It is a special honor to dedicate this Sefer in memory of Avi Gilad zt”l. My learning and teaching of Sefer Daniel began with a conversation with Avi during a parent-teacher conference at Torah Academy of Bergen County in November 2000. Avi suggested that I learn Sefer Daniel with the boys, noting that Sefer Daniel is most interesting and compelling. I took his recommendation to heart, and it proved to be excellent advice. Students indeed have very much enjoyed learning Sefer Daniel. Our Sefer reflects the keen interest that students continue to experience as a result of Avi’s initiative. “Opportunity in Exile” is the magnificent end-product of Mr. Gilad’s encouragement and willingness to think out-of-the-box.
The Hebrew title for this book, “Av L’Dugma,” captures Avi’s personality. Avi continues to serve as a “Dugma”, an example par excellence, of how a Jew should live. He was a highly involved and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. He never missed a Minyan and diligently learned the Daf Yomi. He was a very honest and very successful businessman who was well liked and respected in the communities in which he lived.
I vividly recall my last visit with Avi in a Manhattan hospital. As I was leaving, his eldest grandchild entered the room. The love between grandfather and granddaughter was very evident. Both of their faces lit up with delight as they saw each other. There was no generation gap between them. They had clearly connected on a most profound level. Avi magnificently connected with everyone in his family and communities in a most meaningful manner.
I believe Avi is looking from Gan Eden immensely pleased with our dedicating “Opportunity in Exile” in his memory. A special thank you is due to Avi’s wife and children - Ruth, Rebecca, Erez, Leah, Yosef, David, and Yoni - for facilitating the publication of this work. May Avi’s Neshama experience an Aliya in the merit of the wonderful Torah learning experiences which he generated and continues to generate.