Avi Kumar 

At the time this article is being written, 100 days have passed since Simhat Torah, 5784/October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists in Gaza launched their vicious assault on southern Israel, igniting a war that has continued with no end in sight.  

Hamas still holds over 130 Israeli hostages, and has sternly rejected Israel’s conditions for a ceasefire – that it release the hostages and surrender control over the Gaza Strip. It is clear that Hamas is prepared to fight until the bitter end. And so the war rages on, with ripple effects being profoundly felt throughout the world – particularly in the Jewish world, as Jews everywhere grieve over the devastating losses Israel has suffered, and anxiously follow the developments while praying for peace and security for our brothers and sisters in Israel. 

Over three months into the conflict, Israeli troops are still battling against Hamas militants amongst the ruins and rubble of Gaza. After securing control over Gaza City, the largest city in the Strip, the IDF’s heroic ground troops entered in early December the southern city of Khan Younis. This is the second largest city in the Hamas-run enclave, and the city where Hamas’ leaders are believed to be hiding in underground bunkers. These leaders include the masterminds behind the October 7th massacre, most notably Yahya Sinwar, who rules Gaza, and the notorious Mohammed Deif, the terror group’s military leader, whom Israel has unsuccessfully sought to eliminate numerous times over the years. Sadly, nearly 200 Israeli soldiers have died, and some 1,000 have sustained injuries, during this tragic and dreadful conflict.  

“The Darkest Day Imaginable”   

Community Magazine conducted an exclusive interview with Dean Elsdunne, International Spokesperson of the Israeli Police, who took the opportunity to express gratitude on behalf of the Jewish State to the Sephardic community for its concern and assistance throughout this crisis. 

“The fact that the Sephardi community sees the importance of Israel, and specifically the southern border communities,” Elsdunne said, “shows the true meaning of ‘Am Yisrael hai.’ Israel is beyond grateful to all that the Sephardic community has done to stand by our nation. That includes those in Israel who were physically and mentally affected, but also those defending it, both the police and the IDF.” 

Elsdunne described the October 7th atrocities as more than an assault on Israel. “Humanity was attacked,” he said. “The darkest things imaginable were committed by Hamas terrorists against innocent civilians. Our heroes wearing police uniform were the first to engage the terrorists, and now our IDF soldiers are inside Gaza making sure that dark day can never happen again.”  

We spoke also with some of the officers in the IDF, who described how the bodies of hostages, victims of the October 7th attack, and fallen soldiers are identified. “The identification process consists of routine analysis according to accepted forensic standards. Israel is careful to respect the integrity of the bodies of the deceased.” 

When it is confirmed that a body that was found in Gaza is not that of an Israeli, it is returned to Gaza. The outrageous accusations that the IDF steals organs from Gazan corpses are, according to the IDF, “completely unfounded.” 

A Country United in Grief…and Concern 

In Israel, of course, emotions are running high.  Posters of the hostages still held captive line public places, and people hold signs urging leaders to exert as much pressure as possible to “Bring Them Home.” Many still yearn for the return of their loved ones. Many others are still grieving over lost family members, and struggling to move on. Thousands of wives are tending to their children alone, without their husbands, who are risking their lives on the front lives.  Parents spend their nights tossing and turning, worrying about their sons fighting in Gaza. The love and concern felt for the courageous IDF soldiers, and the anguish over those who have fallen, have brought together Israel’s Jewish majority, the Druze community, and other minorities, all of whom have lost loved ones on October 7th and during the war. 

Israeli news channels devote their broadcasts almost exclusively to war coverage, and stories of both tragedy and heroism spread daily throughout social media. There are also harrowing reports about the hostages’ ordeals in captivity, intensifying concerns about the plight of the remaining hostages.  

Israelis also feel a great deal of uncertainty about the future, and about whether, when and how the country can achieve the goal of eliminating the Hamas terror organization. Although many of Hamas’ fighters and leaders have been killed – including heads and members of Hamas’ Nukhba Forces, which perpetrated the barbaric October 7th atrocities – a good number still remain, either hiding in the terror group’s extensive underground tunnel network, or living camouflaged among the civilian population. The process of dismantling Hamas could take many more months, and it is feared that this will continue to cost the lives of many soldiers, Heaven forbid.  

As a result of Israelis’ ongoing fears and concerns, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval rating among the public was found to be just 45 percent, according to a poll taken in mid-January by the Yisrael Hayom newspaper. 

Dismantling a Vast Terror Infrastructure 

In early January, the IDF announced that the military campaign has entered a new phase, and that it would begin withdrawing some of its battalions from Gaza. The IDF claimed to have completed the dismantling of Hamas’ military framework in northern Gaza, and was now in the process of doing the same in the central and southern regions. Much of the city of Khan Younis had already come under the IDF’s control, but the Israeli military had yet to be deployed in the other large city in southern Gaza – Rafah, near the Egyptian border.  

Israel Shin Bet intelligence agency has obtained a great deal of information from both captured Hamas operatives, and Hamas assets which were seized by the troops. Some of this information has helped the IDF in its military efforts, and some has enabled Israel to expose Hamas’ cruel and cynical tactics, including the way it has embedded itself within and under civilian infrastructure. For example, the director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan hospital in Jabaliya, a town north of Gaza City, revealed during an interrogation that the site was used by Hamas to house a kidnapped soldier, and as a base for its terrorist activities. 

Prime Minister Netanyahu has said that Israel must control not only its own border with Gaza, but also the border between Gaza and its southern neighbor, Egypt, to prevent the smuggling of weapons. To that end, Netanyahu declared, Israel will insist on seizing and maintaining control of the Philadelphi Corridor, the nine-mile strip of land between Egypt and Gaza. 

Speaking at press briefing on January 13, the Israeli premier vowed, “We’ll destroy Hamas, we’ll demilitarize Gaza. Military equipment and other deadly weapons will [otherwise] continue to enter this southern opening, so of course we need to close it.”  

Netanyahu has rejected all calls for a ceasefire, insisting that Israel will not end the war until Hamas is dismantled. Additionally, the Prime Minister has ruled out handing over the strip to the Palestinian Authority (PA) after the war is over, claiming that Israel cannot entrust its security to the PA, a hostile entity. 

The dismantling of Hamas’ infrastructure, which is embedded within and underneath the civilian population, has taken a heavy toll on the lives of the Gazans.  Palestinian officials claim that 85 percent of Gazans have been internally displaced. And while Israel has allowed hundreds of truckloads of aid into the strip each day, the United Nations’ humanitarian chief described the situation as “intolerable.” 

The IDF has been fighting also up north, against the Hezbollah terrorist group which sits in southern Lebanon with a far more formidable military force than Hamas had in Gaza. Although Hezbollah has, to date, stopped short of initiating a full-scale war on Israel, it has been firing rockets intermittently into northern Israel. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis were forced to evacuate from their homes in northern Israel when the war began, and they have been displaced for several months. The IDF successfully targeted Wissam al-Tawil, commander of Ridwan Force, an elite Hezbollah unit, on January 8th. Nevertheless, Hezbollah’s enormous arsenal of rockets and guided missiles remain a threat, resulting in thousands of displaced Israelis unable to return home. 

The Houthis 

Meanwhile, some 1,200 miles southeast of Israel, another radical terror group has joined Hamas in causing mayhem and bloodshed in the Middle East.  The Yemen-based Houthis – who, like Hamas, are proxies of Iran – have attacked several vessels passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, which leads to the Red Sea, causing significant disruptions to one of the world’s major shipping routes. This campaign likely marks the most significant threat to maritime security in the region since the era of Somali piracy in the late 2010s. As ships are forced to reroute around Africa, this situation poses a great risk to the global economy, with the potential to drastically raise oil prices and other costs. 

A U.S.-led coalition has launched Operation Prosperity Guardian in an effort to protect passage through this vital waterway, bombing Houthi installations in Yemen. The coalition includes the United Kingdom, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. The goal is to destroy the Houthis’ assets in order to secure shipping routes so that global maritime economy and trade can continue.  

The campaign began on January 11th, when the U.S. and British militaries attacked over a dozen Houthi targets in Yemen, a coastal nation that has been through a decade-long civil war. The Houthis have vowed to strike back, as the Iranian-backed militants seem determined to fight despite the odds stacked against it.  

Outrageous Outrage 

Expectedly, Israel’s military actions have met with harsh condemnations and hostility throughout the world. While the governments of most major Western nations – particularly the U.S. and U.K. – have steadfastly supported Israel’s war on Hamas, university campuses throughout the West have become hotspots for anti-Israel sentiment and rhetoric. Loud, angry and provocative protesters have been marching, calling for a ceasefire and parroting the outrageous claim that Israel is committing a “genocide” in Gaza. These demonstrations have, in many instances, devolved into outright antisemitism, with some Jewish students facing hostility and harassment. The presidents of two major Ivy League universities – Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania – were forced to resign following a torrent of criticism for their testimony before a Congressional committee, in which they showed indifference to antisemitic speech at their campuses. 

But the most public – and absurd – display of what we might call “outrageous outrage” toward Israel occurred at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague, Netherlands, on January 12th. South Africa formally accused Israel of committing “genocide” against the Palestinians as per the 1948 definition of the term. Ironically, the ICJ was established after the Holocaust in 1945 in response to Nazi Germany’s genocide of European Jewry. Now, less than 80 years later, the court convened to hear South Africa’s claims that, in light of the large number of civilian deaths resulting from Israel’s actions against Hamas, Israel is committing “genocide.” Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has called the charges “preposterous” and described them as a “blood libel.” Several of Israel’s allies, including the U.S. and Germany, have likewise dismissed South Africa’s claims, and Israel assembled a team of outstanding legal experts to refute the outrageous accusations before the ICJ. 

Israeli public opinion remains strongly supportive of the war on Hamas. Benny Gantz, former Chief of Staff of the IDF and – until recently – a prominent member of the opposition to Netanyahu’s government, joined the government early during the war, and has been serving on the war cabinet. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has expressed full support for the military campaign. Throughout Israel, signs and posters can be seen with the pronouncement, “Beyahad nenatze’ah – Together we will win.”  The October 7th atrocities have awakened many Israelis to the grim reality that the Jewish State can no longer allow Hamas to live in its backyard, in Gaza, and that Israel has no choice but to dismantle this evil terrorist organization. Since Hamas took over Gaza in 2007, Israel has tolerated occasional rocket fire from the Strip, figuring that the Iron Dome defense system provided enough protection to obviate the need to wage an all-out war against Hamas. The events of October 7th have shown Israelis that it must eliminate Hamas at all costs, and that this war must be fought in order for peace to prevail.  

Uncertain Future 

While many uncertainties about the future remain, it seems quite clear that Israel will never again allow the Gaza Strip to be ruled by a hostile entity such as Hamas, and that this war – and Israel’s control over Gaza – will not end until the communities in southern Israel can live in peace and security, without fear or rocket attacks or terrorist infiltration. 

As the Jewish State fights for its survival, Jews around the globe lift their eyes heavenward and pray for the safety and success of our courageous IDF soldiers, for the swift return of all our hostages, and for true peace and security in Israel and throughout the world. 

Rabbi Yehudah HaLevi  wrote a sefer called The Kuzari in the form of a dialogue between the Kuzari, the king of the Khazars, and a rabbi. Following is one such conversation (2: 50-54): 

The rabbi tells the king that Hashem states, “…Yisrael, in whom I take pride.” 

To which the king responds, “How can that be? How can Gd be proud of human beings?  That doesn’t sound right.” 

The rabbi replies with a question of his own. “If someone said, ‘Gd is proud of the sun,’ would that bother you?”  

The king answers, “No, that makes sense. Look what the sun does, look how powerful it is. The whole world is living off of its strength… Every facet of nature needs the sun. Of course, Gd should take pride in the sun!” 

This is the answer the rabbi is waiting for, as he points out, “Human beings who are spreading the word of Gd, who are performing acts of greatness, are greater than the sun. And if Gd can be proud, so to speak, of the sun, He can surely be proud of human beings!” 

And when is it that Hashem takes pride in us?  

When we are quiet in the face of insult (see Rambam, Hilchot De’ot 5: 13). As the Gemara (Shabbat 88b) conveys, “Those who suffer insult and do not insult back, hear their shame and do not respond, act out of love and rejoice with affliction, about them the pasuk (Shoftim 5:31) says, ‘And let those who love Him be like the powerfully shining sun.’” 

Why is the one who is quiet in the face of insult compared to the sun? When was the sun insulted and kept quiet? 

Rabbeinu Bachye enlightens us. The sun and the moon were created equal in size. Dissatisfied with this arrangement, the moon came along and complained to Hashem, “How can two kings make use of one crown? We cannot have two rulers of equal stature!” 

“How right you are!” Hashem said to him. “Now you will be diminished, while the sun will remain at its full size.” 

When the moon came with its protest, proposing to reduce the sun, the sun did not respond. Because of its silence in the face of disgrace, Rabbeinu Bachye tells us, the sun was rewarded by becoming a dazzling orb, which gives light and warmth to all. As such, anyone who remains silent like the sun when insulted is also rewarded with the ability to be a “shining light.” 

Much of this is directly related to our self-esteem, the knowledge and internalization of our worthiness – for no other reason than the fact that if Gd created us, we bring inherent value to the world. 

 Unfortunately, many of us in contemporary society lack a sense of our value and innate worthiness. Society today – and we see this within our communities, as well – places money and status above all else. This is evident by the question, “How much is So-and-So worth?” in which we are asking about a dollar amount, not about So-and-So’s value as a human being.  

Someone once approached a rosh yeshivah of a renowned institution and complained about a number of his talmidim, calling them baalei gaavah.  

His response? “Halevai all of my talmidim should feel so great about themselves!” 

At the core of a silent reaction to insult is authentic self-esteem, the notion that another human being cannot diminish who I am as a person, as after all, Gd, the King of Kings, created me. That the value and worthiness I bring to this world cannot be mitigated by the words of another, no matter how hurtful they are.  

My silence reflects my knowledge of my inherent greatness, a knowledge that is enduring and unmalleable.  

Think of a state of affairs that you generally complain about. 

Now resolve, as much as possible, to keep silent regarding the situation. Know that your silence is evidence of your strength, evidence of your self-worth. 

Make Hashem proud!

David, a Midwood resident, recalled, “I was constantly dreading checking my bank account, not to mention the next bill.” He lied awake most nights,  worried about how he would manage to pay for groceries or the rent due the next week. As a father of five young children, David felt the constant pressure of his responsibilities. Despite having many friends in the community, he felt he could no longer ask for their help. Unexpected medical expenses had eaten up his reserves, his clients were overdue on payments, and with every sunrise, he worried how he could keep his family safe and afloat. 

David was reluctant to seek help. But as his financial situation became more dire, he finally went to the Flatbush Community Fund website and filled out the simple online form. Initially, he was uncomfortable, but the professional and friendly staff at the Fund quickly put him at ease. They reassured him that many hard-working individuals in the community sought assistance to get them through a rough patch.  

“The relief I felt was indescribable,” David said. “Suddenly, I wasn’t just carrying the burden alone anymore. Baruch Hashem, with their help, my children continued to enjoy their meals, unaware of the financial tightrope we were walking. My credit card payments were no longer declined, and I could breathe again, knowing my family was taken care of.” 

This support was more than just financial. It was a lifeline that allowed David to return to being the father, husband, and businessman he strived to be. He could now focus on reviving his business and providing for his family without the crippling fear of the next bill or unexpected expenses. The Flatbush Community Fund gave him the stability and peace of mind needed to sustain his family until his business improved. 

This transformation is a testament to the profound impact of the Flatbush Community Fund since its inception five years ago. Through their comprehensive support and understanding, they have alleviated financial burdens and restored hope and dignity to many, enabling them to thrive once more in their roles within the family and community. 

Charting the Course of Kindness 

It all began in July 2018 with a simple vision: to fill the gaps in the budgets of families within the Flatbush Orthodox Jewish community struggling to afford essentials. “When we started out, I was the only employee, doing everything from buying stamps to fundraising. Now, baruch Hashem, we’ve grown,” said Executive Director Yitzy Weinberg.  

Their dedicated team of five employees  works to fulfill their mission of “helping everyone who needs help.” Serving a diverse Jewish population, the fund directs approximately thirty percent of its services towards the Sephardic community, Weinberg said, acknowledging and addressing the community’s unique needs. 

“We’ve helped over 2,000 families since we’ve started, for various different needs: Pesach, grocery accounts, tutoring assistance, interest-free loans, financial mentoring, emergency assistance, rent, mortgage, and utility payments,” Weinberg said. Clearly, as the community has grown, so has their trust and reliance on FCF. 

The Challenge of the Pandemic 

As FCF’s role within the community solidified, the Covid-19 pandemic necessitated an expansion of their services. The crisis exacerbated so many families’ existing financial struggles and introduced new ones, driving the organization to broaden its scope of aid.  

“It was such a sudden shock to the system. A lot of people who were managing just fine until then, were all of a sudden thrown into this terrible situation and needed to reach out,” Weinberg said. 

“The pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, but also a change in perspective. It normalized the fact that people needed help. We were in the right place at the right time to ramp up and help those thrown into turmoil by the pandemic.” Yet, the challenges continue, with the cost of living and inflation further exacerbating the community’s needs. 

Understanding the Community’s Diverse Needs 

Miri Taylor, FCF’s Director of Administration, commented, “Take a middle-class family that is paying five yeshiva tuitions, just made a wedding, has two car leases, and is paying for summer camp – we are not talking about splashing out on lavish vacations, we are talking about just having the minimum to get by. They are just not cutting it without help.”  

Taylor’s insight into the complex layers of concern weighing on the community members underscores the critical nature of FCF’s role. FCF is not just about providing financial aid. It is about understanding and responding to the myriad stresses that affect daily life. With this deep comprehension of the community’s many needs, FCF strives to ensure that no one is left to navigate these challenges alone.  

The organization aims to provide assistance to anyone who reaches out for help. This guiding principle is echoed in the words of both Weinberg and Taylor, who make it clear that turning someone away is a last resort. “If there is something that totally doesn’t fit in a category that we are able to help with, we work hard to connect them with other resources, and we follow up. We won’t just give them a phone number. We work to make sure whatever can be done gets done,” said Taylor.  

Providing Assistance While Preserving Dignity 

In addition to ensuring that everyone who reaches out gets some kind of support, FCF especially made sure that the application process is respectful and dignified.  

This approach ensures that the aid is not only appropriate and well-directed, but also makes certain that help is given with the utmost respect for applicants’ privacy and dignity. “We try not to be too onerous. We’re not asking for tax returns,” Weinberg explained. 

Taylor expanded on this core principle with a powerful explanation of what FCF represents to the community. “When people ask me what we do, I tell them that we save people’s dignity.” She described a scenario where residents of Flatbush, instead of having to ask a neighbor for help and possibly facing embarrassment, can turn to FCF. “So nobody needs to be ashamed or embarrassed about their situation. This confidentiality and respect transform the act of receiving aid into a process marked by dignity and communal support.” 

Comprehensive Services 

FCF’s broad range of services are tailored to meet the varying needs of the Flatbush community. These services not only alleviate immediate financial pressures, but also empower individuals and families to overcome their challenges with dignity and hope. 

FCF provides grocery accounts to help families afford essential food items. With $100-$500 per household quarterly, these accounts ensure that no one in the community has to compromise on basic necessities.  

Celebrations are an integral part of life too, and FCF ensures that financial constraints do not diminish the joy of these occasions. When subsidizing weddings or providing tefillin for Bar Mitzvahs, FCF’s “Simcha Assistance” helps families celebrate life’s milestones with full hearts and peace of mind. 

Interest-free loans and utility payment assistance help people facing unexpected financial emergencies or who are struggling to keep up with utility bills. These loans enable recipients to stay afloat, so that temporary setbacks do not lead to lasting hardships. 

Beyond immediate financial aid, FCF invests in the long-term wellbeing of the community through financial mentoring and tutoring services. By equipping individuals with financial management skills and supporting students’ educational journeys, FCF fosters a community of self-reliance and ongoing growth. 

FCF’s Food Pantry ensures that families have access to nutritious food, while their referral services connect individuals to additional support, including mental health resources, clothing, and home repairs. These services collectively ensure that every aspect of community members’ well-being is cared for. 

As FCF continues to fortify the community through these diverse services, they not only address the immediate needs of individuals and families but also build a foundation of strength and resilience. 

The Tangible Impact: Stories of Change and Hope 

The true impact of the Flatbush Community Fund is felt in the quiet relief of parents able to feed their family, the joy of a student who succeeds in school, and the gratitude of a chatan and kallah who can start their lives without crushing debt.  

“When it comes to making a simha, it’s not like we are throwing $500 at somebody. We are really helping them start a family. That’s not a small thing. When it comes to a bar mitzvah, we will subsidize a set of tefillin so no one has to worry about ‘How can I make my son feel special about his bar mitzvah and pay this month’s rent?’” Taylor explained. 

Taylor added that many people who receive support from FCF eventually stabilize and offer to give back to the organization. “I’ve even received envelopes that have one dollar in it, with a letter that says, ‘This is what I can afford. Thank you for helping me.’ That one dollar makes a difference. We need the community to step up and contribute. Everything adds up.” FCF’s services foster a cycle of giving that reinforces our community’s ability to face challenges together. 

FCF is a testament to the strength of our community, showcasing the power of unity and shared responsibility. 

Pnina Souid 

The Mitzvah Man Organization recently received a letter from a man who works in London. His job entails assisting displaced families with a plane ticket and an apartment. He recently needed to help an Israeli refugee family. All he was required to do was supply them with a ticket to New York and an empty apartment. This man wanted to help them to get settled but he did not know who to turn to. The family who would be coming to an empty apartment, with no clothing, no furniture, and no food. He was advised to call the Mitzvah Man Organization. He was shocked by the efficiency and speed that this organization displayed in helping the family settle in, providing for their many needs. 

A Letter of Recommendation 

The letter from the man in London who requests anonymity reads as follows:

Shalom Dear Volunteers of the Mitzvah Man Organization, 

I hope this letter finds you all in good health and high spirits.  

I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the incredible work carried out by the “Mitzvah Man” organization.  

As a dedicated donor, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact your organization has had on the lives of this Israeli refugee family I am helping, in addition to helping countless other individuals and communities. 

From the moment I became involved with the “Mitzvah Man,” I was struck by the unwavering commitment and passion exhibited by the entire team. Your tireless efforts to alleviate poverty, provide primary needs, and promote hesed have truly made a difference in the lives of those who need it most. The effectiveness of the “Mitzvah Man” initiatives is evident in the transformative outcomes achieved, and I am honored to be a part of this remarkable journey. 

One of the most inspiring aspects of the “Mitzvah Man” work is the holistic approach taken towards addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by marginalized communities. By focusing on their primary and most urgent needs, the “Mitzvah Man” ensures that individuals and families are empowered to break free from the cycle of poverty and build a better future for themselves and their families. The comprehensive nature of your programs not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term sustainability, creating lasting change in the lives of beneficiaries. 

Furthermore, I have been consistently impressed by the transparency and accountability demonstrated by the “Mitzvah Man.” As a donor, it is reassuring to know that my contributions are being utilized effectively and efficiently. The regular updates and follow-up provided by your organization have instilled a sense of trust and confidence in me, further motivating me to continue supporting your cause. 

I firmly believe that the success of any organization lies in the dedication and commitment of its volunteers. The “Mitzvah Man” has been successful in attracting and retaining a diverse group of individuals who selflessly give their time, skills, and resources to support your mission. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among volunteers is truly inspiring, and it is a testament to the positive and inclusive environment fostered by the “Mitzvah Man.” 

In conclusion, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the entire “Mitzvah Man” team for their unwavering dedication, compassion, and effectiveness in making a difference in the lives of those in need. Your organization has not and will not only transform the lives of beneficiaries but has also inspired countless individuals, like myself, to commit more to the cause. I am proud to be associated with the “Mitzvah Man” and look forward to continuing my support in any way possible.  

Thank you once again for your remarkable work and for providing me with the opportunity to be a part of this incredible journey. Together, we can create a Jewish world where every individual has access to the resources and opportunities they deserve. 

With warm regards and tizku l’mitzvot to the Mitzvah Man Organization.

The Jewish world suffered a great loss with the passing of Rav Matisyahu Chaim Salomon, zt”l, the beloved mashgiach of Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG) in Lakewood, New Jersey on January 2nd. 

Rabbi Salomon passed away at 86, after a long illness. He leaves behind a profound legacy as a greatly respected Torah scholar, speaker, author, and authority on Jewish education. He was a leading advocate for the study of mussar, and for the practice of spiritual introspection. 

Rabbi Salomon was a leader of klal Yisrael. He had a unique ability to address our generation’s needs and challenges. With intense passion and compassion he was able to inspire diverse crowds to commit to  greater adherence to Torah and mitzvot. 

From England to America 

Born in 1937 in Gateshead, England, Rabbi Salomon dedicated his life to the pursuit of Torah study and spiritual growth.  

Rabbi Salomon served as the mashgiach in Gateshead Yeshiva for 35 years. He was recognized for his deep commitment to Jewish education and his unwavering dedication to his students. He left Gateshead to assume the position as the mashgiach of Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, New Jersey, one of the leading yeshivas in the United States. 

Throughout his illustrious career, Rabbi Salomon inspired generations of students with his profound wisdom, humility, and devotion to Torah values. His teachings emphasized the importance of character development, ethical conduct, and the pursuit of excellence in both religious and secular studies. 

Reaching Out and Reaching In 

In addition to serving as a mentor and spiritual guide to many, Rabbi Salomon was a prolific author. He  explored various aspects of Jewish philosophy, ethics, and personal growth. His writings will continue to inspire those seeking a deeper understanding of their Jewish faith. 

Rabbi Salomon was actively involved in community outreach, offering guidance and support to individuals from all walks of life. His compassionate nature and ability to connect with others on a personal level made him a beloved figure both inside and outside of the Jewish community. Stories abound regarding Rabbi Salomon’s empathic approach to helping all Jews who came to him for guidance, advice, questions, or just to cry on his shoulder.  

In recent years, Rabbi Salomon became a sought-after speaker, delivering lectures and shiurim that resonated with audiences around the world. He touched the hearts of thousands, while providing them with needed guidance as they embarked on their spiritual journeys. 

As the leader of Ichud HaKehillos, Rabbi Salomon was a driving force behind the famed 2012 asifah (rally) at Queens’ Citi Field, which addressed the dangers of the internet. 

Inspiring Influence  

Rabbi Salomon’s passing has left a void in the hearts of the American Jewish community. His extraordinary life and unwavering commitment to Torah values have influenced the countless individuals he touched. We have lost a tremendous Torah voice, which was imbued with compassion. Rabbi Salomon truly cared about each and every Jew. 

Rabbi Salomon tremendously influenced his students, community members, and followers. His words, teachings, and acts of kindness will continue to inspire and guide the Jewish community. 

May his memory be a blessing… 

Yehi zichro baruch.