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Huge funeral for rabbinical pillar of SA Jewry
Some 3 000 people – from all walks of life – and practically every rabbi in Gauteng attended the funeral of Rabbi Norman (Nachman) Meir Bernhard at West Park Jewish Cemetery on Thursday. Pictured are pallbearers which included dignitaries such as Rabbi Avraham Tanzer, Rabbi Mendel Lipskar, Rabbi Yossy Goldman and Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein. Photo: ILAN OSSENDRYVER FOR SA JEWISH REPORT
SUZANNE BELLING
Son-in-law Rabbi Isadore Rubenstein paid tribute to “Abba” in an inspirational message, describing him as a talmid of Rabbi Joseph B Soloveitchik and later as a chosid of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
Likening him to the greatest leaders, Moshe Rabbeinu and Moses’ brother Aaron, Rabbi Rubenstein said Rabbi Bernhard had possessed the combined qualities of both men – Aaron having been a people’s person and Moshe a visionary. “Aaron realised the vision of Moshe”, whereas the biblical brothers complemented each other.
This combination, said Rabbi Rubenstein, was even present in his father-in-law’s names – Nachman (comforter) and Meir (source of light and truth).
He referred to Rabbi Bernhard’s sensitivity at funerals and other times and never castigating his shul leaders or congregants if they were not observant.
He termed Rabbi Bernhard a perfectionist and described his special partnership with his wife, Joan, and paid tribute to the doctors, members of Hatzolah and the tefillin group, who had helped and cared for Rabbi Bernhard.
“He is finally completely connected (to Hashem) without the distractions of this world… we pray that every one of us will perpetuate his memory and that he will take his combined vision to the right side of the Aibishter”.
Rabbis who took part in the service at the graveside were Rabbi Mendel Lipskar, head of the Lubavitch Foundation, Rabbi Avraham Tanzer, rabbi of the Yeshiva College Hebrew Congregation and rosh yeshiva, Yeshiva College, and Rabbi Levi Wineberg, who delivered a personal message.
Rabbi Bernhard’s grandson, Levi Singer, recited the Hazkarah.
In the photograph, pallbearers include Rabbi Avraham Tanzer, Rabbi Mendel Lipskar, Rabbi Yossy Goldman and Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein (Photo by Ilan Ossendryver)
A memorial service will be held at Oxford Synagogue on Monday, October 6, at 18:00.
Also read on SAJR.CO.ZA
- Rabbi who spoke out for SA justice and Jewish values – SUZANNE BELLING
- SA Jewry’s great debt to Rabbi Nachman Bernhard – RABBI YOSSY GOLDMAN
- Huge funeral for rabbinical pillar of SA Jewry – SUZANNE BELLING
- My memories of Rabbi Norman Bernhard – RABBI GAVIN MICHAL
Michelle, Barry Kusman & Family and the Late Grischa(Harry) & Gertie Kaftel
October 6, 2014 at 9:24 pm
‘There are no words to describe the sadness in my heart and soul for a wonderful man. Rabbi Bernhard was so much more than what anyone could even begin to put down on paper. Ever since I was 13 years old Rabbi was a HUGE part of our lives. He and my late father had a close friendship and through their friendship I got to know Rabbi. His passing has left a void in my life that cannot be explained or filled. He was a man I respected. One does not get respect, one earns it and there was no one more worthy of respect from everyone that he came in contact with than Rabbi . Rabbi was always around for me even when I never saw him I would hear his voice advising me. An example was at my late father’s funeral. One of our twins wanted to go into the private room where my late father was. I had never done this myself and told my son that he could not come in. ( he was 11 years old).Our son said \”I never asked you. I am telling you\” Before I could answer him I heard Rabbi say \”It’s okay, let him go in \”
In 1988 my late father had a heart attack in Durban and Rabbi wanted to get on a plane and come. That is the friend that he was to my dad.
A few weeks later as they were wheeling my dad in for bypass surgery Rabbi put a prayer in plastic and and then in an envelope and placed it under my father’s pillow as he walked beside him praying psalm 23. It is now 26 years later and I have given that prayer to people that have been very ill and they returned it to me when they recovered. It is one of my most treasured possessions.
Rabbi, taught me so much and I always turned to him for advise and he always had time to talk to me.
He taught me the difference between being religious and being observant.
He helped me make major decisions in my life. I always knew after speaking with him with 100% certainty that the decisions were correct. I never doubted him. He always gave me enough information to provoke thought and analysis of every question and answer them with clarity.
Through Rabbi, I got to know his beloved and special wife Joan and some of the children. They are such a special family.
Almost 40 years ago Rabbi married my husband and I. As many knew there were tapes for the future bride and groom to listen to seperately and then a few to listen to together. I realized years later that I had not returned them to Rabbi and felt embararssed telling him. He was overjoyed because he never had the master copy and was happy that he finally had a copy.
Rabbi, touched the lives of each of our sons in unique and very special ways. Each of them felt Rabbi’s special caring of them as individuals with their own particular interests.
One could not help but feel his presence which one cannot explain because I don’t know anyone with the beauty that his spirit exuded.
I now understand what Rabbi was teaching me years ago when he told me that I was religious by the way I lived my life but that he wished that I was more observant.
I promise to take the steps to honor Rabbi Bernhard’s wishes because with his passing I have realized that there must be a special place where Rabbi and my late father are. When my time comes I would like if possible to rejoin with 2 of the most special men in my life.
May your memory be for a blessing as was your life.
‘