BD”E: Reb Elazar (Luzy) Steinmetz, Z”L

By A Lifelong Friend

The Flatbush community suffered a tremendous loss Friday afternoon, as Reb Luzy Steinmetz passed away after battling a long illness.

Rosh Chodesh Av is a day that the Mishnah writes “we begin to diminish joy” as we enter Aveilus for the Batei Mikdash. Rosh Chodesh generally is a day of celebration, so although it’s the beginning of the Nine Days of mourning, we say Hallel and celebrate the day as we do every Rosh Chodesh.

It is also the Yartzeit of Aharon Hakoen, who was a rodef shalom.

Luzy may have just been in his mid-forties, but his accomplishments surpassed his age. He was a long standing mispallel at Khal Bnei Torah led by Rav Bentzion Shiffenbauer. He was a graduate of Yeshiva Torah Temimah and a talmid of Yeshivas Mir in Yerushalayim and Yeshiva Torah Vodas in Flatbush.

Luzy encompassed all three pillars that we learn about in Pirkei Avos: Torah, Avodah and Gemilas Chessadim

He embodied Torah as a long time Daf Yomi Magid shuir, and was always ready to enlighten his friends and those around him with a good vort.

His avodah was something to admire. His tefiila and kedushas Bais Hamedrish was admirable. His Simchas Hachaim was obvious to all who knew him, every day and especially on Shabbos.

Luzy was a tremendous Baal chessed without ever seeking recognition. His chessed helped many people in need, all without mention that Luzy was behind it all.

It is no coincidence that Luzy’s passing is on Rosh Chodesh, sharing the same Yartzeit as Aharon Hakoen. Luzy was a true Rodeph Shalom, someone who always had a smile on his face and filled the room with joy.

May this Rosh Chodesh be a new beginning, a beginning of Gueulah, a beginning of building the Bais Hamikdosh quickly.

The levayah for ר’ חיים אלעזר ע”ה בן ר’ שמשון אריה נ”י will take place Sunday at 11:00 a.m. at Shomrei Hadas. Kevurah will be in Eretz Yisroel.

May His family, friends and all those that knew him have a Nechamah.