Dr. Yosef Tzvi (Josh) Sandman, 83, OBM
Dr. Yosef Tzvi (Josh) Sandman, a professor of Political Science and a beloved longtime pillar of the Chabad community in New Haven, CT, passed away on Wednesday, 9 Tammuz, 5786.
by COLlive Editor · COLliveBy COLlive reporter
Dr. Yosef Tzvi (Josh) Sandman, a professor of Political Science and a beloved longtime pillar of the Chabad community in New Haven, CT, passed away on Wednesday, 9 Tammuz, 5786.
He was 83.
Born to Yisroel and Bayla Sandman, Dr. Sandman was raised in a home built on Mesiras Nefesh for Torah and mitzvos. His parents came to America in the early twentieth century and remained steadfast in their Yiddishkeit despite tremendous challenges. They refused to work on Shabbos and Yom Tov, regardless of the financial sacrifice involved, instilling in their son a lifelong commitment to Torah values, chesed, and communal responsibility.
A descendant of the Tevuos Shor, the Maharsha, and Reb Elimelech of Lizhensk, Dr. Sandman carried a rich Jewish heritage with pride and devotion. He married Rochel Leah Deitsch, daughter of philanthropists and founders of the Deitsch Plastics company, R’ Dovid and Sara Deitsch of New Haven, and together they built a warm and welcoming home that became a cornerstone of the local Jewish community.
Dr. Sandman earned a PhD in Political Science from New York University and taught at the University of New Haven for more than five decades, influencing generations of students through his scholarship and dedication to education.
A devoted Chossid with a strong connection to the Rebbe, Dr. Sandman played a central role in strengthening Jewish life in New Haven. He served as administrator of the Yeshiva Gedolah of New Haven for more than 25 years and was widely respected for his tireless efforts on behalf of Torah education and community institutions.
He founded and directed the YB Chesed Fund, established in memory of his parents, to help families throughout the greater New Haven area with the expenses of Shabbos and Yom Tov, ensuring that those in need can celebrate with dignity.
Dr. Sandman was also a partner in Deitsch Plastics and remained deeply involved in community affairs throughout his life. He had an open home to all, with Shabbos tables that welcomed hundreds of bochurim, Yale students, families, and visitors over the years. He was known to greet everyone he met with warmth, dignity, and genuine Ahavas Yisroel. He was Mekarev numerous families to Yiddishkeit, with warmth and love. He was beloved by his children, in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Rochel Sandman and children, Yisroel Sandman – London, Yekusiel Sandman – Miami Beach, Moti Sandman – New Haven, Zev Sandman – New Haven, Chaya Hinda Holtzberg – New Haven, Betzalel Sandman – New Haven, Menach Sandman – New Haven and Bayla Edelman – New Haven, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Levaya will begin today in New Haven, passing at 5:30 PM in front of 292 Norton Street.
It will continue tomorrow in New York, passing by at 12:00 PM in front of 770 and 1:00 at Old Montefiore cemetery.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
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