Today, זאת חנוכה, ג טבת, is the 4th yahrzeit of Rabbi Peretz Hecht ע”ה.
Reb Peretz, a resident of the Crown Heights community, made a profound impact on countless individuals in the neighborhood, as well as elsewhere. His youthful energy imbued with Chassidishe varemkeit inspired both young and old alike.
Reb Peretz was a Moshiachdik yid, seamlessly blending the past, present, and hope for the future. His was a life of a true Chossid, his chayus for a life of Kedusha and Hiskashrus was palpable. His בסבר יפות קבלת פנים put everyone at ease. Indeed, it is hard to capture Reb Peretz in words, but anyone who knew him as a teacher, a friend, or a משפיע, was enriched by him.
A favorite מעשה of Reb Peretz, one he would retell yearly at Moshiach’s seudah in Baltimore, MD, in connection with יחץ – the broken middle matza, was an anecdote of the Rebbe Maharash. The anecdote, which exemplified Reb Peretz’s persona, is as follows: The Rebbe of Slonim relayed what he witnessed by The Rebbe Maharash. The Rebbe was sitting regally, wearing a golden watch in each pocket with a golden chain between the watches stretched across his chest, all with great glory. But, in between the two watches, there was a broken heart, the total and complete bitul of a True Tzaddik.
In his later years, Reb Peretz was a מישבin the Oholei Torah zal. Any bochurim who learned with him can attest to his love for them and chayus in learning. To continue his work with תלמידי הישיבה, Pathways to Iyun continues to be learnt at Oholei Torah and is accessible to the public on the web rabbihecht.wordpress.com.
It would be a big zechus לעלוי נשמת Peretz ben Yehoshua ע”ה, Rabbi Peretz Hecht, for his Talmidim, and for his friends and family near and far, to learn and/or to do a mitzvah on this day.
I spent 3 years in OT zal, loved learning with R. Peretz – amazing אמת’ע chossid, someone that actualy cared about the bochurim – someone one can look up to.
He was a neighbor for many years & we loved him & Rebetzin Chaya (she should live & be well.) My husband in particular was very drawn to him and held him in the highest regard – he was a true Chosid. May his neshama have an Aliyah.
Rabbi Hecht is sorely missed!!
A true Chossid, lamdin, and yirei shamayim. they dont make them like they used to!