The Aish HaTorah family is overwhelmed with shock and grief over the horrific murder of Rabbi Reuven Biermacher, a beloved rabbi of the Aish HaTorah Spanish program. Rabbi Beirmacher spent the morning teaching Torah to his students and on his way out of the Old City was stabbed multiple times by two Arab terrorists just outside Jaffa Gate.
Rabbi Reuben Biermacher, a father of seven children ranging in ages 2 to 18 was a man full of joy and life. Born in Buenos Aires, Rabbi Biermacher, 45, moved to Israel five years ago.
Anyone who knew him felt his total passion for learning Torah and connecting Jews to the depth and beauty of their Jewish heritage. His genuine love for every Jew and excitement for Jewish learning penetrated young disengaged students.
On the morning that he was murdered, Rabbi Biermacher was teaching a group of 16-year-old boys from Panama in the beit medrash, like any typical group of teenagers not the easiest to reach and get their attention. He was teaching them a piece from the Talmud when their madrich came by and told the rabbi to stop and give the students a break.
“No! We don’t want a break. This is the best class of the day!” the students said. Rabbi Biermacher’s passion for Torah naturally exuded forth, creating an exhilarating experience that spoke to a group of 16-year-old boys.
The funeral was very late at night. After a number of heart-rending eulogies in Telzestone, where the Biermacher family lives, many people went to the Har Menuchos cemetery to escort the rabbi on his final journey. It was 2 AM and Yehoshua Lewin, a faculty member of the Aish HaTorah Spanish program, was surprised to see an 18-year-old South American student who had left the yeshiva over six months ago at the funeral.
This was a student who was not in Rabbi Biermacher’s class during the time he was at Aish.
The student explained what he was doing there standing by his graveside at 2 in the morning. He said he had no connection with the rabbi, except for one incident. He was in the dining room eating lunch, complaining about the food. Rabbi Biermacher overheard his comment and took him out to buy him a falafel. “I didn’t even know this rabbi, yet he took me out and bought me lunch! And while I was eating he told me I shouldn’t be so picky about food. A man like that – how could I not come to his funeral?”
Rabbi Biermacher made a strong, personal connection with every student because he genuinely loved and cared for them. The Aish HaTorah family, the entire Jewish people, cry out in pain over this unimaginable loss. We grieve with Biermacher family. In response to this tragedy, let us strengthen our commitment to Rabbi Biermacher's mission to strive to be the greatest Jew you can be and to share the light of Torah with the entire Jewish nation. Consider taking on a specific additional mitzvah for the next 30 days during Sheloshim. May the Almighty save us from more sorrow.
Readers can send their condolences to the family in the comment section below.
You can help the Biermacher family. Please click here to give much-needed support.
Grieving the Loss of a Family Member
By Yissca Schiff, a daughter of an Aish HaTorah Rabbi
Having taught his students at Aish HaTorah this morning, Rabbi Reuven Biermacher was making his way out of the Old City when his journey was cut short. He was murdered in cold blood by two Arab terrorists.
At the graveside.
He had just completed the ultimate mitzvah, sharing his love of God, Torah and Judaism to his students. As an Aish Rabbi, the goal is bring Jews from all backgrounds closer to their heritage. The mission statement by which he lived until the very end.
My father is a rabbi at Aish UK so I have an inkling about what Rabbi Biermacher believed with every fiber of his being. I've never heard of him until today, but I do know that he lived and breathed Truth. He had a burning passion to spread the light of Torah, and help awaken and ignite that spark that rests in every single Jew. I have no doubt that when he woke up this morning his thoughts were those of determination and perseverance, focus and resolution. I am sure that his wife and seven beautiful children were waiting for their dear father to come home this afternoon and for him to tell them how he had changed the world today; how he had asked a student how he was doing, how his mother was back home, and how that genuine care had touched and moved his student more than ever before. And I am sure that his wife and children will now treasure all those late afternoons when father used to return home.
When he used to return home. That change into past tense is a real tough one. It stares at you right in the face. There's no avoiding the hard, cold facts: that an Arab terrorist attacked three human beings, two of whom will never have the chance to tell their families how much they loved them. How could a human being look another in the eye and end his life for no reason? Oh wait, there is a reason - Rabbi Biermacher committed the outrage of being a Jew. How gut wrenching is it that someone could devote his life to God and to living in His ways, that someone could want to teach others how to be moral and upright.
Rabbi Biermacher being a Jew is not a piece of background information. It was his essence. Therefore he is my brother. My cousin. My teacher. Now I am grieving the loss of a family member. I am grieving the loss of a valued member of Klal Yisrael. I am grieving the loss of a vital player in the Aish family. Think of how many souls he has prevented from assimilating, how many links in the chain that could have been broken now remain intact, ensuring the perpetuity of the eternal bond that is Am Yisrael, the Jewish people.
Rabbi Biermacher, your students, their future children, grandchildren and greats, literally owe you their everything – because you have given them everything. Without you, your students may not have decided to have Jewish children, and they would be so much poorer.
Now, alas, we are without you, and there is a gaping chasm in our hearts. We will honor your name, of blessed memory. We will honor you through continuing your mission.
Remembering Ofer Ben Ari
By David Rapoport
Ofer Ben Ari, 46, was tragically killed by police gunfire as he heroically intervened to prevent a stabbing attack in Jerusalem, outside Jaffa Gate. David Rapoport recalls his encounter with Ofer.
We only knew Ofer for a very short time, but our encounter with him left a deep impression on us, therefore we want to share this story.
We recently moved to a new home in Ramat Bet Shemesh Gimmel. Ofer gave us the cheapest quote for window screens. He came to take measurements and said he would return in a week, which he did.
After Ofer had installed the screens on our house, I mistakenly wrote out a check for an amount that was higher than we had initially agreed upon. I gave him the check and he left. A short while later, having realized that I had overpaid, my wife called him. He looked at the check and said that he also thought that the amount was incorrect.
He immediately pulled his car over in order to write down our bank details. Within an hour he had wired the difference to our account and faxed us a copy of the transfer. He did so before he had even cashed our check; he barely knew us or whether our check would clear.
For the brief time we met, I saw that Ofer was good-natured, had a positive demeanor and was a genuinely nice person. He conducted himself with honesty, trustworthiness and integrity.
The Talmud (Shabbos 31a) states that when a person is led into judgment in the next world, the first question they will be asked is "Did you conduct business transactions faithfully?" We can certainly attest that he did so.
Ofer Ben Ari died while trying to save others during Wednesday’s terrorist attack at Jaffa Gate.
May Hashem comfort his family among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Readers can send their condolences to the family in the comment section below.
You can help the Biermacher family. Please click here to give much-needed support.
(52) Sarah Vorchheimer, January 3, 2016 3:20 AM
More Australian condolences
בס"ד
HaMakom y'nechem etchem b'toch avlei Tzion vIrushalayim.
May each of his students carry on his good work and multiply the spread of Yiddishkeit.
(51) Anastasia Touzet, January 3, 2016 12:45 AM
I'm so sad.
(50) Rita-RIvka Lewy, December 31, 2015 10:49 PM
Nechumim me'omek lev...
To the Ben Ari and Biermajer families, my heart just bleeds for you, along with all those whose loved ones were physically taken so suddenly mikerev hamishpacha. Baruch Dayan Emet..We can only offer you heartfelt nechumim mikerev lev. May Hashem help you through the darkness and pain, and support you 'al kapav' as you show such courage to continue the paths of your loved ones A"H. May they be melitzei yosher for all of you to live LONG, HEALTHY and MEANINGFUL lives Be'ezrat Hashem, the way they would surely have wanted you to. We hope you experience the love and support of Am Yisrael each day, each moment. You are not alone.
Instead of turning us away from Hashem, Torah and Israel, the lachatz and tzaar are bringing us closer and strenghtening our resolve to join you all. We are B"H making aliyah very soon B"H. We can't wait to be part of the history of the Jewish people in Eretz Yisrael, to live and stand together and strengthen ourselves as a people, to be the OR LAGOYIM that Hashem intended us to be. With the love of a fellow Jew in the USA..Rita-Rivka.
(49) Hyam Yona Becker, December 30, 2015 1:48 PM
I heard the attack live from Raanana
My friend at work here in Raanana was talking to Rabbi Biermacher by pelephone when he was attacked at Yafa Gate. My friend ran over to me and stuck his phone in my ear. I heard lots of gunfire, shouting and someone moaning in pain. I learned later that this was my friend's rabbi and friend for 18 years from Argentina. He was distraught at his fate since he couldn't get him to answer. Sadly I learned later who this wonderful rabbi was. It was a horrible incident but remarkable by the circumstances which allowed me to actually hear it live.
(48) Meyer Gordet, December 28, 2015 4:07 PM
FAITH
bS"D
Dear Biermacher family:
Your husband and father has gone straight to Gan Eden. The Ohr Sameach teaches that when a tzaddik is taken from us, it saves LITERALLY thousands of yidden.
Our prayers are with you. At a time of your choice, contact others whose lives have been changed by terrorism. They more than anyone else will comfort you.
(47) MESA, December 28, 2015 3:22 PM
HaMakom Yenachem Etchem B'Toch She'ar Aveilei Tzion V'Yerushalayim. May he be a Melitz Yosher for all of us. And may Hashem bring us all together with the coming of Moshiach Bim'heirah B'Yameinu.
(46) Anonymous, December 28, 2015 3:34 AM
tears
please accept my tears in lieu of the words that i cannot find.
(45) Anonymous, December 27, 2015 8:23 AM
Sincere Condolences from Australia
The Jewish People are like one body, one Klal.
We here your fellow Jews in far flung Australia extend sincere condolences to the good Rabbi's Family and the good people at Aish Jerusalem.
''May you be comforted amongst the mourners of Tziyon and Yerushalim.'
'HaMakom Yenachem Eschenm BeTok Avelei Tziyon Ve Yerushalim'
(44) Anonymous, December 27, 2015 5:35 AM
getting it right
Hamakom y'nachem eschem b'soch sh'ar aveilei tzion viy'rushalayim. (May Hashem comfort you among the REST of the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.)
(43) Dvora, December 27, 2015 3:07 AM
Condolencias
Siento mucho lo del rab. Que Hashem los consuele con los enlutados en Tzion y Yerushalaim, que sigan sus hijos su legado y lo vean pronto con la llegada de Mashiaj....
(42) Shola Ajibulu, December 26, 2015 11:27 PM
This outrage MUST stop
I am horrified to read of the murder of Rabbi Biermacher! This is so awful! I am a Christian but my heart is broken for this family. May Avinu, G_d of All Comfort, comfort the Biermacher family at this terribly distressing time. I pray He pours His shalom over this family at this time. I grieve with you. Shola
(41) Shoshana, December 26, 2015 11:05 PM
Sincerest Condolences
To the wonderful family Biermacher.My heart and thoughts are with you at this so painful and difficult time.There are no words that can do this justice and just know I am with you in your pain.May your husbands/fathers memory be a blessing for you and may Hashem give you so much strength,comfort and peace of mind.May we greet Mashiach so speedily and may all the suffering and pain end NOW.Hamakom Yenachem Eschem Busoch Sha'ar Aveiley Tzion BiYerushalayim.All the Blessings Always.
(40) Michael /Chicago., December 26, 2015 11:58 AM
Very sad.
May the Rabbi' family and the AISH family find comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Bless us dear Rabbi, you were a good and kind man of the Almighty.
This hate for Jewish brothers and sisters have to end. Please Dear Almighty, crush all you hurt the beloved Jews of the world.
(39) Judy and Jeff Gruen, December 25, 2015 9:50 PM
Grieving
We are heartsick over another loss of a precious neshama from our people. May the Almighty bring comfort to the family and may we merit the Redemption speedily.
(38) Yehudit Spero, December 25, 2015 9:46 AM
Hamakom Yinachem
May Hakadosh Baruch Hu comfort and heal the family. The loss is immense for the family and actually for all of Am Yisrael. For all the potential students that will not have the influence of Rav Reuven's Torah.
We pray for you to to be comforted and healed. We are grieving with you for your loss. With great sorrow, Yehudit Spero
(37) Mauro Chaim Pace, December 25, 2015 8:29 AM
May his memory be a blessing
May his memory be a blessing and may his blood be avenged by G-d.
May his family overcome this tragedy and never cease to be grateful for having had such a wonderful husband and father, an outstanding example as a Teacher and a Leader for the congregation of Israel.
(36) Lombe, December 25, 2015 5:05 AM
Very sad turn of events. To leave the children Fatherless and the wife a widow. Oh Avinu.
(35) Dov & Chana Heller, December 25, 2015 4:56 AM
Condolences
We grieve with you over this tragic loss to your family and to Klal Yisroel. May Hashem comfort you and strengthen you. המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
(34) Anonymous, December 25, 2015 1:11 AM
may his memory be a blessing forever.
.
(33) Zissi, December 25, 2015 12:44 AM
Baruch dayan ha'emes
Baruch dayan ha'emes. Condolences to the family and Aish Hatorah. Hashem yinkom damam.
(32) Yonny, December 24, 2015 10:59 PM
Heartbroken
We are heartbroken for yours and Am Yisrael's loss. All of Am Yisrael is holding your hands and embracing you.
(31) Anonymous, December 24, 2015 10:23 PM
Condolences
To the grieving family, Hamakom yinaschem b'simcha evlei tzion v'Yerushalayim. We will try to better people in honor of your father z'l'a memory. Please, Hashem, send Mashiach very soon with simcha, not ever with more tragedy, chas v'Shalom.
(30) Gideon, December 24, 2015 10:16 PM
Rabbi Biermacher loss
Dear Biermacher Family,
My words cannot comfort you at this time. Your husband and father, rabbi, and inspiration to many, left this world after pursuing his life purpose - Torah, Ahavat Yisrael, and Eretz Yisrael. Our thoughts are with you during this period. May the Almighty give you strength.
HaMakom yenachem etchem b'toch she'ar avlei Tzion v'Yerushalayim.
(29) Heather Wolf, December 24, 2015 9:51 PM
So sad..
So sad and tragic... this breaks my heart to keep hearing this happening in Israel. This Rabbi sounded like an amazing person. May G-d bless and bring comfort to his wife and children and May G-d protect Israel and never let anything like this happen again
(28) Yerushalmit, December 24, 2015 8:05 PM
We all know how successful Rav Biermacher HYD was, and he will be sorely missed by all. There is no reason to label the young men from Panama as " a group known to be very difficult to reach and get their attention" and "apathetic". They came here to listen and learn, and it won't make them more receptive when they read how you labeled them. Rav Noach Zatzal had only positive things to say of and to anyone who came to hear Aish Hatorah's message. It would behoove his students and followers to do the same.
May Rav Biermacher Zatzal's family and students know no more Tza'ar, and may Aish succeed in following the derech that Rav Noach Zatzal paved for us to bring Torah and unity to all Am Yisrael.
(27) Raelene Burr, December 24, 2015 7:50 PM
We are so very sorry to hear that another precious man of Israel has been killed. Our love and blessings to all Israel over all their loss.
(26) Kelly Rebekah ben Maimon, December 24, 2015 7:12 PM
His light shined brightly in this world, for all to see
I'm so sorry to read about this distressing incident. The rabbi was/is a truly blessed soul, who clearly lived, breathed Torah. We need to become closer, more so now than ever before. Sincerely hope that every effort is made to help the Rabbi's family. My thoughts are with them at this time and hope they remember all the wonderful moments, especially Shabbat.
(25) Jeffrey Gauze, Toronto, December 24, 2015 6:59 PM
I did not have the z'chut to know Rabbi Biermacher. But, reading the tributes to him, I feel a small part of the loss suffered by the Biermacher family and by the Rabbi's Aish peers and students.
The Rabbi obviously had a strong, positive and lasting impact on those he met and taught. During his much too short life, he brought many Jewish souls closer to Torah and mitzvot. He is thus the embodiment of the talmudic lesson, "Whoever destroys a soul, it is considered as if he destroyed an entire world. And whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world" (Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:9) לפיכך נברא אדם יחידי בעולם ללמד שכל המאבד נפש אחת מעלין עליו כאילו איבד עולם מלא וכל המקיים נפש אחת מעלין עליו כאילו קיים עולם מלא
(מסכת סנהדרין דף כג,א פרק ד הלכה ט).
We are all diminished by the tragic loss of this great individual.
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
"May the Omnipresent comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem."
(24) Anonymous, December 24, 2015 6:15 PM
Esther Pitterman New York המקום מנחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
המקום מנחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
(23) Emunah, December 24, 2015 6:05 PM
Condolences
Dear Mrs. Biermacher and family,
The hearts of the Jewish People are with you in this time of deep sorrow. May Rabbi Biermacher's memory be a blessing to you, your wonderful sweet children and to all of Klal Yisrael.
With our deepest sympathies on this profound loss to your family, Rabbi Biermacher's students, Aish and to Klal Yisrael.
(22) Anonymous, December 24, 2015 5:06 PM
Querida Familia Biermacher,
HaMakom Yenajem Etjem Im Shaar Evlei Tzion VeYerushalaim
Aqui en New York, compartimos vuestro dolor...
Los tenemos fuerte en nuestra Tefila y corazon.
(21) Stephanie Frumkin, December 24, 2015 4:44 PM
Condolences
I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful man, father, rabbi and fellow Jew. My deepest condolences to the family, his talmidim, his Aish family, and klal Yisrael. Such a tragedy especially for someone who worked every day to help people and bring Jews closer to G-d. Baruch Dayan emet.
(20) Yochanan Schehtman, December 24, 2015 4:29 PM
No tuve el privilegio de conocer al Rabino Biermacher pero acabo de leer todas los comentarios acerca de su misiony mentslichkeit
Tyhyye Nishmato Tsrura biTsror Hachaim.
(19) Jewish Mom, December 24, 2015 4:10 PM
May you be comforted
Rebbetzin Biermacher and precious children - "HaMakom yenachem eschem b'soch she'ar aveilei Tzion v'Yerushalayim velo tosifu leda'ava od - May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and may you know no more sorrow"
Your husband/father lived and died 'al Kiddush Hashem' - sanctifying G-d's name. His soul is surely in an unfathomably high place. The Jewish nation is mourning with you - I among them, am crying for your devastating loss. May the 'Avi yesomim ve'dayan almanos - the Father of orphans and Judge of widows' always be at your side and shower you with an abundance of siyata dishmaya - Heavenly assistance - and give you much strength to cope. May the beautiful example that your wonderful husband and father set continue to shine and light the path for your future success in following in his ways. May you always be a source of nachas - pride - to Hashem and to your husband/father's holy soul which should continually be elevated due to the many merits accrued by his continued positive influence on so very many lives.
(18) Anonymous, December 24, 2015 3:57 PM
Ha makom yenachem etchem b'soch shaar aveili tzion v'yerushalayim
(17) Karl Rose, December 24, 2015 3:54 PM
Heartache
As a member of the Aish HaTorah family, my heart breaks for Rabbi Biermacher, his family, the Aish HaTorah Community and Israel. It makes no sense, what these terrorist do. G-d Bless us all, in this time of grief and sorrow.
(16) Eugene Mazzilli, December 24, 2015 3:49 PM
Shalom
I'm very sorry to hear this terrible news. How can one console a grieving family at a time as this, what words can one say? Everyone's heart is heavy. But we can all console each other in knowing that on the last day, we all will be risen and in the resurrection, the Lord will grant us infinite peace and everlasting life. Pray for this family and the soul of Rabbi Biermacher. May he rest in peace. Shalom and may God go with you.
(15) Mily, December 24, 2015 3:43 PM
Q pronto llegue el consuelo del cielo BH.
Ya no mas. Ya no mas viudas huérfanos q ya paren las lágrimas. De todo am Israel v
(14) Eliezer Naftali, December 24, 2015 3:21 PM
Tenachamu Min HaShamayim
Qurida familia Biermacher,
Nos dolio y duele todavia la noticia que escuchamos, pega mas duro por ser familia, no podemos estar alla fisicamente, pero emocionalmente estamos compartiendo su dolor. estamos diciendo tehilim y estudiando L'luil nishmato. No hay duda que la entrada a Gan Eden esta abierta para el. No hay palabras para tranquilizar al alma de una perdida como esta, HaKadosh Baruch Hu tiene un Cheshbon y quizo a Ruben a su lado.
HaMakom yenachem etchem b'toch she'ar avlei Tzion v'Yerushalayim
Tus Tios, Primos y familia de Lakewood (Tia Myriam, Tio Chaim, Pimo Eliezer, Primo Avraham, Prima Ayelet, y junto con todas nuestras familias)
(13) sarah, December 24, 2015 2:59 PM
when will the rest of the world condemn these terrorists
and another family weep and the children will wonder why? how do we explain because we are a Jew that is why.Our hearts go out to the family for the loss of this remarkable man who only wanted to Give.Baruch Dayan Ha emet
(12) Jeff, December 24, 2015 2:58 PM
May your life be a Blessing to your children!
(11) ranjit sarma, December 24, 2015 2:57 PM
terrorists are enemies of mankind
my condolences to tfamly members,friends and students
(10) Reuven Frank, December 24, 2015 2:55 PM
These are real tears
Unfortunately, I didn't know the Rav.
I had heard the news, but somehow it's harder when there's a closer connection. I never met him, but it just seems more real knowing the identity of the Kadosh HY"D.
Let's take upon ourselves, to cry out to Our Father in Heaven,
to stop these killings, that we will be better people, kinder to each other, daven (pray) harder, learn more Torah,
whatever it takes for Him to have mercy.
If we all do this in true sincerity,
May we merit to see the coming of the Righteous Redeemer
Speedily and in our days,-Amen
(9) Ora Tomas, December 24, 2015 2:53 PM
Hashem will comfort you.
His life'work will continue to enlighten the souls and the hearts of the people he touched so deeply. Let's stay united,and strong. My condolences to his precious family. May Ashem will comfort you and grant you peace! !
(8) Anonymous, December 24, 2015 2:31 PM
haMakom yenachem etchem betoch she'ar avlei Tzion v'Yerushalayim
my thoughts are with you.
(7) Anonymous, December 24, 2015 2:14 PM
May Hashem bring an end to this suffering.
(6) Barry Kalms, December 24, 2015 2:12 PM
another evil deed in Israel
I hope the murderer receives his just reward. Death!!
(5) Adina Hershberg, December 24, 2015 1:56 PM
Rabbi's murder
Dear Biermacher Family,
I am very grieved to learn of your husband's/father's murder. He truly died al kiddush HaShem. May HaShem give you comfort and much koach to deal with such a calamity. I am sorry that I never had the zechut to have met him.
HaMakom yenachem etchem b'toch she'ar avlei Tzion v'Yerushalayim
(4) Anonymous, December 24, 2015 1:44 PM
lo siento (I feel it)
(3) Bracha Goetz, December 24, 2015 1:41 PM
May you be comforted with all the mourners of Zion and Yerushalayim.
Wonderful Biermacher Family,
May your countless mitzvos continue to bring an aliyah to your amazing father's radiant soul.
(2) Devorah, December 24, 2015 12:33 PM
The heinous murder of Rabbi Beirmacher.
Remember the way he lived. How he performed chesed. His love of Torah. His outreach for the unity of Judaism, to hard to reach students that he brought to love Torah. Don't let that flame die. Honor him by excelling in Torah and be a light unto every Nation for Hashem first, but in righteous memory of this beloved Torah Scholar, this Rabbi, this husband, Father. My deepest my greatest empathy and condolences to his bereaved Family, his devoted colleague's at Aish and to every human being who knew him. There is no entrance to the next realm through murder. Believe this loving Rabbi is in the light of Hashem now. Assist his widow and their beautiful children for their loss is great. May Hashem give you the strength to carry on in all ways for all your days.
(1) Chana Jenny Weisberg, December 24, 2015 11:22 AM
HaMakom Menachem Etchem b'toch Shaar Avlei Tsion v'Yerushalayim
I am in shock over this horrific murder of a beloved Torah teacher, husband, and father. My thoughts and prayers are with you.