Rabbi Shalom Meir HaKohen Wallach (1947–2026) was an Israeli author, editor and preacher associated with Bnei Brak. His books introduce Jewish thought through interpretation, parables and stories about Torah sages. He died on 21 March 2026, shortly before Passover; his obituary noted the place his Haggadahs held in preparing for the festival.
Torah, faith and storytelling
His series include Maayan HaShavua on the weekly Torah portion, Maayan HaMoed on festivals and Maayan HaEmunah on faith. In the latter, thematic discussion is accompanied by sources and stories that illustrate the idea under consideration.
He also wrote biographical works. The National Library of Israel holds Rabbeinu HaOr LeTzion, his account of Rabbi Ben Zion Abba Shaul’s life. This genre combines a life story with the transmission of a teacher’s spiritual and educational legacy.
Passover Haggadahs
A substantial part of his work involved Haggadahs bringing together explanations by different teachers. ArtScroll published his Haggadah of the Mussar Masters and Haggadah of the Chassidic Masters, as well as editions associated with Rabbi Moshe Feinstein and Rabbi Elazar Menachem Man Shach.
These books require a distinction between the compiler and the sage whose teaching is quoted. Wallach’s editorial work makes a tradition accessible, without turning every interpretation included into his own statement. The particular edition and its attribution matter when reading an individual story or explanation.