Photos by Serraf Studio
This past Sunday, January 6th, friends and family of Hatomim Yanky Hillel obm came together from around the world to take part in a very special Siyum Sefer Torah in Montreal.
This special Sefer Torah was written in memory of Yanky and arranged by his classmates and family.
At the beginning of grade 7, Yanky was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer which he battled bravely for 3 years until he went into remission. During those three years, Yanky always had a smile on his face and continued learning Torah.
At the age of 16, Yanky was stronger and eager to spend a year learning in yeshiva. He went to Postville, Iowa where he spent many hours taking in the atmosphere of the yeshiva and relishing the opportunity to sit and learn Torah and chassidus.
It was In the middle of that wonderful year that a tumor was once again found in his brain. Yanky fought hard for the next few months but sadly, on Chaf Zain Teves 2016, he passed away. Everyone that met Yanky loved him. He had a warm and charming personality and he always had a smile on his face.
The Hakofos took place at the Russian Jewish Community Center of Montreal, where the Torah will be used by the Mesivta that Yanky attended, which is located in the basement.
Following the Siyum, there was a beautiful Seudah where family, friends and community members joined together for this special occasion.
Speakers included Rabbi Moshe Stern, Mendel Wenger, Eli Levertov, Rabbi Pesach Sperlin, and his brother Isaac Hillel.
The event included a video presentation featuring friends from across the globe sharing their stories about Yanky and his fine character.
Yanky’s brother remarked, “It is really nice to see that even after 2 years, so many friends have gotten together in his memory.”
On behalf of the class and the Hillel family, organizers thanked all those who helped out, and a very special thank you was given to Rabbi Yitzchak Raskin from Machon Stam for his help.
Yanky was a caring sibling to his family, and a friend to those who knew him. He had a warm personality and always had a smile on his face.
“May his Neshama have an Aliyah. we should share in Simchos together.
May we reunite with our loved ones, with the coming of Moshiach now,” his friends said.
Wishing family Hillel only simchas!