Memorial Book for Rabbi Zelig Sharfstein of Cincinnati, Ohio

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wasn't in a beauty contest, but was deciding Halacha - and that doing so was an enormous responsibility. On the other hand, I re-member numerous times when he went out of his way to help others, even when he had to say no to something.
I remember a case in the old Kreitmans Butcher Shop when he had to prohibit the use of a certain popular item because the Hashgacha was unreliable. He stood up strong and ruled that it could not be used under any circumstances. But then he smiled and said: "I believe there are two similar products that might do very well as substitutes."
He went on to say, "The first is available from a local distributor but costs a bit more. The second is available out of town, but is cheaper and has a longer shelf life." Being firm and consistent yet caring enough to go the extra mile for someone trying to pro-vide kosher, showed that he truly cared and everyone was happy to make the changes that needed to be made.
The external part of Rabbi Sharfstein is now missing, like the name of Moshe in this week's portion. Yet I thank G-d for the nu-merous parts of his self that he shared with me over the past 23 years. Somehow, that inner essence of his self still remains. I hope and pray that I can live up to his teachings and look forward to the coming of Moshiach when all souls will return to life and we will be able to see and appreciate both the inner and the exter-nal dimensions of this great man. May that day be soon and let us say, AMEN.



In honor of Shloshim 5 Adar 2, 5768