Friends, Family Remember Rabbis Who Drowned In Haulover Beach

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HAULOVER BEACH (CBSMiami) -- Funerals are being held Wednesday for two prominent rabbis who drowned the day before in Haulover Beach.

Hundreds of mourners filled a synagogue in New York City in the morning to remember Rabbi Isaac Rosenberg.

The rabbi was swimming with Rabbi Chaim Parnes near Lifeguard Tower Four at Haulover Park when they got caught in a rip current.

Chaim Heller saw Rosenberg right before he went to the water and still cant believe he's gone.

"His charity, his heart, his warm heart, the charity he gave for people to help. Doesn't make a difference what and who," said Heller.

The funeral for Rabbi Parnes also took place Wednesday near his home North of New York City.

Both men visited South Florida often. They were not only religious leaders but wealthy businessmen who found ways to give back.

"It's a loss for the community. Two big people like that in one day. Such a tragedy," said Heller.

Another man - Aaron Wercberger - who was swimming with the group is recovering after he was rescued by an off-duty Bal Harbour police officer who was on his way to court when he overheard the call from 911.  

Wercberger was taken to Mount Sinai where at last check he was in stable condition. 

Word of the drownings spread on social media quicker than next of kin could be notified.  The daughter of one of the victims said she was at work when her phone started buzzing with messages about the drownings.  So sadly, she had to learn of her father's death through the popular messaging platform, WhatsApp.