ONE CAN sense he ’ s close-by , with the sound of warm laughter and exciting chatter . A group enters the Mizrachi Beit Midrash and at its centre is Rav Yoni , sharing in an animated conversation , as his phone buzzes in his pocket with yet another congregant looking for advice or halachic guidance . He ’ s just fought through traffic from Bryanston , where he spends his day consulting businesses on strategy , but now it ’ s time to focus on his real passion – consulting to the community .
TRIBUTE
FAREWELL FRIENDS A TRIBUTE TO RAV YONI AND CANDY LIPSHITZ RABBI SHMUEL KAGAN
children , family and friends is a microcosm of the broad care she has for the wider community . She gives over Torah that is relevant to the mothers , daughters and wives who seek her feminine pragmatism . Her energy fuels the beautiful events she organises , while she remains a grounded , insightful and calming resource for those who seek her counsel .
Rav Yoni and Candy have been a powerful and loyal team to the Mizrachi community . Together , they have opened their home to us and provided both parental presence and operational experience . They are role models for how to deal with , and be strengthened by , challenges .
ONE CAN sense he ’ s close-by , with the sound of warm laughter and exciting chatter . A group enters the Mizrachi Beit Midrash and at its centre is Rav Yoni , sharing in an animated conversation , as his phone buzzes in his pocket with yet another congregant looking for advice or halachic guidance . He ’ s just fought through traffic from Bryanston , where he spends his day consulting businesses on strategy , but now it ’ s time to focus on his real passion – consulting to the community .
Rav Yoni loves people , and it ’ s clear that people love him . After learning with a congregant , he makes his way home to spend some time with his beloved family . His family knows that this time is not to be taken for granted as , despite his remarkable care and unyielding commitment to his immediate and extended family , he could be called to a shiva house , or a committee meeting , at a moment ’ s notice . I have seen a message from his son posted on the family WhatsApp group with a request that if anybody has seen Rav Yoni , to please tell him to go home !
Managing the small village known as the Lipshitz family is the calm but focused Rebbetzin Candy . Her unbending and passionate love and dedication to her
Rav Yoni and Candy were married during their “ gap ” year , while their friends travelled abroad or started their tertiary studies . They continued growing their family through obstacles which would have stopped most . They constantly juggle so many personal and communal responsibilities . And not long ago , they took the leap to make aliyah , displaying to the community the courage and trust they have . One shouldn ’ t be surprised , as Rav Yoni and Candy never shy away from difficulty . They confront opportunities bravely and teach us , by example , to do the same .
My wife and I share a sister-in-law with Rav Yoni , which has allowed us to become even closer friends with the Lipshitz ’ s . Rav Yoni and Candy have been our confidantes and we have personally learned so much from their experience and advice . They made us feel welcome on the rabbinic team , and Rav Yoni and I collaborated extensively through our involvement in the Beit Mordechai Campus Kollel , in particular , the University Kollel . Yet again , I saw his vision and talent as the Kollel ’ s executive director .
Pirkei Avot ( 1:17 ) states : “ Lo hamidrash ikkar elah hamaaseh – study is not the primary thing , but action [ is ].” Rav Yoni and Candy have been clear examples to all of us as to how to live life proactively and productively . They teach through what they do and the character they have . I hope we will share your attitude and courage , following on the path you have forged , never forgetting life is a journey , and eventually joining you in our homeland , Eretz Yisrael .
Thank you for your service and your example . ■
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