Memorial Book for Rabbi Zelig Sharfstein of Cincinnati, Ohio

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Cincinnati Hebrew Day School Newsletter Written by Rabbi Yuval Kernerman, principal
B"H
Cincinnati Hebrew Day School
Samuel and Rachel Boymel Campus Newsletter
Friday. 9 Adar. ~ 5768 February 15, 2008
PARSHAS: Tetzaveh
Shabbos Lighting 5:55p.m. Shabbos ends 6:58 p.m.
All parents of children in kindergarten and the 4-year-old class: Please contact Mrs. Shapiro to register and re-register for Ed Choice.
Dear Parents and Friends:
In Parshas Tetzave, we learn about the Kohen Gadol, or high priest The Torah states in great detail the intricacies associated with the priestly vestments. Two vestments are described with special emphasis: the Tzitz (mitre) and the Choshen (breatplate). The Tzitz was "holy to Hashem" and was worn on the head. This represented the Kohen Gadol as the decisor of questions relating to individual holiness and purity. He would rule on matters of Kashrus, marriage, monetary disputes and other such matters. The Choshen rested on the heart, and assisted the Kohen Gadol in providing guidance to the entire Jewish nation: whether or not to go to war, to call public meetings, and other such affairs For the countless centuries of our exile, we have been devoid of the guidance of the Kohen Gadol. However, Hashem provides each and every generation with leaders who share the qualities of the high priest, to help rule on individual and communal matters. Alas, our community lost such a leader this week, with the passing of Rabbi Zelig Sharfstein. As we all know, Rabbi Sharfstein was a great scholar, and beloved community leader. In all areas of religious and communal life, he was integrally involved. Aside from Kashrus, the Mikvah, the eruv, Chevra Kaddisha, conversions and marriages, he was the head of our school's vaad hachinuch, and provided guidance every week on school issues. The children always looked forward to his Chanukah visits to give out gelt; however, few realize how much he has been a part of the guidance of our school and community. Like the Kohen Gadol, Rabbi Sharfstein also provided guidance to broader Jewish nation, as a posek (legal authority) for shluchim (Lubavitch Rabbinic emissaries) around the globe. For hours a day, he would answer questions in all areas of Jewish law. I attended the funeral in New York this week, with other community members. In keeping with the Chabad custom, no eulogies were given- even for such a Torah scholar. It gave a rather surreal impression, and drove home the point that nothing really can be said about such a loss- we simply feel an emptiness. I also reflected at that time that, aside from the Chabad custom, it probably would have been the Rov's desire not to be eulogized, due to his tremendous humility.
I invite you to read excerpts from an article found on the Chabad.org website, attached to the newsletter, to gain further insight into the life of Rabbi Sharfstein.
We offer our prayers of comfort to Rebbetzin Sharfstein and the whole Sharfstein family; may Shabbos offer time of comfort.

Rabbi Yuval Kernerman, Principal



In honor of Shloshim 5 Adar 2, 5768