The Gemara (Taanis 22a) tells us how Rabbi Beroka asked Eliyahu Hanavi, “Who in this marketplace is a ben Olam Haba?” Eliyahu pointed to two men, explaining that they had a direct ticket to the World to Come. Curious as to what made them worthy of such definite reward, Rabbi Beroka asked the men what they do. They replied that they make jokes and bring joy and happiness to people.

Michelle Jakobovits, a close neighbor and cousin of mine, who passed away on Tuesday July 10, 2018, was like the two men singled out by Eliyahu Hanavi, for she was always bringing joy and simcha to others. Michelle was overflowing with ahavas Yisrael, and this love was felt by all those privileged to come into her orbit – family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and, really, any member of klal Yisrael. This manifested itself in the simchos she participated in wholeheartedly, the many organizations she involved herself in and even helped directly, the shiva houses she managed, as well as her ordinary day-to-day interactions.