All those who knew Naim Levy (Lawi), 'a"h, agree that it was a privilege to have known him and we share in the loss to his dear family and community.
Naim was born in Baghdad in 1920 to Shaoul and Khatoun Lawi 'a"h. He was one of four children, with his sister Muzli, brother Selim and younger brother Jouri. He lived many years in Beirut before making a home, with his dear wife Olga (Née Mesrie), in Montreal. They were blessed with three wonderful and supportive daughters, Joyce, Mimi and Dianne.
Naim was devoted to his entire extended family, and was a source of support to each member throughout the globe. In fact, one of his last words to his family was to urge them to stay together.
Naim was a successful businessman, working closely with the other members of his family, but one of his main passions was Judaism and his

Ish Hai, after whom Midrash BEN ISH HAI takes its name and whose teachings we follow.
At a recent Hillula the Midrash hosted to honor the revered Hakham, Naim came with his brother Jouri and several family members. With great emotion and humilty (which is the hallmark of the entire family) Naim spoke of how all their friends are like family. He added: "We are proud to have the honor and the character of being a family together - for us the family is very important".
We too feel that Naim was family and share in this great loss with all his loved ones to whom we extend our deep condolences. May his life's work for harmony, unity, family and community, imbued with a deep commitment to Judaism, continue through the life and efforts of all he loved.

Naim Levy, 'a"h, great grandson of Hakham Yoseph Hayyim, 'a"h, after whom Midrash BEN ISH HAI is named, speaking at a recent Hillula, while his illustrious great-grandfather, in the portrait on the left, looks on.

community. The Synagogue was an important institution to him and he was instrumental in bringing his people together, harmoniously,  in several communities, with his wisdom and warm smile.
Like his brothers and sister, he was particularly proud, and felt the responsibility of being the great grandson of Moreinu Rabbeinu Hakham Yoseph Hayyim, 'a"h, the Ben

tapes of recorded lectures, given by the Hakham, Rabbi Ya'aqob Menashe, hy"w, have been distributed, free of charge, in the New York region, on a wide variety of fascinating topics.
People from very varied and diverse communities and backgrounds, Sephardi, Ashkenazi and Hassidic, keep clamoring for more.
You can take part yourself in this important project and sponsor one, or a whole series

of tapes at extremely reasonable rates. Your name, or any name you designate, will be printed on the label. They can be sponsored to honor someone, in memory of a loved one, or for the refuah shelelmah (complete recovery) of one who is (lo 'aleinu) ill.
Be a part of spreading knowledge, in a highly entertaining manner, among our fellow Jews.
Please email us here, or call (516) 487-6676. •

he Midrash recently started a new project of distributing Torah tapes. This project has already proved itself to be very successful. Literally thousands of

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