Personal Reflections

The huge crowd of over a thousand who attended the funeral of Elazar Yehoshua ben Moshe Yitzchok, A"H, was testimony to his unique ability to have had an impact on the lives of so many people from a multitude of different backgrounds. Josh's friends came from all around the country to say goodbye to their dear friend whose memory will never be forgotten. His entire community came out to support his grieving family. Many at the funeral did not even know Josh, yet they still felt some connection to him.

A Modest Person in an Immodest World

In a society in which foul language and improper speech are to some extent a normality, Josh came to show that this is not the proper behavior for a Jew. To most outsiders Josh Bender was "the quiet kid" who always stood back and was never gregarious. However, this temperament made Josh very unique. He always knew what to say and when to say it. He was the type of person who spoke only when conversation demanded it. Whether it be to answer a question in class or in remarking to a friend, never have I ever heard a curse or negative remark from Josh.