Memories of Rabbi Auerbach's Childhood with Rabbi Charlap

Recent recollections from the late Rabbi Mordechai Auerbach, son of Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, offer a glimpse into his childhood in Jerusalem's Sha'arei Hesed neighborhood and his memories of Rabbi Yaakov Moshe Charlap, the community's spiritual leader. These memories, collected for the book "Shirat HaYam" about Rabbi Charlap's life, focus on the High Holidays and Simchat Torah.

Rabbi Mordechai Auerbach, who passed away recently, recalled Rabbi Charlap's profound connection to the Sukkot holiday, during which he would remain in his Sukkah for nearly the entire week. A particularly vivid memory for Auerbach was the procession on Simchat Torah, when Rabbi Charlap, dressed in white, would emerge from his Sukkah carrying a Torah scroll and lead a joyous march, accompanied by singing and dancing, to the Gra Synagogue for prayers. This departure from the Sukkah was a significant annual event for the neighborhood's residents, who would gather to witness and join the celebration.

Auerbach also remembered Rabbi Charlap's solemn demeanor on Rosh Hashanah, particularly during the shofar blowing. He described him as appearing like an "angel of God," meticulously observing the strictest interpretations of the laws regarding the shofar blasts, even instructing the blower to repeat them if not performed perfectly. His sister, Rachel Goldberg, also shared childhood memories of eagerly awaiting Rabbi Charlap's emergence from his Sukkah.

Further recollections from Rabbi Auerbach's brother, Avraham Dov Auerbach, and Rabbi Moshe Tzvi Neria highlight Rabbi Charlap's fervent dancing and singing during Simchat Torah, often repeating phrases like "Ve'sham, ve'sham" and "Al Yisrael emunato." Rabbi Neria also recounted Rabbi Charlap's deep respect for his own teacher, Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, explaining that he would make a separate trip to greet him during Sukkot to fully honor the commandment of "facing the rabbi."

These memories, preserved by Rabbi Mordechai Auerbach until his passing, paint a picture of a vibrant religious community centered around Rabbi Charlap's spiritual leadership and his passionate observance of Jewish holidays. The recollections gain added poignancy with Rabbi Auerbach's recent death.