My friend Yossi

Preparing for Yossi's first Yahrtzeit

2007-01-25T18:11:00.000-08:00

If you are a friend and/or relative of Yossi and you have any ideas, please let me know.

Friend from Boca Raton, FL remembers Yossi lovingly

2006-06-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

I knew Yossi while he was living in Boca. We felt a kinship and an understanding that I, as a foreigner, could connect to. We talked business and certain issues of life and its ups and downs. I vividly remember that the Pesach before last we were at Seaudas Mashiach and he spontaneously stood before a room of 70 people and spoke of his deep connection to chassidus and the essence of Pesach. I remember him leading davening on other Yommim Tovim and his shabbos Mussaf chazzonus and niggunim. Yossi would agree that when it came to looking at others “Ul todin es chaverchah ud shetagia bimkoimoy” - pirkei avot (don’t judge another until you are in there place – ethics of our fathers). His neshamah should have the highest aliyah and, as he did when we were together, call forth the immediate arrival of Mashiach in our days.

Chaim

Attention all friends of Yossi A"H

2006-06-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

If you have any personal stories or anecdotes about Yosef that you would like to share or simply contribute a hesped in his memory please contact me joelwca@yahoo.com and I would be honored to post it here.

His Neshama was not for this world

2006-06-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

many remember Yossi as the brilliant Yeshiva student. Some remember him as a hustler who tried his luck at everything from driving instruction to selling esrogim but what we all must remember is that Yossi was above all a committed, proud, and passionate Jew. This was a side to him that some didn't discern, at least not at first sight. I remember how he would worry that he wasn't being observant enough and he would always mention how as a direct descendant of the Baal Shem Tov he felt an added responsibility.

And in the spirit of true authentic Chassidus he embodied forgiveness, tolerance and he was completely non-judgemental accepting everyone and everything as they are/were. He often told me that he's not the type to keep grudges and he tried to persuade me to be the same (I unfortunately am not so tolerant and forgiving).

His neshama was clearly not for this world. He constantly strove for something higher and bigger. Never finding contentment and misunderstood by his loved ones.

Let us be consoled with the knowledge that Yossi is now in a better place and that his lofty soul has finally found eternal rest and peace.

Yossi the brilliant Yeshiva student

2006-06-13T02:24:00.000-07:00

I just got off the phone with our former Rosh yeshiva who fondly recalled Yossi.

Both his friends and his former Rosh Yeshivas (Yeshiva headmaster) recall his brilliance and enthusiasm in learning. In '99 while at a very prestigious Yeshiva in Israel known as "Lakewood east", he became the Rosh Yeshiva's own study partner (chavrusa).

He wanted to do his part for Israel

2006-06-13T01:10:00.000-07:00

Many ask me why Yossi decided to join the IDF.

The truth is I recall many conversations with him 6 years ago about joining the IDF specifically Nachal Charedi. We were both very interested in the idea. We had many discussions on the "matzav" in Israel though I was always the more right-wing of the two.

Yossi cared deeply about Israel. I remember he was very upset after the expulsion of 10,000 Jews from Gush Katif last summer ("disengagement")

When he came to Israel he wanted to volunteer. He was highly motivated and stubbornly insisted to be inducted into a combat unit even though he was past the normal age of acceptance.

Freaky

2006-06-11T19:53:00.000-07:00

On my way home from work tonight i was thinking about the last time we hung out together when he came back to NY from Florida barely a half year ago.

He was with me and my girlfriend at a Karaoke bar and I remember he decided to give it a shot himself for the first time.

He sang one of his favorite songs from one of his favorite artists. Just as these thoughts were running through my head, the song came on the radio....

Scenes From An Italian Restaurant by Billy Joel

The Stranger Released: 1977

Yossi's last e-mail to me

2006-06-08T05:01:00.000-07:00

Date:
Sat, 13 May 2006 14:11:43 -0700 (PDT)
From:
"joe reiman"
hey yus
To:
"---"

hey ---,
thats awesome that your going to real college, and
living there. i came to israel by myself, and i bought
a ticket on my credit card. god willing i will be
joining the army in about a week. im staying at the
heritage house, so im not really spending any money, i
also eat alot of my meals at AISH. i hope you come to
Israel
Yus

Yossi, may your memory never be forgotten

2006-06-08T04:58:00.000-07:00

Society failed you. Your family failed you. You tried making a life for yourself. The demons would not let go of your soul. You loved your people, you loved your land. You went to Israel because you believed . Tragically the demons got to you in the end.

For the sake of your blessed soul I pledge to keep your memory alive.