Mrs. Elka Rothman, 97, was revered for her kindness to anyone in need
By Nosson Shulman: Licensed Tour Guide of VIP Israel Tours & Authentic Virtual Tours (click here to check out his free trailer videos)
Jerusalem is home to hundreds of thousands of pious, Torah Observant Jews. One of them, Mrs. Elka Rothman, a”h, a lifelong resident of the holy city, sadly passed away last week at 97. Today the city mourns her death, along with her over 2000 living descendants (yes, you read that number correctly)!
Mrs. Rothman, daughter of the legendary Rabbi Amram Blau, z’’l, was born in 1925. She married Rabbi Rothman, z’’l, a longtime Rebbe (teacher) of the famous school “Talmud Torah Etz Chaim”, and together they had 13 children. Her descendants include a multitude of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and even great-great-great grandchildren (some of whom are to be married shortly). There was a popular saying in Jerusalem that she was “The grandmother of half the city”. As her name appeared on so many invitations for family simchas (joyous milestones such as weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, Bris Milah (ritual circumcision) etc.), when the print store owners made the invitations, they would jokingly ask the person making the joyous event whether it was “with or without Elka”!
In addition to being the matriarch of such a large family, she was known for her kindness and being careful with her speech. Those who knew her said “her house was open to every pauper; she guarded her tongue from any evil speech. She had a good opinion on every person and served her creator until the last day of her life, with joy, praise and singing”.
Nosson Shulman is a journalist and Licensed Tour Guide in Israel specializing in Biblical tours. To allow tourists to experience Israel during the Corona era, he created the new hit Israel tour video series which brings Israel to the home of viewers by simulating actual tours. To check out his free sneak preview tour videos, click here. To view sample tour itineraries or to inquire about private tour opportunities with a personalized itinerary on your next trip to Israel, click here.
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