I would like to share that I see without coincidence Rabbi Silberman’s Petira was on 5 Shevat which is the same date as the passing of Rabbi Yehuda Leib Alter Gerrer Chassidic Master also known as the Sfas Emes. Rabbi Silberman also passed away on Parashas Bo -which has the three last plagues one of which includes darkness. I was so touched by the quote that he wrote and which was forwarded to the group:
“People are like stained glass windows, they sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within” Shabbat Shalom 🙂.
Parashas Bo also holds the quintessential mitzva of Vehigadeta Levincha – the obligation to teach every child « Torah Tziva La-nu Moshe. ». The obligation and fundamental concepts of Chinuch is based on this line alone. I don’t know of anyone that was skilled as Rabbi Silberman to light the boys from within. He kindled that spark in boys battling such a heavy heavy darkness. Rabbi, I appreciate everything you did for my son and for us.
Reading all these stories – how did you manage to be so present? You were interested in all the details of every single event and happening, and you followed up to find out how things were going.
« Levincha » Rabbi, you have many Kinderlach. and you took it upon yourself to ensure that the Torah with such incredible patience was transmitted even though you saw the darkness you made your way through that to light these boys up. You never gave up. You knew that if you showed them the Torah by example and through love-why would they want anything else.
By lighting up their Neshomos you would light up the flame of the Compassionate One -ki ner Elokim Nishmas Adam. Thank you, Rabbi Silberman, we will miss you but we know you are forever with us. Thank you Rebbetzin Silberman for being meshutaf in his tafkid. You are an incredible woman. You now know you have many kinderlach and future generations that will follow from all this work sowed.
Eva R