A tsaddik in our midst

A tsaddik in our midst

A rare man has been taken from us and we are bereft of a loving family man, a master teacher, a gentle soul, a sensitive guide, a talmid hakham and friend. Whenever I was in Rabbi Dubrawsky's presence, I smiled. He didn't have to say anything; didn't have to do anything. Just to be in his presence was a rare joy that made me forget whatever was troubling. He filled me with simcha. We spoke about many things, and yet we both knew that they were all connected to the Ehad. Once we spoke about Shmurah Matsah, and he confided that he always carried some in his pocket, this Lehem Oni, Humble Bread of Affliction, Zekher Le'Ye'tsiyat Mitsrayim, a remembrance of freedom and thanksgiving. From that day onwards, I always checked his suit pocket and there it was!
Last year, just after Pesach 5772 (2012), I was visiting my daughter Rahel who was living in Yerushalayim. It was mid-afternoon, Erev Shabbas, as we navigated our way through the crowded outdoor market, Mahaneh Yehudah. Suddenly, I heard someone call my name as if from the Sneh Bo'air, the Burning Bush. I thought it was a mistake so we kept walking but the voice kept calling. We stopped and looked up in astonishment: it was Reb Lipa and Dena who had just arrived in Israel a few hours earlier. Now here was a double joy: to not only be in the Dubrawskys' presence but to also be with them in Yerushalayim! May his memory always be for a blessing. May his family be comforted and his students, after mourning, be inspired to ever-deeper learning. We miss you terribly. TNTB"H.

Yosef Wosk
Vancouver