COMMUNICATED
The anguished cries of men, women, and children filled the air last Friday as the levaya of R’ Yosef ben R’ Mendel Wertzberger a”h set out from Shomrei Hadas Chapel in Brooklyn, New York. The large crowd testified to the caring that Yosef Wertzberger showed to every Jew – they came to mourn the man who cared for them, and to comfort the family who has lost the very foundation of their home.
R’ Wertzberger, a devotee of the Nikolsburg chassidus, was known as a man with a particular happiness about him, who went out of his way to comfort and help anyone who needed it – even going so far as to buy food for families who were unable to feed themselves. “He was always on the go to help people,” says a close friend of the family.
Yosef passed away after battling cancer for over 2 years, and he leaves behind a shattered widow and 8 children, six of whom are still at home. Due to health issues, the now widowed Yenta is physically unable to work. She must now find a way to support her three children, whilst mourning the loss of her partner in life.
Funds are being collected by caring community members, under the guidance of local rabbanim, to give Yenta some security, and to give her the space and time to establish herself financially while recovering from this horrific trauma.
Those close to the Wertzberger family are hopeful that all those who were touched by Yosef during his lifetime, as well as others who are moved by stories told in his memory, will take it upon themselves to help his family. Yosef a”h had time and concern for every Jew in need. Whether readers around the world will unite to give that same level of caring to his children has yet to be seen.
Donations are being collected here for a limited time.
