I first met Gregg (Gedalia) about four years ago at our Chabad Friday night service in Miami Beach. You were able to tell from the first moment that Gregg was different than most of the young men. He was a truly happy person, but always serious. He was a person that only knew how to tell the whole truth. He had no secrets, he said what he meant, and he meant what he said. Gregg was so full of life, he embraced life and lived it to it's fullest. He had no fear whatsoever. At the same time he was a very spiritual and religious person. He put on Tefillin every day, he attended Friday night services on a regular basis. He studied Jewish texts and Chasidic philosophy. He was a prime example of how one can enjoy life and be a G-d fearing Jew at the same time. Gregg was just a very pleasant person, one always enjoyed being in his presence. I was fortunate and honored to have him as a guest in my home many times. Gregg had a unique ability to cheer up every one around him. Gregg inspired me and my family in so many ways and his memory will continue to inspire me for ever. He did not announce all of his good deeds, he did things quietly. I truly believe that Gregg was a Tzadik Nistar ( a Truly righteous person in hiding). He accomplished in his short life what many do not accomplish in many lifetimes. He successfully and fully completed his mission on this earth given to him by G-d in such a short time. I can go on writing for hours but I will close here. I loved and will continue to love Gregg as a close friend and a fellow Very Proud Jew that he was. I will miss him dearly as will the world at large. May he be a strong advocate on High for his friends and family and demand from G-d that he take us out of this terrible exile and bring Moshiach Now.

 

Rabbi Menachem Katz

The Aleph Institute

mmk@alephinstitute.org

305-864-5553