Memories of Rabbi Shmuel Benjamin on His First Yahrtzeit

On the first yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shmuel Benjamin, longtime rebbi in Oholei Torah and dedicated supporter and fundraiser for Keren Simchas Chosson V’Kallah, Rabbi Dovid Gold shares fond memories of his special brother-in-law.

By Rabbi Dovid Gold – Miami, FL

My brother-in-law of 32 years, Rabbi Shmuel Benjamin – Reb Shmuel Moshe AH ben R’ Avidgor Chaim sheyichyeh – is approaching his first yahrzeit on the 5th of Kislev.

Born in Australia, he came close to Chabad Chassidus through the Yeshiva in Melbourne in the early 1990s. He spent two years learning in kollel under Rabbi Heller, and then served as a first-grade rebbi at Oholei Torah for 25 years. During that time, he taught and guided thousands of talmidim in the basics of kriah.

Over the years, in Crown Heights, he would often meet former talmidim who fondly remembered their first-grade experiences. Despite his busy schedule, he never turned anyone away, always greeting people with a smile and a listening ear.

In his earlier years, he would walk to Rabbi Bukiet’s shul in East Flatbush to help make a minyan on Friday nights and Shabbos mornings. On these walks, he would often share a small dvar Torah, always keeping things practical and relatable. Although he was well-versed in world politics and current events, he used his time to the fullest, always prioritizing meaningful pursuits.

When his wife, Devorah, shetichyeh, became involved with the Keren Simchas Chosson V’Kallah (KSCVK) organization, he fully supported her efforts. Initially hesitant to fundraise in public, he eventually embraced what he called “mesiras nefesh for tzedakah,” encouraged by family and friends. He often took care of the children at home while his wife fundraised at all hours, sacrificing his own learning time with a smile for his eishes chayil.

For 30 years, he had a weekly chavrusa with whom he learned a sicha of the Rebbe, which he would share at his Shabbos table. His hiskashrus to the Rebbe was strong, and he was unwavering in standing up for what was right. His kibbud av v’eim was exemplary, with weekly phone calls, letters, and later, recorded divrei Torah for his father-in-law, sheyichyeh, which were shared with the family.

In the classroom, his attention to detail in preparing projects for his talmidim was remarkable, even before the advent of modern technology. He wanted his students to enjoy learning while establishing a strong foundation in kriah.

This year, being a leap year, the yahrzeit falls 13 months after his passing, making it a unique and meaningful milestone for his neshamah. May Hashem give strength to his wife and two adult children to follow in his ways and continue to be a light in their lives.

On his yahrzeit, may his former talmidim learn some mishnayos and say L’chaim in his memory, bringing comfort to his neshamah in Gan Eden. Giving tzedakah in his honor, especially to KSCVK, which helps families prepare for marriage, would be a fitting tribute.

Photo: Rabbi Mordechai Lightstone (@MyTechTribe)