ואמרת אליו הגדתי היום לה’ אלקיך…(כי תבוא כו:ג)

R’Eliezer Moshe Bernath zt”l passed away on Vav Elul, 5775 (2015) at the venerable age of ninety-four. A devout chassid, R’ Eliezer Moshe merited a unique role in his youth: during the harrowing years of World War II, he served as shamash to Maran Reb Aharon of Belz zt”l, alongside R’ Shmiel Porges zt”l. At the time, Maran was residing in Budapest, in the home of R’ Eliezer Moshe’s father, R’ Shmiel Ber Bernath zt”l.

Maran Reb Aharon stayed in their home for 72 days, and R’ Eliezer Moshe would often remark on the profound significance of that period—72 being the numerical value (gematria) of the word חס”ד (kindness). He considered it a great zechus to have served Maran during that time.

Maran Reb Aharon would frequently express his appreciation, telling him,
“Eliezer Moshe, you served me with true dedication!”

On Vav Elul 5703 (1943), precisely 72 years before R’’ Eliezer Moshe’s passing, Maran Reb Aharon departed their home to seek refuge elsewhere within the ghetto. It is a striking and moving detail—72 days of service, followed by 72 years of life—a reflection of the belief that Maran never left a kindness unpaid.