As a result of concerted efforts and support, the Jewish cemetery in Toponar has been revived. It had been neglected for decades, but now, with work completed in early March, not only has a new fence been erected, but the area has been thoroughly cleaned and the existing headstones have been strengthened.
The family of Rabbi Tovia Katz, who is buried here, has contributed significantly to the cost of the work. The construction work was carried out in close cooperation between the European Foundation for the Protection and Preservation of Jewish Cemeteries ESJF and the Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities MAZSIHISZ.
On the third day of Adar II (13 March) – led by Rabbi Beryl Steiner Shlita of New York – the family of Rabbi Tovia Katz visited the grave of their great predecessor to commemorate the 145th anniversary of his death. They prayed with deep faith, read the final part of the Megillah tractate and said Kaddish for him.
The family also paid their respects at the grave of the Rabbi’s mother Rabbanit Hindl Steiner, and remembered the former community of Toponar too.
Rabbi Tovia Katz (1827-1879) was highly respected in contemporary scholarly society. His wisdom and deep knowledge of Torah earned him respect. His teachings produced many great and venerable works. Although he had no children of his own, he raised 29 orphans during his lifetime.
On the news of the cemetery’s renovation that week over a hundred reverends travelled to Toponar to attend the rabbi’s yorzeit.