From Rabbi Bergman:
You might never have heard Uri Orbach but he was a writer, journalist and politician in Israel who served as a member of the Knesset and as the Minister of Pensioner Affairs.
In the Spring of 2013, Uri Orbach named Shabbat Parshat Kedoshim Shabbat Vehadarta, The Shabbat of Honor inspired by the verse in this week's parsha: “Before the grey haired you shall rise and honor (Vehadarta) the face of the elder and fear your God. I am the Lord” (Vayikra 19:32).
Uri Orbach was an advocate who spoke on behalf of the elderly. He felt that Shabbat Kedoshim should be dedicated to appreciating the elderly and that during Torah reading an elderly person should be honored with the third aliya (which mentions honoring the elderly). He also suggested that synagogues and youth groups throughout Israel conduct lectures dedicated to the topic of respecting the elderly.
Some of Uri Orbach’s contributions while in the Knesset included making all movies 10 shekels for senior citizens on Tuesdays, pairing up high school students with senior citizens to teach them how to use the computer and inviting senior citizens to take classes at a Jerusalem’s Himmelfarb high school.
Unfortunately, Uri Orbach’s life was cut short when he passed away from a chronic hematologic disease at age 54.
In memory of Uri Orbach, let us utilize the upcoming Shabbat to continue the legacy of the Jewish people of treating the elderly with respect and reverence.
Shabbat Shalom!
