Recently, in our city, one of the most precious inhabitants of our town passed away-the wise and scholarly, YOSEF son of LIEB GEFFEN. He was one of the unique personalities amongst us and was a most special individual in thebusiness community.

He excelled, not in his wealth, but in his characteristics and abilities; honesty, generosity and proper business behavior. He did not leave after him anyone comparable to him. He was a combination of Torah, business, piety and rich worldly experience and wisdom.

In his youth, he was able to grasp complicated Torah concepts easily because of his sharp and healthy mind and his very strong dedication to his Torah studies. All his teachers and Rabbis predicted that he would have a wonderful future in the rabbinical world. Yet, when he got older and had toprovide a living for his family, he chose not to use his Torah knowledge as a "spade to dig with" in order to make a living. He turned to business. And how surprised his friends were, when they saw this young scholar, just fresh out of the Bes Midrash (study hall), successfully operate his new business as if he was a seasoned and old-time dealer.

Even more were his friends surprised, because he chose to go into the lumber business, which required much preparation and sharp business acumen. Yet he was able to take his active mind and apply it to that complicated business in a highly successful
fashion.

He worked in business for fifteen years in the city of TILSIT, PRUSSIA. He acquired a good name amongst the area's merchants because of his honesty. Both Jew and Gentile alike respected him and praised him. Likewise, when during the last ten years, he resided in our city (he
was fifty-seven when he died) he was loved and respected by the entire community, because of his wonderful character traits, which are required for a man to be a man, and for a Jew to be a real Jew and for a business man to be a proper business man!

Because of this "thick chain" of proper traits, he was able to win over the hearts of diverse members of our community. Everyone was able to find in him exactly what they wanted and needed. When a squabble erupted amongst two businessmen, he was able to mediate between them successfully and solve the problem at hand because of his sharp head and deep insight. And he was able to make them make peace amongst themselves. When a Rabbi came to visit him in his home, he would honor the Rabbi greatly, for he genuinely revered and loved Torah scholars. Even the young local intellectuals found in him a dear friend, for no matter how much time his business took from him, he studied constantly and acquired knowledge in the "old" and "new" literature, politics and ways of the world. No matter what topic of conversation was at hand, he was able to clearly and knowledgeably express his opinion.

He was ready at all times to offer his help to those in need. Whether it was active help that was required or just a word of advise, he was always
there for people to turn to. He was especial sought out for counseling and advise because he was able to penetrate into the heart of the matter at hand and was able to forsee the consequences of various paths of action. In all of his actions, truth was his byword. He did not bow down to
any man when truth was in jeopardy. He suffered a lot because of his convictions. Truth was extremely dear to his heart.

These are just some of the ways and deeds of this superb individual. In all honesty, we can say that he did not leave after him anyone at all
like him. Certainly we can find people today who learn Torah and do Mitzvos on his level. We can also find people who are wise and honest like he was. But if we would attempt to find a person who has in him ALL his combined traits, we would fail. There is none like him.

May there be peace to his dust and may his soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life! And may the One who comforts Zion and the mourners for Jerusalem comfort his stricken family and may there be no more sorrow.

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