Rabbi Ephraim Rubinstein Remembered for Piety and Charity
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
A memorial event honored Rabbi Ephraim Rubinstein on the seventh day after his passing at the Kerem Yavne Yeshiva. Speakers highlighted his diligent daily schedule, deep piety, and extensive, discreet acts of charity. His son-in-law shared personal stories illustrating his meticulous observance of Jewish law and profound kindness, even in his final days. The gathering reflected on his dedication to study and helping others.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Ephraim Rubinstein was honored at a memorial event marking the seventh day since his passing.
- Speakers at the event detailed his organized daily routine and commitment to study.
- Rabbi Rubinstein was known for his extensive and discreet acts of charity.
- His son-in-law shared personal stories of his meticulous observance of Jewish law.
- He continued to express gratitude even during his final illness.
- Rabbi Rubinstein's last uttered word was reportedly 'Ana'.
A memorial gathering was held at the Kerem Yavne Yeshiva to mark the seventh day since the passing of Rabbi Ephraim Rubinstein, a revered scholar. The Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Aharon Friedman, described Rabbi Rubinstein's meticulously organized daily routine, which included checking the kashrut in the kitchen on Sundays, teaching Halacha on Mondays, and hosting students and guests in need of warmth and love on Shabbat. Rabbi Friedman also recounted Rabbi Rubinstein's remarkable self-control, noting instances where he would briefly nap to regain focus for his studies. He further testified that Rabbi Rubinstein often performed acts of kindness for others, requesting that his involvement remain secret, and discreetly channeled aid to the needy.
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Blechman, a lecturer at the yeshiva for overseas students, highlighted Rabbi Rubinstein's rare combination of reverence for heaven and acts of kindness, stating he was the only person he knew who truly embodied the principle of always keeping God in sight. Blechman emphasized that Rabbi Rubinstein's charity was not merely a sense of duty but an intrinsic part of his nature, giving without limit.
Rabbi Shlomo Prive, Rabbi Rubinstein's son-in-law, shared moving personal anecdotes. He recounted a time when Rabbi Rubinstein refused to accept help from a student he had lent money to, fearing it could be construed as interest. In another instance, after donating a Torah scroll, Rabbi Rubinstein requested a scribe secretly rewrite the final letter, concerned he might have inadvertently assisted with his left hand while writing with his right, thus seeking to avoid any halachic doubt. Prive also shared that Rabbi Rubinstein delayed his arrival at a family Purim meal to deliver gifts to the needy, and even during his final illness, expressed gratitude for every nurse, blood test, injection, or pill, and even conveyed thanks with mere air when he lost his voice.
In his final moments, Rabbi Rubinstein, while asleep, repeatedly uttered the word "Ana," which his son-in-law suggested could be interpreted as a plea, "Please, Lord, for I am Your servant."
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