Practical Resolutions
in memory of Rabbi Groner

"And the living shall take to heart"

1. A Thought for the Week
2. Hospitality
3. Light up the World
4. Goodness & Kindess
5. Torah Study
6. Tzedakah (Charity)
7. Respect for Prayer

We share with you some of the most comforting words offered to the family during this traumatic time:

"I can only imagine how sad you are, but remember: Your Grandfather's wisdom, light and truth flows through your veins. Don't forget to look inside yourself to find his essence, and he will never leave you."

Rabbi Groner considered the whole community his family, and therefore his essence lives in all of us. The family would like to encourage each and every person who was touched by Rabbi Groner at any level, to carry on his legacy. Following, are some of the values and ideals closest to our beloved Rabbi Groner's heart. By integrating them as part of our daily lives, we will ensure that he never leaves us, as he will live on inside every one of us.

1. "A Thought For The Week”
   Speak words of Torah at the Shabbos table.
   Any visitor to Rabbi Groner's home over the years can attest to his loyalty to Chabad's "Thought for the Week", a collection of English writings on the weekly Parsha. The Rabbi would call on one of his children, grandchildren or guests, or read the excerpt aloud himself, stimulating discussion around the table and inspiring all those present to bring the weekly Torah portion into their daily lives. While the original volume is now out of print, there are myriads of weekly Jewish publications available, both in hardcopy, as weekly subscriptions, and online, which can be read out at the Shabbos table. One recommended text is "Keeping in Touch" by Eliyahu Touger. Involve your family, involve your guests - involve yourself in this truly sacred experience. Only a few words of Torah at a Shabbos meal makes the difference between a simple Friday night dinner and a holy, uplifting experience which lasts all week. Please carry on Rabbi Groner's legacy, and institute this at your own Shabbos table.
   
   
2. Hospitality
   Invite Shabbos guests to your home weekly.
   At Rabbi Groner's Shabbos table, there was no distinction. Chief Rabbis sat alongside university students, newlywed couples next to middle-aged singles, and affluent businessmen and struggling artists all enjoying the Shabbos meal together as one. People of all ages, religious backgrounds, financial situations and social prominence were welcome at all times, without notice. Rabbi Groner encouraged his family to bring home guests weekly and would personally telephone many to ensure they had a place to eat for the Shabbos meals. Next time you see a new face on Friday night who may not have somewhere to go - why not ask them to come home with you? When you hear of a family going through a difficult time, make space for them at your Shabbos table. Don't think of it as entertaining - Go out of your comfort zone, open your home to someone who truly needs the hospitality. This is hospitality in its truest sense, providing a place at the table for someone who might otherwise go without.
   
   
3. Light up the world
   Women and girls light Shabbos candles at the specified time.
   A Jewish woman possesses an extraordinary power to harness G-d's goodness and ask for blessings for all within her reach. One of the specific times when this power is drawn down is on Friday evenings, when lighting the Shabbos candles at their proper time. The Lubavitcher Rebbe encouraged all Jewish women and girls above the age of 3 to participate in the weekly candle-lighting ceremony and ensure that it is done at the proper time. Candle-lighting time listings are available online at chabad.org. Empower yourself - the energy is there for you to connect - you only need to create a vessel for goodness, by lighting that one small spark.
   
   
4. Goodness and Kindness
   Calling people who need to hear from a friend.
   The family has been amazed at the sheer amount of people who recount weekly telephone calls made to them by Rabbi Groner, as if they were the only person who mattered in the world. He set aside time in his busy day to call for news updates at any time of the night or day, whether it was the birth of a child, a traumatic surgery, an ailing parent or financial difficulties. People who were lonely or experiencing marriage troubles were always in his thoughts and received regular calls. People tell of daily telephone calls they received at particularly difficult times in their lives, such as when in hospital or going through strife. Rabbi Groner was always there to provide support and care to his thousands of children. To carry on this legacy, please think of two or three people who would benefit from hearing from a friend regularly. Call them weekly just to see how they are. You may not have time to get together, but a quick chat, just to let you know that I'm here, is all you need sometimes. The chain of goodness is mind-boggling - one good deed can tip the scale.
   
   
5. Torah Study
   Setting aside a designated time to learn Torah.
   Rabbi Groner's daughter recounts her memories of her father waking in the early hours of the morning to study Torah. Teaching classes was not enough, nor was leafing through his encyclopaedic collection of Jewish books to provide a Halachic response. Rabbi Groner was committed to the words of G-d, and spent time daily studying both the legal aspects of the Talmud and esoteric concepts of Chassidus. Set aside time in your busy life. It might be twice a month, once a week, or every day. Explore the massive amounts of Jewish literature available at all levels, in print and online, and discuss with your friends. Contact your local Rabbi or Jewish institution (listed further on) and set up a weekly class, as a group or one-on-one. The alternatives are endless and available at all levels.
   
   
6. Tzedakah (Charity)
   Giving money to those less fortunate on a daily basis.
   The Hebrew word for Tzedakah is often translated as charity, but the Lubavitcher Rebbe described this is an essential mistranslation. Charity, the Rebbe explained, denotes pity and compassion, a sense of providing for someone lower than oneself. Tzedakah, in its literal sense, means righteousness. One person who has more than another is destined to share his good fortune with his friend. There are always people worse off than us, and this is something worthwhile remembering every day. The practice of putting a coin in a Tzedakah box on a daily basis, as Rabbi Groner encouraged, is to teach us the importance of giving even as we go about our daily lives. Rabbi Groner personally gave Tzedoka to many individuals and causes and spent his life soliciting charitable donations for the Jewish institutions under his responsibility, thus giving others an opportunity to give. Every day, he refused to begin his daily activities, even prayer, before doing one small action which would result in a donation to the schools. One small coin is not much, but the daily action of giving Tzedakah can break boundaries up above and encourage G-d to act charitably towards us.
   
   
7. Respect for Davening (Prayer)
   Refraining from speaking during Davening and Torah reading
   Any visitor to the Yeshivah Shule over the last 50 years can fondly recall the stern shouts heard many a service directed at the congregants and at the womens' balcony: "LADIES!" Rabbi Groner would shout, demanding silence from the worshippers gathered during services. To this day, the word "Ladies" is a loaded word, representing fifty years of Rabbi Groner's quest for respect and decorum in the shule. Rabbi Groner's strongest desire was for order in the synagogue, with both men and women refraining from speaking during the davening and Torah reading. In memory of that which he was so passionate about, let us all take this upon ourselves.

It is suggested that the above resolutions should be undertaken L'Ilui Nishmat (to elevate the soul) of Yitzchok Dovid ben Mordechai Avrohom Yeshayahu.

For more details regarding any of these resolutions please contact your local Orthodox Rabbi or for additional information call Rabbi Sholom Mendel Kluwgant on 03 9522 8222 or email info@yeshivahcentre.org

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