As I reflect on the past,

Being in yeshiva for many a year,

I am overcome with appreciation,

For the opportunities so dear.

Many friends to enjoy,

From my rebbeim I did grow,

But there is a special feeling of gratitude,

To have been in Yisroel Meir’s glow.

There was so much he did,

Performing his good deeds,

So sincere about his avodas Hashem,

And looking to take care of everyone’s needs.

The bochurim need a drink,

Was his concern during the summer time,

Perfecting his ice lemonade,

With his love and a bit of lime.

He ran to the seforim store daily,

To get the new books that were sold,

To please the boys in yeshiva,

Which to him was more precious than gold.

When a new boy came to yeshiva,

He would ask, “Where do you live?”

He would sort through the weekly newspapers,

The boy’s hometown pictures he would give.

“Why is it that you do this?”

I once asked Yisroel Meir,

“It takes so much time and effort,

Yet every week you don’t tire!”

He said, “There is nothing in the world,

That I enjoy more,

Then to put a smile on another’s face,

And to see their happiness soar.

“When a boy hears a good tiding,

Or sees a picture from his hometown,

it brings them such joy,

Setting a smile in place of a frown.”

In the peak of the winter,

When it was snowy and icy,

He went out early in the morning,

Despite the great adversity.

What was the need,

What was the urge,

Why did he have to go out,

During the wintery surge?

He said “Every day I try my best,

To serve hashem with dedication,

To the mikvah I must go,

Even though it’s beyond expectation.”

He went through the heavy rains,

Schlepping back a big delivery,

Providing the bochurim with treats,

The leftovers from the bakery.

He informed us when shiur starts,

So that we can continue learning without worry,

He gave us over the daily menus,

To settle our curiosity.

Yisroel Meir’s special way of life,

Doing for others was his desire,

Lessons that we all can learn from,

To follow in his ways we aspire.

Hamakom Yinacheim Eschem

B’Soch Aveilei Tzion V’Yerushalayim

By A Grateful Yeshiva Gedolah of Passaic Talmid