Rabbi Fatchia Neria Remembers His Father as a Guiding Light of Kindness and Torah

In a heartfelt interview, Rabbi Fatchia Neria reflected on the profound influence of his father, Rabbi Moshe Tzvi Neria, the founder of Bnei Akiva and a leader of Religious Zionism. He described how his father connected his children to the great sages of Israel, making their teachings and personalities a living part of their home life. Every Jewish holiday and memorial day was an opportunity to study Torah and remember the teachings of past great rabbis, such as the Vilna Gaon and the Baal Shem Tov, through engaging stories that brought these figures closer to the family.

Rabbi Fatchia emphasized his father’s exceptional dedication to kindness and respect for every person. Guests were always warmly welcomed, with his father personally attending to their needs, even peeling fruit or offering food. His sensitivity extended to travel, where he insisted that women remain seated beside their husbands, refusing to take their place in the front seat.

In the final weeks of his life, Rabbi Moshe Tzvi Neria continued to inspire, personally gifting books with inscriptions to students who came to pray with him. Rabbi Fatchia concluded by describing his father’s image as a "tower of light" that continues to guide his path and expressed a prayer that this light will shine on future generations for many years to come.