Unfortunately, Jewish news is often filled with tragic news and stories. But every once in a while, there comes the story of an individual who is so inspiring, that even without knowing them, the reader feels a deep sense of loss that they are no longer in this world.
Rabbi Moshe Tzarfati was well-known in his Israel community for his extraordinary love of every kind of Jew and remarkable outreach efforts. From hospitals to prison cells, he would go anywhere to find lost Jewish souls and would draw them closer to their heritage with his warm smile.
This would be an incredible level of dedication for anyone, but there was something different about Rabbi Tzarfati’s story: Two and a half years ago, it abruptly ended, when he was killed in the Meron tragedy. [Click here to help his widow] His teacher, Rabbi Shalom Arush, tells unbelievable details that give insight into what an incredible person he was:
“He would gather all the young people for…Shabbat at his home and through that many young men returned to repentance. Every Shabbat night between 10 to 15 boys would come to his house, even though at that time he had difficulties financially, he would host and have a table packed and full of everything good in a way that is not possible to describe…There was a homey feeling for everyone…And as testified by seven hundred people, who even if they met him only a few times, how he would light up everyone with his special loving smile of love….for all types, religious, non-religious, ultra-orthodox, traditional, Knitted Kipah, Hassidim, Sephardim, Lithuanians, yeshiva boys, in short, every Jew, however he was.”
Rabbi Tzarfati’s name has now resurfaced after Rabbi Arush made an urgent plea for help on behalf of Rabbi Tzarfati’s widow, who has been sinking further and further into debt since her husband’s untimely passing: Click here to help Rabbi Tzarfati’s widow>>>
“We miss Daddy so much, and financially it hasn’t been easy. Every month we sink deeper into debt and now, we are on the verge of homelessness. If you can help us at all, we would really appreciate it so much. I am so scared, and I am shouldering this burden all alone.”