By COLlive reporter
Yehuda Shmuel Maimon, a Chabad boy from the central Israeli city of Bat Yam who recently celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in an emotional ceremony, passed away on Friday, 1 Adar 5775.
“He was called to complete a minyan in the heavenly court,” his father, radio personality Ami Maimon wrote in a Facebook status following the passing.
Last month, a large crowd of rabbis and friends came to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of the boy who has been battling Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as ALS, which weakens muscles and impacts physical function.
A highlight of the occasion was the presentation of a music video prepared and sung by some of the boy’s 7 siblings and without the knowledge of the parents, Ami and his wife Tali Maimon.
VIDEO: Ach Sheli music video
Ami Maimon, a Lubavitcher who is one of the most widely syndicated radio hosts in the country, revealed to his estimated 150,000 listeners about his son’s illness some 4 years ago.
Well before ALS received wide awareness with this past summer’s Ice Bucket Challenge, his touching announcement has moved many and led to mass prayers and wishes in merit of his Yehuda Shmuel.
“We could have sent him to a nursing home, but my wife and I felt that we got a gift,” the spirited father said once in an interview. “It’s true that it isn’t easy to care for a child like this, especially when we are a large family.”
“He is confined to a wheelchair, connected to a feeding tube, and lives on special food that is not included in medical coverage,” Ami Maimon said. “But we decided not to abandon him and make it an integral part of the family.
“This child is my drive, is my engine and helps me stay sane. He makes us very happy, and I thank the Creator for the gift sent to us. It’s not easy at all, but joy can heal every sadness. The fact that I can get my boy to smile, that I could make him happy and make others happy – is my merit. For that I live, to do good to the people of Israel.”
The funeral took place on Friday, Adar 1, in Cholon.
Baruch dayan haemes.
|What an inspiring family. May Hashem give you comfort and strength and we should be zocheh to Moshiach NOW.
So sad!
such sadness cannot be fathomed.May the incredible mishpacha of this exceptional child be comforted in knowing that he fulfilled his tafkeed in this world as a pure soul, teaching us all how to cherish life in the process. Hamakom y’nachem eschem b’soch sh’ar aveili tziyon vee’rushalayim.
the song is beautiful and so is the family watched the video at least 5 times
All of Anash grieves with you. We are sorry. May you be comforted. HaMokom Yenachem Eschem BSoich Shaar Aveiley Tzion Virushalayim.
We say “HaMokom” because Hashem is here with us down here and there with them (the one who is now on a higher level) and connects us both together.
So emotional! Gorgeous voices! All boys singing from the depth of their hearts! I can feel their love for their brother
Only simachot for the family
So sorry
Such a special neshama!
May Hashem comfort the family!
Moshiach now!!
It is remarkable how each of his siblings has such a beautiful voice, there is sooo much talent in this family to write, produce and sing heartfelt music. Your purpose is clear and obvious, given the blessing of such amazing talent you must continue to produce music (perhaps concerts in the USA) that will serve to inspire Klal Yisroel in merit of you brother a”h. He will be your manager and secure your blessings of success from Somayim. Perhaps you can release another heartfelt song to commemorate his Shloshim by which all of us around the world can participate on… Read more »
I never heard of or met him or his family, but I feel like I lost a child/brother.
What a special child!4
May Hashem give his parent’s and sibblings all the strength they need.
Blessings to this family. with love from ‘ distant family’ in Cape Town ( we are all one family ) . Tzvi Meir Schneider
Such a nice song so much tears
May the family have only happienest in there lives
Moshav now
Ad Mati
Bde
Very heartbreaking to hear this. May the family be comforted and be happy. this boy was truly special and so is the family for staying strong. May wiyh.we all be zoche to the coming of moshiach now. Amen!
Hamokom Yinachem Esschem Bsoch Shar Avlei Tzion V’Yerushalayim
May u have no more tzar
MOSHIACH NOW!!!!!!!! AD MOSAI? AD MOSAI? AD MOSAI?
We do not know you, but are moved by your inspiring way of dealing with such a challenge. May your family be comforted and know of no more sorrow.
We can not offer clarity or reasons.
We can offer support, kinship and our hearts.
To the family: Please know that we are pained by your loss and by your pain. We are inspired by your strength, love and devotion. We know that the bond with your son and siblings continues as does the relationship. As you ask for his rightful place in Heaven (גן עדן), he certainly asks on high for your well being. My heart goes out to you, all of אנ”ש are crying with you.
..המקום ינחם אתכם…. והקיצו ורננו
Moshiach Now!
So sad. And what a moving video from his talented brothers.
May hashem bless and comfort his family. His parents are true role models.
So moving
We need Moshiach now!
Baruch Dayan HaEmet. A very, very special Neshama is resting in the Mechitza of the Tzadikkim. May the Mishpacha know no more sorrow.
What a beautiful song! We need moshiach! May this family and all of klal yisroel only have good news to share in the future.
let’s all make the most of our life let family’s all unite and not have rifts because of lack of forgiveness life is too short family looks amazing may they have only joy from now on
Beyond tragic. I have never actually heard of someone so young with als
I don’t know the family, but from watching the video, I can see what kind of special family and child this was. May the family be comforted and only experience joy from now on!
Boruch Dayan Haemes. So sad…
May his soul be elevated and surrounded by angels. So sad. May his family have no more tzar and find comfort
Way too many tears. BDE. :'(