Shemini: The Passing of the Righteous
Dear Friend,
I’m grappling with shocking news. Rabbi Daniel Moscowitz, my father’s friend and colleague, whom I had known literally since I was born, suddenly passed away at the age of 59, leaving behind nine children and hundreds of congregants. As a family friend, I was in shock. As a reporter at Chabad.org/News, I immediately began collecting data for our obituary for the man who led Chabad in Illinois for as long as I’ve been alive. All throughout the night, my mind kept on wandering, thoughts drifting back to the bereaved family and the nightmare that was just beginning for them.
Among the seven bookcases that adorn my living room, there is one section dedicated to various editions of the Torah (yes, we have a lot). One edition is especially precious to me. It was my first sefer (holy book), a gift from Rabbi and Mrs. Moscowitz on the occasion of my upsherin (third birthday and first haircutting).
Tonight, I think I will take the slim red volume with the peeling binding down from the bookshelf and use it to learn with my kids.
It will be my way to perpetuate a life that was dedicated to Torah and Judaism.
Menachem Posner,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
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Sometimes you feel like you’re going about life as just another grain of dust blown by the wind.
You get to your home and there’s a mezuzah on the door.
You are a Jew. You are the Jewish people.
You are Abraham. You are Sarah. You are every Jew who has ever lived.
You, your family, your home, every moment of y...
