Kids who choose to attend Yeshiva LeTzeirim (Yashlatz) are those interested in devoting themselves very seriously to learning. Those among them who headed for the library to learn during a gap in the schedule last Thursday were among the most devoted. Each one of the victims of last Thursday's massacre was a unique tzaddik. One of them, the son of friends in our neighborhood, woke up every day for vasikin and knew at least two sedarim of mishnayos by heart. Everyone who knew him describes him as a "malach".

The families of the korbanos have behaved during this whole horrible period with quiet dignity and fortitude. One visitor after another has commented that they came to the shiva to give strength and instead received strength.

I don't want to cheapen the honor I wish to give these families by discussing those among us who so glaringly lack precisely the qualities these families have. Just go read Daniel Gordis's post.