Mendy Bolton, 12, AH

Menachem Mendel Bolton, a 12-year-old boy from Kfar Chabad, who tragically collapsed during a friend’s bar mitzvah, passed away. At his levaya, the Rov of Kfar Chabad clarified the incident and urged the crowd to increase in ahavas Yisroel.

Menachem Mendel Bolton, a 12-year-old boy from Kfar Chabad, who tragically collapsed during a friend’s bar mitzvah, passed away on Monday, 20 Elul.

As reported on Anash.org, the boy suffered from an arrhythmia – an irregular heartbeat – and during the bar mitzvah, he left the hall and collapsed. He was rushed to the hospital where he was sedated and put on a ventilator. Sadly, he passed away this morning.

Mendy was a happy and good-hearted boy, known for his exemplary middos. He is survived by his parents, R’ Yisroel and Devora Zahava Bolton, and his siblings.

He is also survived by his grandparents, Rabbi Tuvia and Mrs. Rochel Bolton.

The heartbreaking levaya was attended by hundreds of Kfar Chabad residents. During the levaya, the Rov of Kfar Chabad, Rabbi Meir Ashkenazi, delivered heartfelt remarks:

“Kfar Chabad has experienced tragic events in the past year, where parents have buried their children and children have buried their parents.

“In similar situations that occurred in Kfar Chabad – in 5741 when four people passed away in a short period and in 5747 when two young women fell ill with serious diseases – the Rebbe responded to the Kfar Chabad committee by urging to ‘increase in ahavas Yisroel and, of course, to reject machlokes.’

“This incident was directly caused by a cardiac event and a medical issue that was unknown. We must learn an important lesson from this: when there is a hidden problem, whether medical or personal, one person’s wrongful behavior may be the ‘straw that breaks the camel’s back.’ There is no need for self-blame. I appeal to everyone—parents, educators, and students: you never know who is standing in front of you and whether they have special sensitivities. Let us always see the merits in others.”