[COMMUNICATED] News of the passing of Rabbi Naftali Bernstein spread through the Beit Shemesh community like wildfire on Friday morning. Bernstein was a well-known community figure, a beloved cheder rebbi, and a father of 10. After he was taken to the hospital with a severe case of corona two weeks ago, many in the community were davening for his recovery. It was a huge shock when, at just 47 years old, Rav Bernstein passed away on Thursday night.

Rav Bernstein’s widow and 10 children were unable to enter the hospital to visit him, and when they were told the news of his death, they reportedly held each other outside in the rain and wept.

The principal of the local cheder had the difficult job of phoning the parents of Rav Bernstein’s talmidim to tell them that their child’s teacher was no longer alive. Bernstein made an indelible mark on his students’ lives, using his cheery attitude to instill an excitement & love for Torah.

Neighbors recall him as someone who was always happy, and made others happy as well.

Mrs. Nechama Bernstein is now sitting shiva with her children, six of whom are still at home. Though she is no doubt overwhelmed by shock and grief, the subject of finances has already been raised. In the month since her late husband became ill, they have had a significant decrease in income. They are already feeling the pressure. Now she has six grieving children with her in her home: Six futures to provide for. That is an immense weight on her shoulders as she already carries the load of being locked out of the building where her beloved husband suffered a slow and painful death.

A memorial fund has been started to help Mrs. Bernstein keep her home and family afloat, as they heal from this immense tragedy.

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