Tsion Goldstein by Rafael Rabinovich

I knew Tsion since I came to live in Crown Heights back in 1997. He was one among many of the Argentinians in Crown Heights in those days. During a period, we sat down and learned Gemara together at the Kollel, which was then in a house adjacent to the back of 770 on Union Street. He had an extraordinary ability to translate every expression in the Gemara into perfect Spanish and would always take the time to explain each concept in full detail. Tsion applied the same dedication when learning Sichos and Maamrim.

When I got married, Tsion, along with a group of other Argentinians, helped my new wife and me move into our apartment on Empire Boulevard. For years, Tsion was the "go-to" guy whenever we needed to move boxes, transport large items, or simply needed a ride.

Many years passed, and one day I found myself in a difficult situation—my wife and I were separating. The first Shabbos I couldn't bear to sit at the Shabbos table at home, I sought refuge with Tsion. Despite my embarrassment, he welcomed me without needing any explanation. For a good while, my Friday night erev Shabbos meal was at his place.

Who could forget his humor, his divrei Torah at the table, and the warmth he shared with his children? We often met in 770, and he would ask if I wanted to learn something. I remember sitting in his sukkah with his family and interesting guests. At his in-laws, his shver, Rabbi Prager, once told me how he composed a Yerushalmi niggun with the words we now know as the niggun "aymosay k'osi mar," along with other fascinating stories from his extended family. While Tsion was around, it was a guarantee I’d always be welcomed.

Then, one day, he got sick. He could no longer work, and things became difficult. My first thought was to help out: I gathered my ma'aser from a few weeks and brought him the payment for a full month’s rent. Why not? There were times he seemed better, but then his condition would worsen again. Tsion became thinner, and his health slowly deteriorated. It continued to decline, leading to hospital visits. Seven years ago, we were told he was no longer with us. After the levayah in front of 770, I had to face the reality: I would not see Tsion again, nor meet him in 770, nor visit him at his in-laws, until Moshiach brings the maysim back alive.