by Rabbi Mendel Duchman – Los Angeles
This past Friday morning, I was entering our shul – Congregation Levi Yitzchok of Hancock Park in Los Angeles, when I saw R’ Eli Baitelman coming from the opposite direction.
As I got to the door first, I punched in the combination and then opened the door, motioning for him to enter. But Eli wouldn’t, insisting that I enter first.
We ‘argued’ over the courtesy for about 30 to 45 seconds before any of us entered, as he insisted that I enter first.
The fact that a 40-year-old chossid would persist in honoring someone a few years his senior, should not be surprising to anyone who knew him. Eli was kind, respectful, thoughtful, and a real mentch.
But the fact that I wanted him to walk in first can indicate the level of respect I had for him as I was privileged to consider him not only a fellow congregant and community member but a dear friend.
Eli, who suddenly passed away on Motzoei Shabbos, was a true “Go-To” guy. He possessed a remarkable ability to always to have the right answer, say the right thing, and be available for anyone who needed him.
Whether it was during his years on Shlichus in Pacific Palisades, or running his Rent Ready Construction company, Eli never let anyone down. His limitless patience and kindness made him an exceptional human being.
As someone who had the privilege of knowing him, I had a front-row seat to the show that was Eli’s life. His essence was embodied by his devotion to family, his unwavering kindness, and his commitment to shlichus.
Eli was also a devoted husband and father who took great pride and joy in his beautiful family. His face would light up whenever he received a call from his kids, and he lived every day to provide for their needs.
It’s hard to comprehend why an incredible tragedy has befallen him, but Eli’s impact during his short lifetime was truly incredible. He will be remembered by the many lives that he has touched in his unassuming way.
The outpouring of support from the thousands of individuals who have come together in a RaiseThon campaign for his family is a testament to the depth of his influence and fills me with immense pride.
While Eli’s family faces an uncertain future, I have faith that they will be cared for by Klal Yisroel, the community of compassionate and empathetic individuals who share a special place in their hearts for widows and orphans.
Supporting Eli’s family is not only an incredible mitzvah, but it is also a promise that it will be reciprocated tenfold in health, wealth, success, and nachas from your children.
I don’t know what life will be without Eli, but I take comfort in knowing that his family will be taken care of, thanks to the support of so many.
Please give from your heart at: https://raisethon.com/elib/col-oped
Every word is אמת לאמיתו