Committed to Keeping Shabbat in Memory of Volunteer Efi Gadasi, and Moved the Web

Thousands mourned this week the untimely death of rescue volunteer Efi Gadasi, of blessed memory, who died after losing control of his motorcycle on his way to a medical emergency. In his death, Gadasi left behind three orphans and dozens of friends, family, and others who knew and admired the many acts of kindness he performed during his life.

One of them is a long-time acquaintance of his family, Yocheved Or, who, shaken by his death, decided to commit to observing Shabbat in his memory. 'Efi was like a brother to me,' Or told 'B'Hadrei Haredim'. 'He wasn't my biological brother, but our families have known each other for many years.'

In a post she published on social media, Or said her farewell to Gadasi and wrote: 'I promise to keep Shabbat for the rest of my days on earth without a vow, in your memory. Who knows better than you how hard Shabbat is for me, but for your soul, I will do everything. I am sure you are in Gan Eden because that is where you belong. You are righteous, holy, and pure. How many lives did you save, and how ironic that you were killed on the road where you loved to save lives.'

Although she comes from a family that observes Torah and mitzvot and she herself is meticulous about it, 'in recent years, keeping Shabbat has become very difficult for me,' she said.

After Efi's death, Or sat with herself and thought about what she could do in his memory. 'Talking and crying and falling apart is not what will help, and Efi wouldn't want to see me breaking down. So I decided to keep Shabbat according to the law, as I have had many lapses in observing Shabbat. Shabbat is a symbol of Judaism, and this time I decided to go all the way. Efi always taught his children to follow in the ways of Hashem, despite all the hardships and challenges he faced in life. And I am sure that my strengthening in observing Shabbat will bring him great joy above.'