The sad news arrived recently from Los Angeles regarding the passing of the oldest holocaust survivor,  Harav Reb Moshe Aharon Spiegal, zl, a Holocaust survivor, founder of the Or Hachaim shul and a pillar of the Los Angeles kehillah. He was 104, born on May 7, 1905. On May 27, 2009 his great-great son was named after him
as Moshe Aharon ben Chaim Binyamin (same as his name and grandfather name).

Reb Moshe Aharon was one of the last remnants of the previous era. For half a century he worked tirelessly on behalf of the Jewish people, sustaining a full schedule of Torah and maasim tovim despite his advancing years.

Reb Moshe Aharon was born in Munkacs, Hungary to his father Reb Moshe Aharon Binyamin, zl, and his mother, Alte Feige Rivke, ah, Hyd. His father, who was the community leader, maintained a shul in his home, thereby exposing all the young members of the family, from infancy, to the special atmosphere of Torah and tefillah. That strength, which was rooted deep in Reb Moshe Aharons soul, was evident in all his dealings throughout his long life.

As a bachur, Reb Moshe Aharon had a strong desire to learn at the illustrious yeshivah of Harav Breuer in Germany, despite the fact that this meant leaving home and traveling a great distance. His father, who followed the path of Chassidus, agreed to his sons pleas, but on condition that Reb Moshe Aharon promise to study the holy sefer Noam Elimelech on a regular basis.

He endured indescribable suffering during World War II, and was a hairsbreadth from certain death, Rl, when the evil doctor Mengle, yimach shemo vezichro, signaled that he go to the left. His life was spared when one of the associate commented that the young R’ Moshe Aharon appeared strong enough to work. As a result, he was ordered back and sent to slave labor. He was in mortal danger on three separate occasions; however, Hashem had mercy on him and miraculously saved him each time.

The eternal Torah values Reb Moshe Aharon acquired in his parents home stayed with him throughout his life, comprising the precious legacy that he bequeathed to his children and grandchildren.

Before the war, Reb Moshe Aharon would help his father, who was in the lumber business. He once recounted that they were careful to hire only Jews in order to provide them with an income, even though Jewish labor was more expensive.

Reb Moshe Aharon was known for his simchas hachayim and his trademark ahavas Yisrael. He was a devoted father, a loving and beloved grandfather, and a faithful friend to many. On the many occasions that he would shower those around him with blessings, his face would shine brightly, reflecting the deep love in his heart. He was the first to extend a warm greeting and always had a good word ready. Family and friends remember his sincere, unwavering emunah (faith). He was constantly occupied with chessed  (charity) and doing favors for others without making anyone feel beholden to him.

He considered the establishment of the Or Hachaim shul, in memory of his father, Hyd, as a great zechus. The shul was always open to anyone wishing to enter, whether or not he was a member. For five decades he took responsibility for the shuls welfare, serving as president, gabbai and shamash, without considering any job below his dignity, as long as it brought benefit to the congregation and honor to the shul. All those years, he served the congregation faithfully and with great joy, lilui nishmas his father.

Whenever Rabbanim came to the shul to deliver shiurim, Reb Moshe Aharon would hurry to make all the preparations and ensure their needs were met.

His love for Torah was exemplary. He had regular shiurim that he was careful to attend no matter what, and would often arrive early. He adhered to his seder limmud even after he passed his eighth decade. During his last days, when he was already very weak, he asked that his chavrusa come to him so that he would not miss his regular shiur! Whenever he was able to overcome all obstacles and learn with his chavrusa, his joy was clearly evident. It was obvious that he drew all his vitality from Torah.

He had a remarkable love for the mitzvos. Whether it was for a lulav and esrog or other objects used for mitzvos, he would never spare any effort or cost, and insist on acquiring the most mehudar items. Once he purchased a sefer Torah, and invested a great deal of time and effort to beautify the mitzvah in every way and to the best of his ability. Even the crown was exquisite.

He had a special affection for Gedolei Yisrael, and served as an example to Yidden of all ages how one must respect Torah sages.

He was successful businessman as a builder, and enjoyed giving lectures at the Holocaust Center in L.A. and the Holocaust Center in Monsey, NY.

He merited tremendous arichus yamim, and was independent and lucid to the end. Once, during a visit to Eretz Yisrael, which he loved very much, he surprised all those who were with him when he quoted the exact source from Tanach for all the places they visited. He was 90 at that time.

Until very recently, during the Shabbos and Yom Tov seudos held in the company of his loved ones, he was still a dominant figure, giving over words of emunah and chizuk in his inimitable, charming manner. Last Pesach, a month and a half before his petirah, he sang Munkacs niggunim that he recalled from the days of his youth. He had a wonderful relationship with his grandchildren, who would ask him questions and would love to hear him tell them about those days.

On Rosh Chodesh Sivan, exactly 65 years to the day since his parents and grandmother were murdered al kiddush Hashem, Hyd, Reb Moshe Aharon was called to the yeshivah shel maalah, after a long, full life.

He is survived by his chashuve wife Violet Spiegel who stood by him at all times; his daughters,  the Anita wife of Reb Shlomo Schoenfeld  and Rochelle wife of Reb Shlomo Yosef Menche;, grandchildren and friends who follow his example and feel his loss keenly.

Yehi Zichro Baruch.

(Written by a son-in-law of the Niftar)