TWO SIFREI TORAH: ONE SAVED FROM BURNING; ONE “BURNED” IN EFFECT
Kibbutz Givat HaShlosha (near Petach Tikva) had a tiny 18-meter Synagogue, which AH helped them build, and brought them Sifrei Torah. It was so small that on many Shabbosim men had to stand outside to daven. Shabbos Terumah the Synagogue burned to the ground. Thank G-d due to the heroic efforts of the Synagogue’s neighbor the two Sifrei Torah were saved. Unfortunately, in the process he was severely injured and is still in Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tivka. Please daven for the complete recovery of Ron Ben Sarah.
Contrast the story at Kibbutz Shlomit’s Synagogue, where a neighbor, an accountant of significant professional standing, vehemently opposed its existence so much so that he tried everything he could to close it down—complaining to highest government and utility authorities, and even filing a suit against it in municipal court. Undaunted, AH’s avreich, Rav Yosef Perachim who together with his wife, have been living there for 12 years always treated this person with great respect; always greeted him with Sever Panim Yafos. After 9 years of dealing with his vehement opposition Rav Perachim found an opportunity to ask: “do you know what you are even fighting about? [Tongue in cheek Rav Perachim added:] If you knew what you were fighting against you would fight harder.” The neighbor laughed, and then decided to continue talking and occasionally learning with the Rav. Finally, he moved away to Kibbutz Chanita. Rav Perachim stayed in touch with him and suggested that he join AH’s Chavruta program which he did. He continued to learn b’chavruta. He was so inspired that he encouraged his wife to do the same and he wrote to his many friends recommending they also join AH’s Chavruta Program A short time after he had written to his friends he suddenly collapsed and died. May Ofer Cohen Ben Yitzhak’s name be for a blessing. AH avreichim are learning Mishnayos li’luy nishmaso.
