Tzadikim Gam Bemitatam Keruim Chayim

By: Yaakov Shemesh

I knew Levi through his brothers who told me about him. When they told me that he is a shliach in Virginia, I felt shocked that someone would actually give up their normal life in Crown Heights to move to a place where Jews are scarce. Levi thought of it differently. He viewed living in Virginia as an opportunity to bring back lost souls to their father in heaven. He was a shliach, not only of the Rebbe, but mainly Hashem. Hashem wanted him to show people his kindness and love for Torah, to get a glimpse of what Hashem's kindness is like. Levi was a representative of the shechinah on earth. He, literally, till the last minute devoted all his energies to helping others and fulfilling Torah and mitzvot. He would drive 25 minutes each way to get to minyan even when it was very hard for him. On Pesach, I was told he had a tremendous amount of guests at his table, and every person there loved him so much, they felt his warmth and tzidkut. I really wish I could have got to know him better in the short time Hashem privileged the world with his presence. I feel that I missed an opportunity to connect with a true Chassid, who is one of a kind in his knowledge and middot. May his neshama rest in Gan Eden along with all the gedolei haolam. Amen