By the Grace of God
Tammuz 19, 5771 / July 21, 2011
The traditional seven intense days of mourning (“shiva”) for our beloved Leiby are complete, but the ache in our hearts will remain forever.
We thank God for the nearly nine beautiful years that He entrusted us with Leiby’s pure soul. We are certain that Leiby is now looking down from heaven and blessing us all.
We would like to once again thank all our friends and neighbors; all the selfless volunteers from near and far; local, city, state, and federal agencies; and all our fellow New Yorkers and beyond who assisted us physically, emotionally, and spiritually—as well as all of God’s children around the world who held our dear Leiby in their thoughts and prayers.
We pray that none of you should ever have to live through what we did. But if any tragedy is to ever befall any of you, God forbid, you should be blessed with a community and public as supportive as ours. We feel that through Leiby we’ve become family with you all.
Many of you have asked us what you can do now in Leiby’s memory, and how you can help us find comfort. Looking back at Leiby’s all-too-short years among us, here are a few ideas:
Acts of unity and loving kindness. Let us perpetuate the feeling of collective responsibility and love expressed during the search for Leiby. An additional act of kindness toward your neighbor, or to those less fortunate than you, can go a long, long way toward perfecting our world. Putting a couple of coins into a charity box daily is one way of tangibly expressing that loving kindness.
Gratitude. Leiby deeply cherished his siddur, his prayerbook, and praying to God meant the world to him. He was known by his teachers for his concentration in prayer, always being the last to finish. In Leiby’s memory, when you wake up each morning take a few moments to pray and reflect and thank God for giving us life (“Modeh Ani” in the prayerbook).
Light. Every Friday evening our family sits down together for Shabbat dinner to the light of the Shabbat candles. A candle shines for each of our children—and Leiby’s candle will always be included. On Friday evening, please give a few coins to charity and light the candles before sunset with our beloved Leiby in mind.
Memorial fund. Together with Rabbi Binyamin Eisenberger, we have established a memorial fund to help people in dire need (www.leibykletzkymemorialfund.
From the deepest place in our hearts, we thank you all for your help, your support and your prayers. May Leiby’s soul live on as a blessing inside each and every one of you.
Sincerely,
Nachman and Itta Kletzky
(42) Anonymous, November 29, 2012 8:28 PM
My heart goes out to you
I do not know that my faith is strong. Precious child. I guess angels are not meant long for this earth sometimes. Heartfelt prayers.
(41) DK, July 24, 2012 5:12 PM
There Are No Words.
Really, there is nothing I can say to ease your pain, as the loss of a child is unbearable. May the Almighty comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
(40) Yehudit Spero, July 30, 2011 10:14 PM
admiration
May G-d bless the Kletzky family. May they know of no more sadness and tragedy. Mrs. Kletzky is an amazing person as she tries to help others find meaning in her son Leiby's tragic death. We all hope you have strength and health and may you see much happiness from your family.
(39) Anonymous, July 30, 2011 1:05 PM
AN OPEN LETTER.....to us all...
Our hearts may be broken- but our spirit is not. Stay Strong....
(38) Daniel Rotenberg, July 29, 2011 2:56 AM
Leiby
Leiby in life seemed that he was a very kind and thoughtful child... In death he has brought others to become kinder and thoughtful... I do not live in the NY area but when I found out about this tragedy it was still heart wrenching even from a far... My hope is that anyone who was affected by Leiby's story won't forget it and will keep him in mind when doing mitzvah's... I hope in memory of Leiby parents teach that while most adults are trustworthy when in difficulty some are not. While these are trying times my hope is the community and Leiby's parents will have solace so many care and will not forget this eight year old young man...
(37) Astrid, July 28, 2011 4:54 PM
My condolences
I followed the story of your dear Leiby from my country and my heart broke and still aches when I think of him. I know it must be hard life without him for you now, even knowing he's in heaven having peace for eternity, but may our Almighty Father comfort you on these difficult times. My respects and condolences for you.
(36) Simie T, July 28, 2011 3:08 PM
Our deepest condolences
Dear Esti and Family, I remember the shocked disbelief when I first heard that Leiby HY"D was missing. I can still feel the numbness and grief when I read that he was killed. Knowing now that you were a high school grademate of mine makes the loss one step closer. I thank you for this beautiful letter. I, as well as countless others have learnt for Leiby and have undertaken kabalos in his merit. I hope that the kiddush Hashem perpetuated by the achdus of the search and our community's response to the tragedy will be a zechus for Leiby and a merit for us all. Hamakom yenachaim eschem...
(35) MS KAPLAN, July 28, 2011 1:25 PM
I AM VERY SAD ABOUT THE TRAGEDY THAT HAPPENED TO YOUR BELOVED SON LEIBY. I FEEL YOUR PAIN AND GRIEF. WE AS JEWS HAVE TO REALIZE THAT AT TIMES SOME OF OUR WORST ENEMIES ARE OUR OWN JEWISH PEOPLE. MAY LEIBY'S SOUL REST IN PEACE FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN. I THINK AND REMEMBER LEIBY ALL THE TIME.
(34) Anonymous, July 28, 2011 12:38 PM
so beautiful donate and may his memory be Blessed.
Dear Kletzky family, We too view your family as our own. When the story first came to light I just sat here and cried and davened for his safety, and when the horror became known I cried and davened for a nechamah for you and for all of Klal Yisroel. It is obvious that Lieby was a Korbon for us all and that he himself is pure. We will all try to work on the points you made to take to heart , and you can see its touched people all over the world. http://jewpon.com/new-york/deal/together-we-can-make-a-difference!-donate-$5-in-memory-of-leiby!-(a-priceless-value!) You can even donate to the Memorial Fund through Jewpon.com, what a special zechus to know that you have touched people, and buisnesses world wide. May Hashem comfort you and may you know of no more sorrow.
(33) L Cohen, July 28, 2011 3:55 AM
The Great Influence from A Small Child.
It is over three weeks since the horrific tragedy of little Leiby, and my heart still aches every time I see the picture of Leiby walking down the block. The great power of influence this pure child has over klal Yisrael is truly remarkable. Leiby you showed us just how much klal Yisrael cares for each other.
(32) Niza, July 28, 2011 3:39 AM
Our biggest condolences to the Kletzky family, i dont have the honor to know you but your loss really hurt us and i cant stop asking why, why like this, why to a beatifull boy like that, but there is no answeres, the only one that know why is Hashem, and we pray to Hashem for him to keep little Leiby, in a special place next to him and watching over your family. May Hashem Bless you and all your family and give you the strainght to go on with your life. Best Wishes, and dippest condolenses for your entire family.
(31) Tammy, July 27, 2011 7:53 PM
Leiby
Your son sounds like he was very special. Please take comfort in knowing that he is then that much more special to G-d. I believe G-d took him home early because He has a special purpose for Leiby in heaven to be doing. Much more important then anything he could have done on this earth. Everything that happens, happens for a reason and sometimes it is only G-d Himself that knows what the reason is.
(30) Anonymous, July 27, 2011 5:08 PM
My heart goes out to the parents and family of Leiby Kletzky. There are so many ways to honor the memory of their precious son; let each of us find choose away to do so. It will honor his life and make the world a little better place. We, also, lost a son tradgically. I will always remember you, Leiby's parents, in my prayers.
(29) Dina, July 27, 2011 10:31 AM
May Hashem's blessings be showered upon you!
Both during and after reading this magnificent display of courage and emuna on your part, my eyes won't stop tearing up... What else can I add but that we here in Israel fully share your grief and heartbreak but greatly admire your courage and determination to perpetuate the memory of your dear son Leiby Z"L HY"D with Torah, mitzvot and lovingkindness. In the merit of your encouraging all of this in all of us, may you know no more sorrow!
(28) Anonymous, July 27, 2011 8:38 AM
hasten the redemption
I am sure that Leiby has tremendous power on High to hasten the Redemtion. May we all merit to have a happy Tisha Be'av!
(27) Adrian, July 27, 2011 6:06 AM
A very moving statement....
What a very moving statement by Nachman and Itla Kletzky in memory of their lost son. Yes, it is painful, but we/you must endure through this. Focus on the joy you will have when you shall see him again in the Kingdom, soon. Now a Blessing for your family to help you to endure your heartache. May HASHEM bless you and protect you. May HASHEM shine His face upon you and be gracious to you. May HASHEM lift His face to you, and may He grant you peace. Let them place My Name upon the Children of Israel and I shall bless them. Shalom.
(26) Rahel, July 27, 2011 5:00 AM
Brachot for the Kletzkys
May Hashem reward Dear Leiby, his parents and the rest of his family many times over in the World to Come for the Ahavat Yisrael and interfaith solidarity that have-- and will continue to -- come about as a result of their losses and the parents' insightful suggestions. May Leiby's neshama have an aliyah and thrive in the enhanced closeness to Hashem that it sought in this world.
(25) Anonymous, July 27, 2011 4:30 AM
Kletzky family letter of appreciation
Such a beautiful and meaningful letter from the parents of Leiby Kletzky, a"h. They are amazing people. May Hashem be with them, always.
(24) chana, July 27, 2011 3:48 AM
with you-for you
We all cried with you and for you. We all prayed with you and for you. May Hashem give us the zechut to have Mashiach soon so that you can re-enjoy Leiby through techiat hametim. May Hashem bless you and your family. You are daily in our tefilot..
(23) B. Gewirtz, July 27, 2011 1:54 AM
We will remember....
We will never forget him, and will try to do good in Leiby's name. He is a part of all of us.
(22) Barbara Stern, July 27, 2011 1:33 AM
in Leiby's blessed emory
When we light the shabbat candles I will try and remember Leiby for the beautiful person he is. And I will remember him as we give taedakah.
(21) Sarah, July 27, 2011 12:54 AM
Thank you
Thank you for your message. What special people you are. I am sharing this message with my children and others. May Hashem bless us with a world of peace and goodness, and may you be comforted.
(20) Rabbi Benzion Twerski, July 27, 2011 12:01 AM
We are all inspired by you
Dear Kletzky family Here in Milwaukee we join Klal Yisroel in mourning your loss. We are inspired by your strength and fortitude. May Hashem comfort you and all who mourn the loss of your precious child
(19) Rena, July 26, 2011 11:43 PM
No words
My heart, along with many others aches for your loss. May Hashem give you strength. I fully intend to take on at least one of your suggestions in the zechus of Leiby. May we all come together for only good things.
(18) Minna, July 26, 2011 10:49 PM
I will add your beloved so to my daily prayers.
We will remember Leiby and we too hope and pray you find comfort in all your happy memories of your beloved son.
(17) pio dal cin, July 26, 2011 10:38 PM
The peace of God
My hart aches with your hart. My prayer to the Creator is that He could fill your harts with the Peace He is the only One able to deliver in such a time of trial. I will include Leiby and your family into my daily prayers pio
(16) passing by, July 26, 2011 9:18 PM
zihrono livraha Leiby
she LO tidu ioter zarot leolam! may G-d bless your family and give you strength and simha with your children. little Leiby's memory will always be blessed.
(15) Rho, July 26, 2011 8:43 PM
So sorry
I don't know how ro express my grief for you. I have not stopped crying since this happened. You are very strong people. G-D bless you,
(14) Anonymous, July 26, 2011 5:43 PM
Thank you for introducing yourselves to me. I'm so sorry that you, your daughters and your other family members had to go through such a terrible tragedy.
(13) julie eisenberg, July 26, 2011 5:27 PM
Such incredible strength Hashem has blessed you with, to be able to express yourself so heartfelt and such an incredibly difficult time. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss, and prayer that you will have continued strength. Your dear son's memory will always be a blessing.
(12) Barbara Bova, July 26, 2011 4:47 PM
Love of God and People
Thank you for sharing of G-d's love and Leiby's prayers.I will take your message for us to continue as we did with Leiby who is indeed watching over us now.
(11) DAWN KAUFMAN, July 26, 2011 4:42 PM
G-d Bless the family
I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Leiby will live on in your hearts and souls and he will watch over his family and friends forever. I will remember your beloved son, Leiby, of blessed memory, for the rest of my life.
(10) rosa murillo, July 26, 2011 4:01 PM
this shabbat we dedicate the service in memory of your son and the More spoke to the children. May Hashem of Israel bless you and give strengh. love you rosa
(9) Janet, July 26, 2011 4:00 PM
Thank you
Thank you for your beautiful words and for your strength. You did not choose to be thrust into a public role; by your example, I have learned more about Emunah in Hashem. We are one large family and I take to heart your words of advice and to redouble my efforts in speaking kindly, with positivity and with encouragement to others, and to live with gratitude to Hashem for everything He does. My heartfelt and deepest condolences go out to all the Kletzky family. May your dear son's memory be for a blessing for you and your family and may his sweet soul have an aliyah. May we all come together in peace and merit to see Mashiach come.
(8) Aura Slovin, July 26, 2011 3:52 PM
We are one nation and one family
We are heartbroken over your loss. Leiby O"H accomplished what few people in their lifetimes ever can... unifying Klal Yisroed. I pray daily to Hashem that he comfort you his dear parents, his dear sisters, grandparents and extendend family and friends and assist you through this most trying time. I have taken your message to heart and am trying each day to make a Kiddush Hashem especially in my work place. We at work have also divided up the Sefer Tehillim being said daily for an Aliyah for his Neshama Leiby will forever be in the hearts and minds of thousands of his extended family. Your request for elevating his soul by acts of kindness will reverberate for years to come. I pray too that Moshiach should come right away and bring Techias Ha Meisim so that you very soon will be re-united with your precious Leiby and all of Am Yisroel with their loved ones!! HaMakom Yenachem Etchem B'Toch Sha'are Tzion B'Yerushalayim
(7) Sabina Flores, July 26, 2011 3:33 PM
Leiby
What a beautiful statement Leiby's father has made. I believe that alone will make me a better person. They are all in my prayers.
(6) LADYDI, July 26, 2011 3:14 PM
RIP
My prayers go to you and your family. I cannot imagine the loss you feel - but be assured that Leiby is beside you. Cherish the moments you had with him. Im sure he is looking down on you with love.
(5) Pilar Ortiz, July 26, 2011 3:06 PM
I´m not Jew but I love Jew people. I´m sorry the dead of Leiby and I desire pace and love for his family. Leyby always will is in the mind and heart a lot of people. God bless you and confort your hearts. (Excuse my English, I am Colombian woman and speak Spanish) With love, sinc
(4) Ava, July 26, 2011 2:41 PM
A fallen star...
Leiby was, is and always will be a source of strength and inspiration to may around the world. G-d had bigger and better plans for Leiby in heaven and summoned him to fulfll the role of an angel. My heartfelt condolence goes out to the entire Kletzky family for losing such a bright and shining star. Leiby is now illumating the heavens with his kindness and loving neshuma. B'Shalom
(3) Tara, July 26, 2011 2:34 PM
Thank you
Thank you for your strength and words of advice. I have taken it upon myself to snap one less time a day at my children. Each time I make an effort to be kinder to them, and spreading achdus, I try to think of Leiby and his Neshama. May it have an aliya and may he help us to bring that achdus and Moshiach so we can all be together as one again.
(2) Anonymous, July 26, 2011 2:09 PM
On kindness
What a beautiful statement. I will do my very best to remember how kindness can change lives, and give as much of it to others as I possibly can.
(1) david hochhauser, July 26, 2011 2:06 PM
we all need to learn from this
it is good to see that in this horror some good comes nachman is not bitter he lost a son but he must go on to provide for his family and the children and his wife he asks for nothing for himself but for the needy we as jews should learn form this and reflect that we as a people are proud who we are and be proud to help the person that needs help be proud that you are a jew and thank god every day for the blessings that he gives us and take care of each other and in the end god will shine his light on you but you must act as a true jew and not forget ware you came from and ware you are going