Photos: Shneur Moryosef/COLlive
A large and diverse crowd filled the hall at Eshel Hospitality Center this past Monday, gathered to commemorate and pay tribute to a man they each felt they knew on a personal level, R’ Ezra Nagar OBM. Mendy Pellin, his son-in-law, led and emceed the event.
The evening began with words by Rabbi Tanami, Chief Rabbi of Rechasim, founder and director of Girl’s Town Or Chadash. Rabbi Tanami would regularly visit R’ Ezra during his frequent visits to the States. He was a close friend; the two would often join in song and dance at R’ Ezra’s home Melave Malkas. He highlighted Ezra’s love of life, Ahavas Yisrael and hospitality.
Rabbi Mendel Yuzevich, Principal of Yeshiva Ohr Menachem and Rov of Congregation Anshei Moshe Shul in Crown Heights, spoke of Ezra’s love and commitment to a Shul he so loved. He highlighted Ezra’s unique contribution to the developing community and his broad and deep Torah knowledge.
A previous landlord and now a family relative, R’ Michoel Brummel, shared stories of his initial encounter with R’ Ezra and his family during their first years after moving to the US. The stories highlighted his selflessness, Mesirus Nefesh and Chesed done for others.
R’ Ezra’s four sons spoke beautifully of their memories and relationship with their father, and three of his grandchildren spoke briefly, too. The audience then watched a moving video that highlighted significant events and milestones in R’ Ezra’s life, with a common theme of Simcha.
R’ Ezra was a hard-worker, raised a beautiful family, with good Middos and Yiras Shomayim, and created a great legacy. In his short time with us he has made a lasting impact on many, beyond his family and close friends. The large crowd that gathered for his Shloshim, overflowing the hall, is testimony to Ezra’s love for people and life.
The evening concluded with Sofer, Rabbi Gad Sebbag, starting a Sefer Torah in Ezra’s memory. Up until suffering a right-hand injury in 1996 Ezra was a Sofer. As such, the Nagar family felt it was most fitting to honor their father with the writing of a new Sefer Torah, and invite the community to join their efforts by contributing to this project.
Please visit TorahforEzra.com
