Community Magazine January 2019

38 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE T he combination of different musical notes produced simultaneously presents a glorious effect for the listener. The word we use to describe it is harmony. Chief Rabbi Shaul Kassin, zt”l, wanted one thing for this community, and I believe that was it. The different notes and tempos might rise and fall, the voices, sometimes loud, and sometimes almost silent, would sing aloft, but Hacham Shaul, like the conductor of any orchestra, continuously guided the beat and the melody, keeping everyone unified, and in tune magnificently. Our Chief Rabbi Hacham Shaul Yaakov Kassin, zt”l , passed away on erev Hanukah, December 1, 2018, surrounded by his beloved family, ken yirbu, at the ripe and beautiful age of 97. Because of his humility, spirituality, and pure bitahon , the pasuk “V’Rahamav al kol ma-asav, ” from Tehilim , comes to mind, describing Hashem’s mercy on all creatures, people, and animals. Rabbi Shaul lived this phrase with every fiber of his being. His humility, the way he walked and talked, his pure compassion, pity, and care, reverberated with all kinds of people, at all levels of religion, and with all kinds of temperaments. He saw each of us as Gd’s children, and understood that no matter what belief one holds, we will only grow and blossom with love. He stood for sanctity, dignity, and unity. His love of Hashem, Israel, and Torah guided him. Everything he did l’shem Shamayim . It was with this mindset and attitude that he maintained the kedusha of this community, and kept us together as the strongest and greatest community on earth. On the Cobblestones of the Old City Hacham Shaul Kassin was born on August 24, 1921 in Yerushalayim to his parents Hacham Yaakov Kassin and Rabbanit Mazal Hedaya. Until the age of 12 he lived and studied in the Holy city of Jerusalem with the Greatest Rabbis, Gedolim, and Tzaddikim of the generation. At the famed Yeshivat Porat Yosef he was a shining star. He would often chide his grandchildren about his schooling, so much more demanding than ours today. Each week he and his young schoolmates were required to know the page of Gemara they were studying by heart. On Sunday The Great Gaon , Tzaddik, and Rosh Yeshiva Hacham Ezra Attieh, would SOPHIA FRANCO In Harmony: Remembering Our Crown Jewel… Chief Rabbi Hacham Shaul Yaakov Kassin, zt”l Remember i ng Ch i ef Rabb i , Hacham Shau l Kass i n, z t ” l Special Tribute