Artist Couple Creates Sand Art Tribute for Rabbi Shneur Katz on First Yahrzeit

Artist Racheli Bender and her husband Danny, both students of the late Rabbi Shneur Katz, produced a special sand art clip to commemorate the first anniversary of his passing. The clip features the voice of Rabbi Katz narrating the story "Until the Blows and From the Blows," focusing on the tale of the Chozeh of Lublin and Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk. Rabbi Katz, head of the Nachalat Yisrael Yeshiva in Migdal HaEmek, passed away after a long battle with illness. His funeral in Migdal HaEmek was attended by thousands.

Rabbi Meir Katz, his brother, delivered a eulogy emphasizing Rabbi Shneur's faith and acceptance of divine will, quoting him saying, "Everything is directed and precise by God, and what must be is the best that can be." He highlighted Rabbi Shneur's dedication to students and his refusal to leave a soldier alone during his military service. Rabbi Meir also recalled his brother's efforts to strengthen students and establish new yeshivas, and his practice of encouraging acts of kindness like offering to help others put on tefillin.

Rabbi Simcha Shtetner, head of the yeshiva and president of Nachalat Yisrael institutions, praised Rabbi Shneur's humility and uplifting spirit. He recounted how Rabbi Shneur would call him late at night seeking spiritual support, and how even during his hospitalization, he remained focused on others' needs. Rabbi Shtetner described visiting Rabbi Shneur daily in his final weeks and getting to know his devoted family, noting the rabbi's concern about leaving the world with unresolved matters involving others.