Although the sky was gray and the threat of rain loomed large, 4 Shevat/Sunday, January 14th was actually a bright day in North Miami Beach, Florida as nearly five hundred people joined Yeshiva of Miami in welcoming a beautiful new Sefer Torah. Graciously sponsored by Rabbi and Mrs. Melech and Rochel Josephson and family (Lakewood) l’iluy nishmas their beloved son and brother, HaBachur Yosef Tzvi z”l ben Melech ylch”t, it was a most meaningful event for the entire community.
The celebration began at noon with k’sivos oisiyos and the completion of the Torah at the home of Rabbi and Mrs. Dovid and D’vorah Wechsler. At 2:30 PM, music was heard in the street as the Torah was brought out of the house to begin the procession to the Yeshiva. Accompanied by leibidig dancing and singing, the Torah and chuppah were escorted to the Yeshiva’s Bais Medrash, where the dancing and singing continued. There was a little rain along the way, but it didn’t deter the ruach in any way. It was truly a sight to behold – Rabbeim, talmidim, friends of the Yeshiva and of course, so many kinderlach, participating in this beautiful simcha together.
Following Mincha, the family and invited guests proceeded to Congregation Shaaray Tefilah for a delicious seudah prepared by Tastings/Mrs. Cindy Itzkowitz, a former YoM parent and a dear friend of the Yeshiva. Rabbi Josephson addressed those assembled, sharing that Yosef Tzvi was an incredibly sweet young man, beloved to all who knew him. His middos were sterling and he always conducted himself with genuine mentchlichkeit. Additionally, Yosef Tzvi was passionate about achieving the goals he set for himself. Rabbi Josephson stressed that this in particular was a wonderful and important middah to emulate. Rabbi Wechsler (Rosh Mesivta/Head of School) followed Rabbi Josephson, stating that his relationship with the family began many years ago and that he had the opportunity to get to know the niftar, and to see his exemplary middos firsthand.
Indeed, it is his history with Yosef Tzvi and the Josephson family that has inspired and driven Rabbi Wechsler to create and sustain this special Mosad, Yeshiva of Miami. He went on to say that the Josephson family, through this incredible gift, has provided a tremendous chizuk to the Yeshiva, thereby encouraging the development of the Yeshiva’s mission to provide an environment that allows its talmidim to grow and develop as b’nei Torah at a pace and in a way that is sustainable for them. The leadership and staff are dedicated to providing the best possible Yeshiva experience for its talmidim. Rabbi Wechsler added emphatically that “Because Every Boy Deserves to Love Yeshiva” isn’t just a line that sounds great and looks impressive on paper; it is the Yeshiva’s raison de etre. He thanked everyone for joining the Yeshiva on this special day, and added that iy”H the Sefer Torah will be a zechus for the neshama of Yosef Tzvi z”l ben Melech yblch”t.
— The Lakewood Scoop (@LakewoodScoop) January 23, 2024
[Press Release. Photos by Mendystudio]
Can’t think of a more worthy Yeshiva to be the recipient of such a magnanimous gesture by the Josephson family. Yeshiva of Miami is filling a critical need in Klal Yisroel and may Hashem bentch them with tremendous continuing success.
As an attendee of this simcha, I can attest that it was an unusually special event. The palpable joy of the Josephson family, the Wechsler family, Yeshiva of Miami and the entire community of NMB who joined in was noticeable. May this defer Torah bring an Aliyah to the neshama.
I know the yeshiva personally. Their work on behalf of Klal Yisroel is astounding and vital. Kol hakavod!!
Rabbi Wechsler and his Rebitzen Devorah are powehouses. they are responsible for much of the chinuch that goes on in North Miami Beach. The Josephsons are people who understand the tafkid of an ehrlicher yid. The Rebono shel olam has much nachas when he sees two families partner in such a chushuva mamid
Wow. What a beautiful event, to commemorate a very special young man. I knew Jo Jo in his younger years and he just such a yummy precious Neshama. I’m also good friends with Jeremy, who as everyone knows, is one of the Hidden Tzaddikim of our generation. May this be a z’chus for the Neshama of JoJo and a Nechama for R’ Jeremy and his family.
Dudi B.
Bubby Zelda. I too am a very good old old friend of the Josephson family. What a beautiful occasion. But as Rachel and Jeremy know we too suffered a tremendous loss , Loosing a child is the worst tragedy that anyone can imagen. But I will tell you what my father ALEV HASHOLEM said .We should not complain that we lost our dear daughter at 13 years old , What we should say : Thank you HASHEM that we were lucky for having our Alte Ethele for 13 years. I wish you our dear friends to have lots of Nachas from your whole mishpacha. And continue to do the good work that you are doing. All my love Bubby Zelda P. S. thank you very much for sharing this ocassion with me.
Ofcourse Zelda u are our ever admiring Bobby so well liked and popular in our neighborhood! Loads of koach keep up your great personality and kind words