5 years ago

Heartfelt Letter: Zalmy, Ayeka!?

It is through many tears, and a shaking hand, that I write this to you. I simply cannot believe that the Yeshiva just escorted you on your final journey. While your destination, and place in Gan Eden, is guaranteed; Your presence is already missed deeply. Written by Rabbi Gershon Avtzon, Rosh Yeshivas TT”L Cincinnati • Full Article

Written by Rabbi Gershon Avtzon, Rosh Yeshivas TT”L Cincinnati

Dear Zalmy,

Over the years, many people have asked me what my relationship with you is. To some I answered that you were my friend since kindergarten, your Mivtzoim partner of 15 years, while to others I said that I was your employer. In truth, I really always looked at myself as your student.

From you, I learned (or at least saw an example):

How to love each Yid and Talmid without conditions.
How to treasure family and friends.
How to live Chassidus and truly serve Hashem.
Deep Hiskashrus and anticipation for Geula.
Unlimited optimism about life and “the future of Lubavitch.”
How love and structure blend as one in Chinuch,
How to connect with my own children.
How to gain the respect of all groups of Yidden without compromising your principles.

To sum it up: What it means to be EMES! There is an expression: “Truth will never go out of style, because it is never in style!” You did not care about the style of the times, you only cared about Emes and it showed and impacted all around you. The Hayom Yom of today: “My revered father, the Rebbe [Rashab], once said: “A Chassid creates an environment.” That is you”!

Dearest Zalmy: They do not need people of Emes in Olam Ha’Emes, we need you here with us in the world of Sheker. You were the moral compass for hundreds of people. Whether we were your classmates or teachers, we are all your students. I know it is against your nature to demand and scream, but please do so – in front of the Kisei Hakavod – on our behalf!

I can’t wait to continue the Farbrengen that never seemed to end every time we spoke………

With love and tears,

Gershy

***

Please help the Baras family, at Charidy.com/barasfamilyfund

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Tags: BD"H, Gershon Avtzon, Rabbi Baras

Chaim & Esther Melamed(Chicago)

He was such a perfect Rebbe for shiur alef .
He was aidel, kind, sweet,and a role model, perfect for boys going away from home to yeshiva for their first time.
He guided them boyhood to bochurhood, and the connection continued well after.
והקיצו ורננו with Moshiach NOW
חיים

this letter is only the tip of the iceberg of the amount you can learn from rabbi baras !
Talmid of Rabbi Bares

After I left Cincinnati, I couldn’t find a mashpia, that I felt understand me, that I was comfortable with like Rabbi Bares. So I continued to call Rabbi Bares every time I needed advice and guidance. And honestly the effect that he had on me was truly everlasting, much of the way I am today is thanks to him. Last year a little before yud shvat, after hearing he was fully cured from his sickness, I wanted to call him for a mashpia talk, so I texted asking if we can speak. He responded, tomorrow should be good. The next day I called him, but he didn’t pick up the phone, he called me back later, but I couldn’t pick up the phone because it was during sader in yeshiva. This back and forth happened several times. I thought it was kind of strange, I thought, doesn’t Rabbi Bares know the sader of yeshivas. Eventually I get through to him, he sounded very excited to speak to me, and we spoke for close to an hour probably. Then he mentioned sorry for the back and forth, some times I feel very not good so I wasn’t able to take your call. Over yud shvat I asked around and right away found out that he got yenemachle again.
That is just one of the many stories I can say that demonstrate, what a caring, sincere, real person he was.
Rabbi Bares the tears are endless. I’ll remember you and you’ll truly be a part of me forever.
Ad mosai, Ad mosai, Ad mosai!!