Your father, Yoni, was my GURU from the age of 13 throughout my growing up years – the years of searching for the meaning of life and one’s identity. He opened my mind and eyes. It was truly painful when he had to leave South Africa on an exit visa.
The years passed, I married and we made Aliya to Kfar Haroe. Then one day, my eldest son came home to tell me that a new SAfrican talmid arrived at Kerem Beyavne, Jonathan Isaacson. I could not believe it. You came to visit and the rest is history. We had the privilege of making 7 brachot for you and Julie and of re-connecting with the Rav who so influenced my youth.
And, now ,over the past week, I was able to read, feel the enormous wave of Hakarat Hatov that is pouring out from so very many people from all walks of life to Rabbi Benny Isaacson and I was reminded of a poem that a dear friend sent me when I was sitting Shiva. I would like to share with you and your family—it is so appropriate
” A life is like a song we write
In our own tone and key,
Each life we touch reflects a note
That forms the melody.
We choose the theme and chorus
Of the song to bear our name,
And each will have a special sound,
No two can be the same.
So, when someone we love departs,
In memory we find
Their song plays on within the hearts
Of those they leave behind.
יהי זכרו ברוך
המקום ינחמכם עם שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
In friendship
Esther Tolkien
The Struggle Rabbi 