RABBI MOSHE CHAIT, ZTL         by  Baruch Cohen, esq.

Rabbi Chait was the dynamic rabbi of my shul growing up in Far Rockaway, the Young Israel of Wavecrest & Bayswater, and was my 1st year Bais Medrash Rosh Yeshiva in Chofetz Chaim in Israel (Sanhedria Murchevet). Rabbi Chait gave me the Sefer Tenuas Hamussar for my Bar Mitzvah and I cherish the set of seforim to this day.

Rabbi Chait was regal & noble and immaculate in his demeanor and dress. He had a dazzling smile and a twinkle in his eye that lit up your soul as he spoke to your soul. Look at the picture below so see and feel that warmth that he exuded when he looked at you and addressed you. This picture was taken by me in Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim in Forest Hills in my 2nd year of Bais Medrash, and Rabbi Moshe Chait came to speak to the "fellas." His suit - perfectly tailored. His beard - perfectly trimmed. Rabbi Chait had a smile that made you feel like a million bucks - that you were the only one that counted in that brief second of interaction with him. His warmth filled my soul. He brought Eretz Yisroel with him wherever he went.

He exemplified strength of character molded by the Baalei Mussar; a beacon of morality and Yashrus. He was a Mashpiah. He guided and advised with the authority of a leader. “Gadlus Ho’Odom” “Reb Dovid” “Reb Yisroel Salanter” “Reb Itzele Petelberger” “Slabodka” “Mussar” “Chevrah” were terms that were always on the tip his tongue. I strove harder when I was in his presence because I wanted Rabbi Chait to be proud of me and to call me one of his “fellas.”

For years, I kept hearing that Rabbi Chait was not well and wanted to visit. It wasn't until my trip to Israel for Pesach 2007 did I have the opportunity to visit him. When I came to the door of their apartment in Ramat Eshkol, Rebbetzin Chait asked me to wait in the living room as she went to get Rabbi Chait - who took an extraordinary long time to walk out. It was very hard for me to see Rabbi Chait in this condition - my last images of him were so vibrant and alive, bursting with vitality and strength. I was very fortunate to tell him how much he meant to me, & how I carried his image with me during very trying times. How his strength sustained me during the unthinkable pain a parent could endure. Rabbi Chait, who was not able to speak during our meeting was visibly moved and teared up. After we spoke, Rebbetzin Chait asked me to pose with Rabbi Chait which I did and the picture is below.

To my surprise, Rebbetzin Chait asked me to bentch Rabbi Chait (Nesias Kapaim) which I gladly did as I am a Kohein. The picture is below.

I will miss Rabbi Chait terribly. There can be no replacing a man of this magnitude. This day is indeed a dark day on my soul. May Hashem comfort his Rebbetzin and family.
  
Respectfully,
Baruch C. Cohen, Esq.
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