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Who Inspired It As mentioned, this project is l’zecher Mrs. Bertl Katz who was brought up Rothenberg, Germany and then settled in the UK. She, and her late husband – Dr Shmuel Katz (Hechover Reb Shmuel ben Reb Moshe Hacohen) - were able to see their family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren spread around the globe – all living to the highest levels of Yiddishkeit, morality and respect for the community. In addition to this, they were involved in the K’lal – in teaching, in communal organisations, giving of their money, through Tzedokoh, but most of all giving of their time in one-to-one support of those who wanted to know more about their heritage. The following tribute appeared in the Jewish Press at the time of her petiroh - Mrs Bertl Katz O’H, 5th March 2002? On Shooshan Purim, our dear mother, Mrs Bertl Katz, finally returned her soul to the Rebonoh Shel Olam. During her 87 years she was a key member of 4 communities – Rothenberg , Frankfurt, Cardiff and London. In Germany, she displayed much courage in upholding her Yiddishkeit against the religious and physical challenges of the Nazi regime. In the late 30’s she was a key helper at the Frankfurt Yeshiva with Rabbi Schlesinger looking after the welfare of the young Bochurim. After a difficult time as a domestic in London she moved to South Wales during the war to marry Dr Shmuel Katz Z’tl with whom she set up a powerhouse of Yiddishkeit, learning and G’milus Chasodim. Her innovative way of helping young people to read, her teaching generally, her hospitality and her determination to find about Jewish knowledge helped to build a large “family”’ of men and women who, today, are bringing up their own families Al Derech Hatorah - all over England and beyond. And it didn’t stop when the Katz’s settled in Golders Green in 1980. Mrs Katz immediately became actively involved in teaching young children - and teaching others to teach children who had special needs. She attended Massoret, and other colleges and worked with the forerunners of Binoh. Her approach was endorsed by the leading educationalists and in everything; she was ahead of her time. For instance she initiated a Tehillim group for her friends in the early 90’s after the Gulf war – long before it became quite so popular. Sadly her medical condition over the last 5+ years meant that she was spared the responsibility and problems of today’s modern world, but was still able to show signs of warmth and appreciation when visited by family and friends. She leaves behind a sister in Eretz Yisroel, sons in London and a daughter in Toronto – with grandchildren and great-grandchildren following in the “Katz” footsteps of helping in communal matters. May she be a Melitz Yosher for her family and Klal Yisroel – all of whom need so much Siyatah Dishmayoh at this time. |
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