The Short Vort by Rabbi Eisenman

In memory of Yakov Chaim ben Dovid Z’L on his Fifth Yahrtzeit

It was Sunday, April 5^, 2020, when I received the first text.

Yakov wrote, “Hi, Yakov Henigson here. I’m in the hospital. Have felt too weak to daven or put on Tefillin, is that ok?”

On Tuesday, April 7^, the day before Erev Pesach, Yakov wrote, “Breathing ok with an oxygen mask. Hard to talk. Heart rate remains high. Concerning. What should I do if they serve me chometz or Kitniyos?”

I never imagined that that would be the last time I would communicate with Yakov.

For the next fourteen weeks, Yakov battled mightily against COVID-19.

Unfortunately, on Monday, July 13^, the 21^st of Tammuz, Yakov’s body had no more strength, and he returned his Neshama to Hashem.

Hundreds of people worldwide davened for his recovery.

Yet, Hashem had other plans, and the Coronavirus ultimately ended Yakov’s life at the age of 48.

He left behind two wonderful daughters, Shevi and Meira, both married to Bnei Torah, and a fourteen-year-old son, Aharon.

Yet, most of all, he left behind his Aishes Chayil, Debbie.

Debbie Henigson moved heaven and earth to heal her husband and bring him back home in her attempts, both spiritually and medically.

She refused to give in, and after the levaya, it was his wife Debbie who felt his loss the most.

Yakov was a pure and gentle soul.

He davened every day with a Minyan and learned many Masechtos in his short time here.

He would write small Post-it notes and leave them on his children’s seats in the kitchen for them to see in the morning.

He would write, “Good luck on your Chumash test,” or “I am very proud of you for the beautiful report card you brought home.”

His son Aharon has saved hundreds of these priceless mementos of his father.

Yakov loved his family very deeply.

 He would often consult with me to determine the best path for them.

 He was ecstatic to have had the Zechus to bring both of his daughters to the Chupa and marry Bnei Torah.

I would see him in the Beis Medrash before six in the morning, learning by himself. When I asked him why he doesn’t have a Chavrusa, he replied, “I am my Chavrusa. I never have to worry about my Chavrusa showing up or not. When I am here, my Chavrusa is always here with me!”

As his fifth Yahrtzeit has arrived, we remember lovingly Yakov Chaim ben Dovid Z’L.

We remember his gentleness and his kindness.

We recall his love for his wife and children, and we miss him greatly.

May his memory be for a brocha for all of us.