Memories of Torah, Memorials of Torah

As Yom HaZikaron (Rembrance Day for Fallen Soldiers) is upon us, our hearts go out to the families who have lost their loved ones in the service of our nation. The loss of any soldier is a heartbreak for all Am Yisrael.

This past year, my community of Efrat lost another one of its precious sons, Uriel Liwerant, o'h.

My family was on a summer trip to the Golan Heights last summer when we were awakened to booms and blasts. We shook with fright until we were quickly assured that the booms were only from tank maneuvers nearby.
Suddenly, tragic news spread through our vacation spot. A tank commander had been killed in the exercise. Only later did we discover that the commander was a young man from our own town of Efrat.
Tank commander, Staff Sgt. Uriel Liwerant was a beloved leader, a quiet and inspiring young man. His friends and his soldiers looked up to him and admired his pleasant demeanor and dedication to Torah.
How appropriate that both Uriel's parents Aharon and Joni, his family and his community continually remember him through shiurim (Torah classes) which were so dear to him.
Har Etzion Hesder talmid Uriel Peretz Liwerant z"l was a brilliant student who was acclaimed by all as a Talmid Chacham. His dedication to Torah did not rest, even while he was on active duty, and he did his best to learn daf yomi (the daily cycle of Gemora) every day, no matter the lateness of the hour.
Yeshiva Har Etzion made a Siyum of Shas Mishnayot on his shloshim (thirty day memorial), and the learning in his memory continues.

Over the past many months, the community of Efrat has memorialized Uriel's life with days of learning for young and old. Uriel continues to inspire his friends to learn Torah.

When we recall someone who has passed away, we often say, "May his memory be for a blessing." It is evident that Uriel's memory has blessed all those who were fortunate enough to have known him.