Memories of the late Zev & Rochel Simons

As hard and difficult as it is to accept and comprehend the enormous loss of two beautiful people, the telling of tales and anecdotes of their very rich life will allow us all, to enjoy the memories of the late Zev and Rochel Simons OBM. My recollections of the departed are those of more recent times. Fresh in my mind, as if they occurred just yesterday. 

Myself and Menny Woolstone, with many other guests travelled to Chicago in February of 2007, to rejoice in the wedding of Mendel and Rachey Simons. Due to unavoidable circumstances, a snowstorm delayed our arrival in Chicago for the wedding, but as Hashem allowed, we all arrived at the wedding, just in time. The first person to greet us at the hotel, was R' Zev. Mendel, his eldest son, was about to be married, but Zev made it his personal agenda, to greet every single guest with the warmth and love, that he was so well renowned for. The hugs and kisses of Zev, were of the purest kind. He was so overjoyed with happiness for us all to partake in the wedding. Zev could have been giving last minute instructions to Mendel, as he was about to embark on his holy journey of marriage, but instead, Zev showed his true character of genuine kindness and greeted us all and welcomed us personally to the Simchah. 

Another short yet powerful incident that I remember about Zev, was his meticulousness about attending the Mikvah each and every day. I had the opportunity to take Zev to the airport in New York, with Mendel. Zev, had an early flight and we had arranged to fetch him at some certain time. As we approached the house, where Zev was staying, we saw a familiar figure scurrying about in the streets of New York, with towel in hand. Zev was on his way to the mikvah. Zev was adamant that he needed to go to the mikvah, each and every day before he begun his daily work. It did not matter to Zev, if he were to miss his flight that day, he was going to the Mikvah. Things of this kind, are the ingredients to the special, pure and saintly like life that Zev led. He was a giant of Torah learning and teaching. He was a hero, in the actions that he did. 

A man, who taught the young about life, but his young life taken too soon.

Rochel Simons, so I have heard was a lady that never said a bad or evil thing about anyone or anything. Free from political and community rift, she lived her life, raising the proud family that attests to her strong character. The one thing that I have in memory of the late Rochel Simons, is the one time I was visiting in Los Angeles. It was the summer in Australia, and Rochel had come over from her holiday time, to share the time with her family in America. She was so happy and content to be playing with her grandchildren, instilling in them, the path that one is to take in life. To be generous, to be kind, to being happy. Rochel. had a permanent smile on her face, nothing seemed to bother her. A woman of valour, a lady of much kindness. Every Friday, she baked Challot, having in mind the sick, the needy and whomever else needed some help, love or inspiration. 

 I am sure, those beautiful beaming smiles of Zev and Rochel are lighting up Gan Eden with infinite light.

Let us cherish life, not cheapen it.

Let us treasure life, not trivialise it.

The memories remain.

Shlomy Lederman