2 words so full of love, holiness and Torah
2 words that give a dull pinch to the heart
2 words with endless longing
Longing for the pillar of light, for the living Torah scroll;
Rabbi Ovadia
There are no words to describe the great void you left when leaving us
A void no one else can fill
The heart refuses consolation; it doesn’t want to accept this
On that dark day the 3rd of Cheshvan 5773 we all tasted what it means to be orphaned,
Orphaned from the leader of the generation, from the father of Israel
Yes, our father
With a smile that would light up, kind and listening eyes, you would bless, help
And sometimes even give a kind smack!
Each one of us an only son
Each Jew a diamond
I remember being only 14, crowding around with thousands of Jews that came to accompany you on your final journey
The heart rending cries of pain still echo in my ears
I’ll never forget the rivers of tears shed on the day you left us so alone
You left us and the pain is still fresh
But my father your entire mighty enterprise is very much alive
The holy Torah that you loved so much protects us
Thousands of Jews around the world learn from dozens of books you penned
And that illuminating smile? It’s stored in the hearts of hearts of those following in your path
I hope you are praying for us on high
We miss you so much and we promise to continue in your ways,
Sincerely, Am Yisrael