Simons Couple 2nd Yahrzeit

Tzemach Tzedek Community Centre, Sydney Australia held an evening commemorating the 2nd Yahrzeit of Zev and Rochel Simons OBM on Monday night.

Rabbi Yehuda Speilman was the MC who introduced Rabbi Blasenstein to say the Mishnayos corresponding to the Hebrew letters of their names. In each Mishna recited he connected it to one of their special qualities.

People who attended were asked to share a story or say some words about them.

Velvel Lederman mentioned about his long relationship that lasted over 50 years, including going to school and university. Rabbi Lieberman mentioned how he taught with Zev for 27 years.

Rabbi Yanky Barber of Melbourne shared a personal story and how Zev always did things in the proper, peaceful way and with Eidelkeit.

Ari Leuchter, a close friend, mentioned his special calibre and what a unique individual he was and what a privilege it was to be his friend.

Rabbi Amzalak mentioned some past experiences and how Zev would spend every spare moment saying Tehillim or doing a kind deed. How Rochel was always caring for people in the community and involved in the Mikvah and how she carried the Midda of Rochel Imeinu, of always doing something for others.

Rochel’s father, Mr. Mark Braham, spoke about the family as it is today and how both Zev and Rochel would do twice as much in half the time.

He made a special mention of the grandchildren and the special qualities that they have today due to the upbringing they received from their parents. He also made a special thank you to everyone at Tzemach Tzedek.

Steven Simons, Zev’s youngest brother, spoke about how Zev was his mentor. He loved sport and did things always in a respectful way. It was hard to ever say no to him.

He mentioned his recent visit to Los Angeles for Zalman’s bar mitzvah and how the family is together and that we should all get a lot of Nachas from them all. Steven mentioned how both Zev and Rochel were able to communicate with anybody with no difference in age.

Maariv was recited followed by a farbrengen where many stories were shared. Yossi Raskin shared a personal story that is with him every day. His special smile and special quality in teaching people and his love for yiddishkeit and his children. Yossi ended off by saying I knew him for a very short period but it felt like a lifetime.

Dovid Deitz spoke about his experience in Melbourne with Zev and the connection they had with Reb Zalman Serebryanski. Dovid mentioned that Zev had similar qualities and it didn’t make a difference what type of person you were, average, smart, rich poor Zev knew how to connect to that person. Zev was a true example of a person that emulated Rabbi Serebryanski.

The farbrengen continued with many many more stories. Other events were held in Melbourne and Crown Heights.