How Jewish souls survive the grave: Rabbi Aaron Parry (z't'l) transitions days before coincidental Torah portion

Sibling Rabbis, Aaron (r) and Moshe (l) Parry read from the Torah at a holiday prayer service

Orthodox Rabbi Aaron Parry, was raised secular as Tony. Just two weeks ago, he celebrated his 66th birthday while visiting America. For decades, he had taught Torah students in Los Angeles schools and conversion classes. Aaron managed  classes for respected Rabbi Zvi Block to educate converts in orthodox philosophy and lifestyles.

Aaron and his late wife, Mindy, raised nine children. He followed his older brother, Moshe, to Israel to study in  yeshivas where they both earned rabbinic ordination. They learned about practices of Jewish living and dying - both  intellectually and through the loss of each of their parents, who died 7 years apart. A few years later, Mindy developed a fatal cancer - which acquainted all her family members with Jewish practices in death, mourning, and grieving

Aaron, aspiring to better understand life and the journey of the soul, relocated to the spiritual Israeli city of Tsfat (also spelled as Safed) a known center for mysticism and Kabbalah. Meeting Liora, he found a new marriage-partner.

On a visit back to Los Angeles in 2022, Rabbi Parry spoke with us about a number of topics. In this video, he addresses Judaism's ideas of the soul - in life and death.

Rabbi Aaron explains that according to Jewish teachings, the soul is composed of three components: the nefesh, ruach, and neshama. Although the body remains in the ground, the nefesh, which represents the more spiritual aspect of the soul, has a connection to its remains and may revisit the grave for solace.

 

Rabbi Aaron emphasizes the importance of identifying the soul with its Hebrew heritage, as it is not an English, French, or Spanish soul- but a Hebrew soul. He also mentions that the soul does not have physical eyes but possesses a knowing and understanding that transcends sight. The soul is aware of the presence and words spoken at the gravesite, so showing respect is crucial. This concept is discussed in the Talmud. 

Rabbi Aaron Parry teaches on JooTube from L.A.'s Carlebach Minyan, as Rabbi Moshe davens

Mentor, Rabbi Zvi Block consoles
Moshe Parry on the passing of
 of brother, Aaron ben Avraham
Shmuel ha Levi

Rabbi Aaron returned to the US for several weeks in June. While travelling among his children and grandchildren in New Jersey to Monsey, New York yesterday, he suffered a fatal coronary incident. Just as in this week's torah portion, Parshat Chukat, Aaron accomplished much educating and continuing the Jewish people, but was cut short before reaching the Promised Land. So, too, will his brother, Moshe, continue their mission to reach our Holy Land in preparation for the final redemption. 

Aaron's own soul will assume the journey and transitions he described in the video. May his mourners be comforted by example, his contributions to Jewish continuity, and his signature words to others: Be happy, be healthy, and holy!