The Orthodox Union family recently received the shocking and sad news of the passing of Rabbi Mordechai Ganzweig, of blessed memory, at the age of 48. He had been given a routine prescription of penicillin for a strep throat, and he experienced an unexpected and violent allergic reaction. He went into a coma, from which he never recovered, and he passed away on August 17th.

Rabbi Ganzweig was one of the OU's dedicated field representatives. His work for the OU was characterized by the unshakeable integrity that was one of the hallmarks of his personality. He refused to compromise his standards, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable the situation. If he felt unsatisfied, he would withdraw from assignments even though this resulted in lost revenue.

Rabbi Ganzweig was never satisfied with superficial kashrus work. He would return to a plant over and over again, combing the facility to make certain he had not overlooked any significant detail. Understandably, some companies resented this intrusion into their private world, but Rabbi Ganzweig was undeterred. Despite his unwavering resolve, his warm personality and sincerity endeared him to the personnel at the plants he would visit, and he had a gift for making friends with people of all backgrounds.

One person that he befriended was Leon Mortonson of Basic American in Rexburg Idaho. Mr. Mortonson's son was battling cancer at the same time that Rabbi Ganzweig's father was struggling with the same illness. Mr. Mortonson commented that "even though our beliefs were different, Rabbi Ganzweig was to my way of thinking very close to our Father in Heaven," and also describing him as "sensitive to people who have problems." He commented further that though his plant was small, Rabbi Ganzweig had many friends there. He also noted Rabbi Ganzweig's devotion to his father, his wife, and his children.