Brother of beloved former Beth Israel Rabbi Uri Topolosky killed in freak accident

Elik Topolosky, the youngest brother of former Beth Israel Rabbi Uri Topolosky, was killed in a freak accident in Virginia on Thursday morning, March 15, as he drove to work on the busy George Washington Parkway by a tree that fell onto his vehicle..

At 39, the younger Topolosky leaves behind both his parents, hia wife and two very small children, three other brothers (including Rabbi Uri and his wife Dahlia) and their wives and children.

Family members are in shock at the sudden, inexplicable loss. Authorities say such tree falls are rare, but do occur. The last fatal occurence was reported in May of 2025.

Services were held on Sunday, March 15,  at 11:30 a.m CDT at the chapel at Gan HaZikaron – Garden of Remembrance Cemetery in Clarksburg, MD. Burial followed immediately after the service.

The family will be observing shiva at 4909 Baltic Ave in Rockville, MD. for the remainder of the week. 

Donations in memory of Elik Topolosky and to support his family, can be made to Kehilat Pardes, 13300 Arctic Ave, Rockville, MD.