9 Shevat—the 19th yahrzeit of Chananya Katz, a’h (Chananya ben Tzvi, 1976–1995)
The vibrant tunes of your
    music shall forever beat,
As shall the flashbacks of your
    simchas ha’chayim.
Precious memories of your
    young departed life,
Etched indelibly inside our aching hearts.
Images solid as the rock embedded deep within the earth’s soil.
Piercing pangs of yearning besiege us incessantly.
Your untimely loss zaps ferociously at our spirit.
Seventeen years later, we struggle helplessly
To accept Hashem’s most unbearable decree.
Bittersweet simchas are met with deep hakaras ha’tov
Enabling our ability to trudge forward each day.
A Hatzolah Center dedicated in your memory is a gift of love
From a community that perpetuates your zechuyos by saving lives.
On your yarhzeit, each of us recalls personal connections shared
Remembering your unrelenting desire to grow in learning and to achieve.
We are reminded of our own mortality and the need
        to make the most of every moment.
You may be physically gone, but you are alive
Your adorable niece and nephews speak of you
They haven’t seen you but they know “Uncle Chananya”
Their musical aspirations are an emulation of you.
Y-e-t another glimmer, a ray of hope wrestles to emerge.
A deep emunah draped in a belief that we shall once again meet.
Somewhere at a time and place where aching hearts no longer exist,
Your regal neshamah bounding freely in a kaleidoscope of the love we shared.
We daven to be worthy to greet your sincere and charismatic smile,
Our precious bechor, our family’s beloved Chananya.
A treasured son, adored brother, cherished uncle, and beloved friend,
Who we all yearn to embrace, so, so much.
Yehei zichro baruch