An era has ended in Migdal HaEmek: Israel Yaakov Yertz, who served for the past four years as the personal assistant and head of the bureau of the Rabbi of Migdal HaEmek and president of the 'Migdal Or' institutions, the Gaon Rabbi Yitzhak David Grossman - is retiring, after he said the time had come to take a break.
Irt was the connecting thread between the world and the Rabbi and his empire of institutions, spread across the country. For the past four years, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, he stood by the Rabbi's side in everything related to the care of the 'Migdal Or' institutions and the activities in prisons, prisoners and their families.
In conversation with Haredim10 Yert explains: "I didn't grow up with the residents of Migdal HaEmek and my friends and family live in Rehovot. For me, this was a mission and a contribution to the people and the country. Four years is not a short time and now I am returning to my parents' house in Rehovot to make it my home.".
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Words of farewell
And this is how Yanki wrote to his friends: "It was nine years ago. I was responsible for the Chinese sale of the Hesed factory. I drove in the Fiat Ducato, known to my friends, to distribute the brochures for the sale in the city of Migdal HaEmek.
After distributing the booklets, I told my friend Nochi Boxbaum, who was with me: Being in Migdal HaEmek and not being with Rabbi Grossman is a huge miss. We drove to Rabbi Grossman's office in the Migdal Or Educational Center. We entered the office. We were greeted by the legendary secretary, Rebbetzin Rivka Schnorr, may she live, and said with a smile: "The Rabbi is not in Israel. Leave your name and I will tell the Rabbi to bless you.".
We left the office and I told Nohi about the man and the legend, Rabbi Yitzhak David Grossman. We had some time, we rested on the grass inside the education center and I said to Nohi: Maybe this will sound a little disturbing to you, but one day I will work here in the rabbi's office. Where you saw the Rebbetzin sitting - there I will sit as the rabbi's assistant. I remember his resounding laughter to this day.
A few years passed. I grew up, but I never forgot this fantasy. One day it happened. It was a Thursday at 8:55 PM on my way to pray Maariv in the Vizhnitz housing estate in Rehovot. I get a call from my dear friend Yechiel Charez: "Are you interested in working in the north?" I told him: That sounds interesting. What are the details? "Rabbi Grossman's Migdal Or institutions." A circle closes.
After a series of phone calls and scheduling meetings, I met with the rabbi, whom I have admired and will admire all my life. The day after Yom Kippur, I entered the rabbi's office and the first words I said to him were: I don't know what will happen. I know one thing, I will still work here and this will be my place. I voted for the rabbi's place in the office. Rebbetzin Schnorr retired at that time and the place was, as it were, waiting for me. The rest is known.
I was privileged to serve and serve the most beloved and beloved man in the people of Israel for four years. A man who was entirely for the sake of others, the different, the other, for those who had no one to be by his side. During these four years, I was privileged to be his helper and to stand by his side in all his mighty undertakings. Migdal Or institutions with over five thousand students without the evil eye, the ongoing care in prisons, for prisoners and their families.
I was privileged to be of assistance to the huge and amazing youth organization 'Or Israeli' that is making a true and pure Jewish revolution beneath the surface without advertising and without unnecessary talk. I was also privileged to help establish the university for the Haredim in Gan Yavne. I was privileged to assist with complicated medical cases that only God in heaven knows how much effort and effort they required. I was privileged to be the one who brought and took them to the homes of the great men of Israel, whose right is to protect us and to rule over us. I was privileged to handle the 'Japanese prisoners' case' from the moment of their imprisonment until their successful release. I was privileged to assist with special cases that are unknown and will not be known about for years to come.
After four busy years of working 24/7. Years of doing things around the clock - the time has come to say goodbye and take some time off for myself. I do this with a clear mind and with great heartache. Already now I miss the rabbi whom I admire so much and the wonderful workplace where I have patronized in recent years, day and night.
It should be said clearly: I will not leave Rabbi Grossman. Never. I will continue to help him and assist him in whatever he asks. Because Rabbi Grossman is a rare and special person, all of whose actions are for the sake of Heaven.
"My dear friends! I will not leave you either, of course... I would be happy to stay in touch with you, throughout the good days. My phone numbers will continue to serve every Jew, with a cheerful face and a cheerful spirit, as I have done to this very day.".
