Rabbi Bukobza's Legacy: Living to Help Others

This evening, the 10th of Nisan, marks the 11th anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Natan Bukobza. Rabbi Bukobza, a pillar of kindness, passed away after a brief and serious illness at the young age of 42. Despite his short life, he accomplished countless acts of kindness. Here are some key facts in his memory.

1. Rabbi Natan Bukobza lived in Netivot. After his marriage, he studied in a kollel and later became an educator at the 'Torah Lishma' school in Ofakim. Concurrently, he was actively involved in public service. Since the year 2000, he dedicated himself entirely to this mission until his passing on the Shabbat Hagadol, 10th of Nisan, 2006.

2. Rabbi Bukobza was ordained and had the qualifications to serve as a city rabbi. He was a sought-after and beloved speaker. His lectures and talks focused on Torah insights, halacha, faith, and strength, attracting a large audience.

3. When his youngest son was born, Rabbi Bukobza asked the Rishon LeZion, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, to serve as the sandek at the brit. Rabbi Eliyahu gladly accepted, stating, "Someone who does so much for the people of Israel deserves that I travel to Netivot to be the sandek for his son, as he is a genius in acts of kindness." On another occasion, when asked to give a lesson at Rabbi Bukobza's large 'Bein Hazmanim' yeshiva, Rabbi Eliyahu agreed immediately and called him the "man of kindness of the generation," acknowledging his many merits.

4. Indeed, Rabbi Bukobza was a "genius in kindness." He founded two organizations aimed at establishing Torah and kindness institutions, Torah lessons, charitable funds, support for the needy, building mikvahs, and more. His activities included evening kollelim and around-the-year programs during the day, food and clothing distributions, 'Kimcha D'Pischa' contributions, 'Bein Hazmanim' yeshivas, running a yeshiva for ba'alei teshuva, a soup kitchen for providing food to yeshiva students and the needy, camps for children, Simchat Beit HaShoeva, gatherings attended by thousands, two active study halls, bridal loan funds, maternity help, and more. Over time, his projects expanded to involve raising hundreds of thousands of shekels monthly.

5. Beyond the institutions he established himself, Rabbi Bukobza rehabilitated, founded, and supported various institutions across Israel, including food distributions before holidays, funding children's trips, establishing kindergartens, creating a special classroom for children with Down syndrome, founding synagogues, funding mikvahs, and assisting soup kitchens and rescue organizations.

6. Rabbi Bukobza was renowned for his blessings and spiritual gifts, and thousands of Jews saw him as a mentor, guide, and spiritual father, seeking his advice and blessings. Many witnesses who knew Bukobza testify to his captivating personality, analytical skills, amazing wisdom, and extensive knowledge in various fields. When asked about the source of his blessing power, he said, "My words are effective because of the strength of kindness."

7. Mrs. Michal Rosenbaum from Petah Tikva shared a story about Rabbi Bukobza's kindness. "My first husband was very ill, and Rabbi Bukobza supported us and encouraged us greatly. When my husband underwent a difficult medical treatment in Germany, Rabbi Bukobza traveled there to support and strengthen us." Rosenbaum continued her account, mentioning the rabbi's humility: "Rabbi Bukobza often appeared at our door like an angel when we needed him. For example, during a period when my husband was at home rather than in the hospital, his mental state was not very good. I had to go out to submit tests, but I could not leave him alone. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and Rabbi Bukobza appeared. I told him I needed to leave, and the rabbi, with astonishing humility, said, 'I came to be with your husband; I will stay with him until you return!' He stayed with my husband for about an hour and a half, uplifting him as he always brightened everyone around him." Rosenbaum concluded her admiration, "Anyone who knew the rabbi knew that an hour and a half was a precious time for him, yet he did it with simplicity and joy. In general, the rabbi achieved so much in a short time. Once, I asked him, 'How do you live like this?' He replied, 'I only live to help the people of Israel.'..."

8. The last 'Kimcha D'Pischa' distribution during Rabbi Bukobza's life took place in 2005 (in 2006 he passed away and during the distribution days he was in the hospital). A family came to the rabbi; one of their relatives was in the hospital, and doctors declared that his chances of recovery were over and that his days were numbered. Upon hearing this, the rabbi performed a redemption of the soul ceremony for the sick relative and announced that he would dedicate the entire distribution operation to that person's recovery. Thousands of parcels had been prepared in a hall’s yard in his town of Netivot.

The rabbi then instructed a family member to go to the hospital and awaken the sleeping relative, announcing that at a specific time the sick person would awaken and stand up. The family explained that no one spoke of waking him since the doctors had exhausted treatment options. However, Rabbi Bukobza's instructions were clear. A miracle happened: as the rabbi predicted, the patient awoke, and that year's Passover he was released home. To this day, that individual attends Rabbi Bukobza's memorial events and shares his remarkable story.

9. In the month of Nisan 2005, cancer was diagnosed in Rabbi Bukobza's body. He underwent various medical treatments at Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital in Jerusalem and was later taken to Germany for treatment. When those efforts failed, the rabbi returned to Hadassah and passed on Shabbat Hagadol, 10th of Nisan, 2006. His family notes he died in the midst of the 'Bein Hazmanim' yeshiva activities and distribution of 'Kimcha D'Pischa,' both being his flagship projects, and he was among the pioneers of these initiatives.

10. After Rabbi Bukobza's passing, the institutions he founded were named 'Me’orat Natan' after him, and they continue to operate in Netivot under his wife's leadership. If you have any additional stories about Rabbi Bukobza, please send them to-midey.shabat@gmail.com

A memorial ceremony for Rabbi Bukobza will be held this evening, the 10th of Nisan (5.4.17), at 7:00 PM at the "Gan HaPecan" hall in Netivot. The event will be attended by rabbis, including Israel's Chief Rabbi David Lau, family members, and admirers. A brochure published by 'Me’orat Natan' institutions will be distributed. Men and women are invited.