RABBI ISRAEL KATZ-RONNIES VERY CLOSE FRIEND WRITES

The verse in Jerimiah 17:7 says as follows: "Blessed is the man who trusts in Hashem (G-d), then Hashem willl be his security." Ronnie Cohen A"H lived by these words. Over thirty years ago when Ronnie was dying of cancer and the doctors gave up hope of his recovery Ronnie called out to Hashem for help and Hashem did not let him down. Ronnie made a miraculous recovery against all the odds. Faith and trust in Hashem then became his mantra from then on until his last moments on this earth. I first met Ronnie in Israel 28 years ago. The very first thing I noticed about him was that he would always talk about faith in Hashem. That is why, in those days he prayed at the Kotel daily. He told me he loved Hashem and couldn't go without praying at the Kotel everyday. It made him feel so good. He was a model of how one was to live with faith in Hashem in this difficult world. In addition, he often told me that he loved his four brothers, and sister very much and especially his wife Saba. He also loved, admired, and respected his parents A"H. He would call them almost everyday. He often told me that receiving love from his family was so important to him. He would do anything for a friend or a family member. Above all else he loved Hashem. Although Ronnie has left us and is in a far better place right now his legacy of simple trust and faith in Hashem remains with all who he touched or knew. Whenever he had financial. health, family, or friendship problems he would call out for Hashem's help. He told me that he would often go to the beach in the middle of the night to cry to Hashem. He said Hashem always made the pain feel better. The contributions of Ronnie to this dark planet before his passing was that he made this earth a little bit brighter, a little bit better, and a little bit more tolerable with his simple faith in Hashem which he taught to all who he met. This legacy of faith will remain in our hearts and minds forever. Ronnie will be sorely missed! may Ronnnie find eternal rest under the wings of the Divine Presence! Amen!