The 15th of Menachem Av marked the 24th yartzeit of Rabbi Yaakov Yehuda (J.J.) Hecht, OBM, who led the National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE).
As a chassid, as a father, as a grandfather, as a Rabbi, as a friend and as an asken, he was remembered by family, friends and supporters of his organization at a gathering at the Ohel.
The program began with a siyum, given by his son Rabbi Shimon Hecht of Park Slope, Brooklyn, which was broadcast live on radio and internet.
Everyone then proceeded to the Ohel and then to the kever of Rabbi Hecht to recite the appropriate tefilos followed with inspirational words extended by his son, Rabbi Shea Hecht. A seuda was then served in the tent.
A former camper, Mrs. Suri-Zakheim-Sheff, shared her memories of Camp Emunah and her memories of Rabbi Hecht, “the daddy of us all.”
Rabbi Dovid Kievman, a grandchild, shared stories of the enduring legacy of Camp Emunah.
Rabbi Zali Shimon Abramowitz of Chabad of Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, shared precious memories of his Zaidy Hecht, ending with “he met with princes of men – and then came home to dinner with his family- and then had the time to dance with his two year old grandchild.”
After 24 years, Rabbi Hecht’s spirit is still an enduring force, and may he continue to “storm the heavens” and demand Moshiach now.
lachie lachie lachie, lachie u r amazing!
-bjj teen camp
Our family watched Rabbi JJ zl on television where he had a debate with college youth. The show was called Under Attack.
Rabbi JJ held his own. When some sharp kid seemed to have the upper hand Rabbi Jj said “look hear I was young and now I am older Don’t you think I would know better??!!” My mother zol gezunt line has been quoting his line EVER SINCE!!!!
Arichas Yomim to all, fond memories,Rabbi Hecht zl taught me my Rabbinic foundations BH, what a great zechus I was given, hope hsi dear neshomoh continues to take pride from all those he inspired on this world!!
Moshiach Now!!
I clearly recall that my father, a real old style chosid, no bluff, epitomizing honesty to the highest degree, used to say there is one yid who loves to do a favor , who really has a joy in helping people, that was Rabbi Hecht
A family of leaders and doers !!
Mamesh, Hecht is a great a bracho to all of lubavitch, from yeshivos, organizations for the needy , or just a good friend to speak to, there will be a Hecht there to help, and may all the Hechts I met, and other be blessed for many more years in carrying the Rebbes misson
To have Rabbi JJ Hecht’s legacy live on thrue his children and —their peulois that are constantly going on –
his neshama should have an aliya.
i spy a large amount of red-heads, wow
ur zaide is surely proud of u and ur beautiful family (and of course of ur yaakov yehudah). may we, very soon, all be reunited with our loved ones with the coming of moshiach now!!
George Gatti, Biggest chosid around