Sad Day

Today I experienced a "churban habayis". I participated in the funeral of the Rabbi of the shul I attend on Shabbos, Rabbi Jerry Robbins. Rabbi Robbins died at the age of 93 leaving no children or grandchildren. Deaths are always sad [unless it's Bin-Laden or some Nazi in which case it's a yontiv!] but when a man lives for so many years and leaves nothing behind it is so much sadder. He never had and never will have a Home.

What a tragedy.

Even in his old age Rabbi Robbin's mental agility was impressive. We learned Bava Metzia together and he was on top of things - sharp and quick.

He loved doing chesed. He would always look for projects - whether it was giving chickens to poor families or giving out money before yom tov. He would say "We can't just sit here and do nothing". The truth is that when you are 90 there is an option like that but he never wanted to choose it.

He was an Army Chaplain for the US during World War Two. He helped a lot of people both spiritually and materially.

I am deeply saddened by his death and feel remorse that I didn't do more for him when I still had the chance.

Mussar Haskel: Do mitzvos and maasim tovim today for tomorrow the opportunity might no longer be available.

Please learn mishnayos or do other mitzvos li'lui nishmas Rav Yaakov Shlomo ben R' Dov Ber.

THANK YOU!

יהי זכרו ברוך