Reflecting on Sassoon tragedy

Rabbi Shlomo Adelman, Menahel/Principal of HANC High School in Uniondale, sent this note to HANC family.

Our hearts ache with anguish and mourning over the devastating loss of Eliane, Rivkah, Sara, David, Yehoshua, Moshe and Yaakov Sassoon, seven children from the same family, who were tragically killed in a horrific fire in Midwood. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sassoon family and the entire Jewish community as we grieve the lives lost in this unfathomable tragedy and pray for Tziporah and Avigayil’s speedy recovery. 

When I heard the tragic news right after Shabbat, my body went numb with shock. Losing a child is a tragedy beyond words, how does one even begin to process the loss of seven children from the same family? Despite not knowing the family at all, I felt compelled to attend the funeral. I saw an open door on the side of the funeral home which I assumed was for entrance. I was unaware that the main entrance in the front was already closed with upwards of 1,000 people in the streets.

I walked in and realized that I had entered the family room. I will not soon forget the scene of an inconsolable father preparing to eulogize his seven children. I quickly exited into the chapel, unprepared for what was to come.

I found myself in the very front of the room where family and close friends were sitting. A few seconds later, members of the Chevra Kadisha asked everyone to move aside. I backed into the podium as seven coffins containing the tehorim (pure souls) were brought into the room one at a time right before my eyes. There are no words. The sight and sounds of that poignant scene that will stay with me for as long as I live. I then made my way out another doorway and stood approximately 10 yards from where the eulogies were taking place.