By CB Kier
A Rabbi’s Rav, a leader,
With fear only of above,
He molded generations,
With his unending love.
His scholarship and insight,
Surpassed only by his care,
For every Jew, he gave his all,
For every need, he was there.
Over half a century in rabbanus,
Touching countless lives each year,
He built up the Queens community,
Through adversity he’d persevere.
His nobility was apparent,
A gentleman like no other,
He spread kavod shamayim,
Every Jew viewed as a brother.
But to all of us, his family,
One thing was always clear,
Despite his busy life as Rav,
For family, he’d be there.
His face would always light up,
When a grandchild would walk in,
He’d share his wit and wisdom,
With that ever-present grin.
And now as we stand orphaned,
Without our Zaidy to pave the way,
To whom can we turn for advice,
Who would always know what to say?
Who can guide is with direction?
Who can inspire us with song?
Who can lovingly show by example,
How to distinguish right from wrong?
But as we look all around us,
The answer becomes quite clear,
Our Zaidy and his legacy,
Will live on, year after year, after year.
For all those influenced during his life,
Still carry his lessons inside,
And so Rabbi Joseph Grunblatt’s impact
Will continue to spread worldwide.