Letter by Rabbi Charner - Menahel Torah School Of Greater Washington

In the immediate aftermath of a tragic loss, it is a virtual impossibility to truly assess its magnitude. However, those of us who knew Yehuda Mond, Z’L and/or his family have felt great personal pain and empathy for the Monds these past two weeks. A catastrophic event should prompt significant personal introspection and should lead us to self-improvement and acts which elevate the Neshama of the departed.

This week, Avraham Mond’s Fifth Grade classmates focused on comforting him. They fulfilled the Mitzvah of Nichum Aveilim (some boys visited Avraham multiple times), after having classroom discussions about the appropriate Halachos and conduct for this endeavor. Many thanks to Shulie Bergman, Phyllis Fisher, also parents and teachers for providing transportation. The kids also wrote letters of condolence, many of which demonstrated great depth of thought and compassion. Next week, as a result of my conversations with Avraham Mond, all of our Fifth Grade boys and girls will embark upon a year-long daily Shmiras HaLashon program of study (from the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation). This will be Le’Iy’luy NishmasYehuda, Z’L who was very careful not to speak or listen to negative comments about others. We pray that, through this Limud and its practical application and another project we will soon implement, we will create an atmosphere of Ahavas Chinum that will serve as a living memorial for Yehuda Mond, Z’L.