Thirty Day Memorial For Rav Ahron Walkin Zatza’l

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Rav Ahron Walkin zatza’l was a legendary leader in the Bukharian community and beyond.

Following the footsteps of his father, Rav Moshe Yoel Shlit”a and grandfather Rav Shmuel Dovid zatza”l, Rav Ahron dedicated his life to others. He was known to treat his student’s just like, if not better, than his own children. He took care of anyone in need, more than he took care of himself.

In fact, the last couple of years of his life, Rav Ahron went the extra mile. Although he and his wonderful family reside in Lakewood, New Jersey, Rav Ahron traveled back and forth to Queens, sleeping in several times a week, so that he can dedicate his life to the growth of CHAZAQ’s Beth Midrash and Kollel that served men of all backgrounds yet mostly of Bukharian descent.

He gave several classes a day with genuine love and purely leshem shamayim.

On his Shloshim, the thirty-day memorial, thousands of people watched several hours of eulogies delivered by the greatest Torah scholars from across the globe. Amongst the speakers were Rav Malkiel Kotler and Rav Yerucham Olshin, the Roshei Yeshiva of Lakewood (known as the largest Yeshiva outside of Israel), who expressed their awe of Rav Ahron’s genuine and pure dedication to his students.

The Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, did not know Rav Ahron personally, but was aware of his life changing work for CHAZAQ, and sent his condolences to his family, assuring them that a tzadik such as him has a special place in heaven.

Rav Ovadia Yosef’s other son, Rav David Yosef, met Rav Ahron Walkin five years ago and built a bond with him. In fact, Rav David shared that when he heard about his tragic death, he began to cry, lamenting the great loss. He urged everyone to remain strong and continue Rav Ahron’s great legacy of teaching Torah to the masses.

Rav Yitzchak Yisraeli, the Chief Rabbi of Bukharian Jews in the USA and Canada, expressed his pain at the loss. He shared that aside for his greatness in Torah, Rav Ahron Walkin excelled in his character traits, treating everyone with utmost respect and love.

Other speakers included Rabbi Haimoff who worked together with Rav Ahron dating back to the 1990’s. Rav Sholom Kamenetzky shared his family ties with the Walkin family and praised their tireless efforts for others. Rabbi Ilan Meirov lamented the great void that is now left with Rav Ahron’s passing, as his tireless dedication to the community was something that cannot be found elsewhere. He added that Rav Ahron was front and center in the growth of Chazaq since its inception in 2006 as tens of thousands have been inspired thanks to his guidance.

When all was said and done, the memorial brought back great memories. It inspired everyone to reach greater heights and to keep Rav Walkin’s legacy alive by continuing his path and building his yeshiva to become a greater Makom Torah.  Yehi Zichro Baruch.