A community activist from the Midwest passed away this past Thursday (1/19/12). In an effort to conform to strict dictates of Jewish law, and to expedite the burial which was destined to take place in Israel, the family chartered a private jet to New York, whereupon they would rendezvous with a commercial flight to Ben-Gurion Airport, in Israel. If everything went according to plan, burial would take place at approximately 3:15 PM Israel time, on erev Shabbos, one hour and fifty minutes before sundown, twenty-one hours after his time of death.

Due to the dedicated efforts of certain individuals and the local Chevra Kadisha, the deceased’s final tribute commenced as planned. Each leg of the journey was greeted with Divine providence. Once on the ground in New York, the seamless transfer from the private jet to the El Al plane was overseen by a Misaskim volunteer, and a brief eulogy was delivered by Rabbi Moshe Tuvia Lieff, shlit”a. At 9:00 PM, El Al flight number 008 departed from New York en route to Tel Aviv.

Upon completing a timely landing in Ben-Gurion Airport at 2:30 PM, the family proceeded to Har Ha-Menuchos. While traveling, they were informed that the Chevra Kadisha had encountered difficulty in having the niftar released, and a status update would soon follow. With the clock nearing 4:00 PM, forty minutes of travel time required between Ben Gurion and Har Ha-Menuchos, and 65 minutes left until sundown, a call came through that the release was still pending. It was a struggle against bureaucracy and a race against time. The family had exerted the maximum effort to complete the task at hand. The final outcome was now solely dependent upon the One Above.

If the burial was meant to take place before Shabbos, there was no longer any question that the service would be completed mere minutes before sundown. With sixty people still assembled in the cemetery, the stark reality was striking a despondent chord – it was time for decisions to be made. The Chevra Kadisha passionately stated they are mandated to continue their work straight up until sundown. If need be, they are prepared to walk 1½ hours home. The women were instructed to leave in order to allow for timely candle lighting. As for the men, it was up to each man to decide for himself.

With minutes ticking away and the clock reaching 4:10 PM, the anticipated phone call finally arrived. The transport vehicle had cleared airport security, and was on the way to Yerushalayim. With an estimated arrival time at Har Ha-Menuchos of 4:45 PM, a twenty minute window of opportunity still remained to finish the funeral before sundown. The Chevra Kadisha immediately rose to the challenge by calling in additional members to respond. The stage was set. Forty friends and family unanimously decided to remain at the graveside and proudly walk home if need be. The deceased’s sons waited with abated tension to complete the privilege and duty of honoring their father.

The scene was surreal. On one hand there was a focused concern of a funeral procession. Yet on the other hand, music heralding in the Shabbos Queen could be heard, coming across the valley, from the Har Nof neighborhood. The mix of emotions was thick enough to be felt until the niftar arrived in record time at 4:35 PM. With the completion of the ritual k’riah and kaddish, the burial process began at record pace. The unique circumstances coupled with additional staff members of the Chevra Kadisha, allowed for the ultimate honor to be given to Yisroel Leib ben Mordechai, o.b.m. With twenty minutes to spare until sundown and less than 24 hours having elapsed since the time of death, the crowd rushed home to welcome Shabbos.

Shabbos preparations innately produce pressure and frenzy. What type of man merits 40 people to remain in the cemetery committed to the cause? Anyone who had the opportunity to know him would not even entertain the question. This was a person who conducted his life with total selflessness for the Minneapolis Jewish community. Although he was referred to as the ‘Past President and Patriarch’ by the local institution, he wore many hats of chesed. Children fondly referred to him as ‘The Candy Man’. Community institutions referred to him as a major benefactor, and the list of coveted titles goes on and on. This bold recognition of his overwhelming sacrifice for others, fueled the attendees desire to remain at the graveside and repay, in whatever small way, a heavy debt of gratitude. Walking away was simply not a viable option.

The navi Micha (6:8) consolidates Hashem’s main expectations from a Jew by citing three criteria. “What does Hashem demand of you? To do justice, to love kindness and to walk discreetly with your G-d.” One would be challenged to find a person who fulfilled these expectations like this man. ‘Justice’ refers to the laws of bein adam le’chavero, the Torah’s guidelines for interpersonal relationships. His pleasant demeanor and refined character allowed him to treat others with dignity and respect. ‘Kindness’ is the ability to give of oneself above and beyond the call of duty. An example of giving his time and efforts was his weekly joint money collection on behalf of the local institution, every Friday for 15 years. Yet the full scope of his kind deeds can only be understood by integrating the third of Hashem’s expectation. He was the ultimate personification of someone who walked discreetly with G-d. His myriad forms of giving be it time or efforts, wisdom or money – everything was provided without a desire for recognition. He was the last person to find interest in pomp and fanfare. His true greatness cannot be measured by the stories told, rather by those that remain untold.

For 92 years, he succeeded in trailblazing visionary paths through his compassion and competency. He was able to masterfully weave the proper skills and the perfect strategy to bear on the issues that required attention. When Yisroel Leib ben Mordechai comes before the Almighty we raise our eyes in hope that he will continue to powerfully influence and advocate blessing and success for his illustrious family, his close-knit Jewish community, and all of k’lal Yisrael.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE PHOTO OF NIFTAR WITH RAV ELYASHIV YBLCT

המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים

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