsh Nurok, rabbi of Mitau, was printed.

Responsa to him appear in the responsa Divrei Yehuda (Warsaw 5664), section 2 — “the honor of my friend … our teacher R. Yaakov Flekser, in the holy congregation of Mikhailishok, and currently rabbi in the holy congregation of Jakobstadt” — and in the responsa Har Tzvi, Even HaEzer, section 53.

Torah novellae from him were also printed in the collections Sha'arei Tzion and Afryon.

Di Geshikhte, p. 122. Ohalei Shem, p. 158. Collection Degel Yisrael, Nisan 5687. Toldot Chabad BeArtzot HaBrit, chapter 51. Chakhmei Yisrael DeNew England, p. 10.

Here lies \
the Rabbi, the Gaon, \
our master R. Yaakov, \
son of the Gaon R. Avraham, of blessed memory, \
Flekser. \
He served in the rabbinate for 52 years, \
and at last in New Haven. \
Passed away 29 Shevat 5714. \
Brought to the holy city \
12 Elul 5718. \
May his soul be bound in the bond of life.

Latvia and Rabbis