Rabbi Aaron Benzion Halevi Goldsmith

Rabbi Aaron Goldsmith, 63, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 6, 2020 (Tishri 18, 5781) after a 12 ½ year battle with pancreatic/liver cancer. Beloved father of Dr. Yitzy (Mimi), Shmuel, Chani (Shuky) Meyer, Moshe and Rochel. Cherished son of Dr. Louis and Rosalyn Goldsmith. Beloved brother of Gerald (Laura) Goldsmith and Bryna (Allan) Towb. Adoring grandfather of Zalmy, Shaina, Yossi and Meira Goldsmith and Benny and Bella Meyer. He also had close relationships with nieces, nephews and their children. A pivotal point in Aaron's life occurred while a junior at Drake University, where he met Rabbi Moishe Kasowitz. After studying with Rabbi Kasowitz, Aaron developed a great yearning to learn more about his Jewish heritage. This led to an opportunity for both secular and rabbinical studies at Kfar Chabad in Israel. Aaron was able to receive credit for these studies towards his senior year of college, graduating from Drake with a business degree. In time, Aaron continued his studies which culminated in his receiving a rabbinical degree and ordination as a Rabbi. Post college, Aaron started working in the home health equipment industry. As he interacted with clients, especially those requiring hospital type beds, Aaron realized that the available equipment did not meet their needs. As a result, he designed improved models, obtained patents and started Transfer Master Products (named because his new designs often permitted self-transfer from a wheelchair to the bed). Later on, Aaron moved his business to Postville, Iowa and joined the Chabad community, which had ties to the largest kosher meatpacking plant in the US which was also based there. He was active in Postville community affairs and became a city council member where he helped set up many projects that were beneficial to the community. After an infamous raid on the local meatpacking plant by the Immigration & Customs Enforcement agency, Aaron co-authored the book "Postville U.S.A", which detailed many of the unfair actions taken by the government towards the plant and the people who worked there. Aaron was also an innovator and inventor. This included being granted 7 patents related to his bed designs. He and his company were both recognized throughout the industry. Major companies often referred clients to him because of his ability to customize solutions for those with special needs. Throughout his long battle with cancer, Aaron always maintained his wonderful sense of humor, upbeat disposition and gentle demeanor. To show appreciation and love for Aaron's remarkable life, a memorial Torah is being written in his honor. Donations can be made to: Chabad Jewish Center, 37 Park Dr., Mullica Hill, NJ 08062 for "Aaron's Torah". (Graveside services were held the day of his passing.)