The Short Vort by Rabbi Eisenman

I am writing these words from Yerushalayim where I made an unexpected trip on Sunday.

My Uncle, R’ Avrohom Shlomo ben Yosef Nosson Nota, passed away in Yerushalayim on Shabbos.

My uncle was a great man.

He left behind a legion of family members who are all Shomer Torah U’Mitvohs and imbued all with a great love of Erez Yisroel.

He finished Shas multiple times and distributed Tzedoka is great amounts.

Yet, for me, his greatness manifested itself in his humility and his unassumingness.

He was clean shaven and never walked in rabbinic garb, although he knew more than most ever realized.

He was a simple Jew who never missed a Minyan in eighty years.

To me, he was my father-like figure.

He loved me like a son and indeed he was more a father to me than an uncle.

Since my father passed away 26 years ago, he has been the Patriarch of the family.

He taught me by example and through me his teaching has impacted on so many of you as well.

His gentle and non-confrontational manner of dealing with all and his tremendous love of the Jewish people were the hallmarks of his personality.

It was difficult sitting on the plane in a middle seat for over ten hours, not to mention the cost of a last minute ticket.

However, he was my father figure, my mentor, my guide; I knew I had to come; I loved him with all my heart.

I miss him greatly.