Tribute to Adon Ari

OBITUARY

Ari Bayn Kotayv Benyahmeen was born Sidney Mackay, Jr. in Harlem Hospital in New York on May 24, 1954, to Gladys (Elisheba) Mackay and Sidney Kotayv Mackay, Sr. He was blessed with  his name by his Ahbi. He came into Israelite Law at six years old, as initiated in his march, holding a tiny Torah, from the original B’nai Adath, to their current location at 1006 Greene Avenue in Brooklyn. Ari brought many friends and loved ones into the Israelite community, including his wife, Sharon. Ari’s places of worship were: B’nai Adath Kol Beth Yisrael and Kol Shaireit Beth Yisrael, speaking and reading Hebrew fluently for 60 years.

His public-school education began at P.S. 154 and commenced with his graduation from George Westinghouse High School with a concentration in Electrical Technology. Ari continued his education and earned an Associate Degree in Labor Relations from SUNY Empire State College’s NYC Campus in Brooklyn. Ari embarked on a lifelong career as a Local 3 Electrician, from which he retired in September 2020.

Ari Benyahmeen was a Champion for many causes. First and foremost, he was a champion for The Most High from birth, and that’s how he lived his life. His belief and devotion never wavered. He was an inspiration to many and kept himself surrounded by the words and energy of The Creator. He was a champion who promoted spirituality, growth, peace and love. He touched the lives of many people from his biological family, extended family, and host of friends. He was the light switch who lit up the room and the melody in your ears always singing praises. He was phenomenal!

In addition to praising and serving The Creator, he was a natural born showman. Singing, dancing and performing was one of the many loves in his life. Ari, as a young teenager, played the snare drum in the Utopians Marching Band. In his later years, Ari and Dahweed played Conga drums on the Talking Heads “Fear of Music” album, in which Ari was quite the celebrity with his fellow electricians. When he grabbed the microphone, we were ready to praise with him. Let’s not forget, he was a master drummer taught by his late father, Kotyv Benyahmeen. He produced two successful records under his own label, Israelite Records, Inc., along with his lifelong friend, Dahweed. His whistle could be heard from blocks away and captured the attention of what seems like hundreds of people.  He also loved to cook, and his all famous pancakes will truly be missed. These things will never be forgotten!

Ari found love 22 years ago when he met Sharon Jones one fall evening. Sharon and Ari traveled around the US from west to south. Sharon and Ari’s favorite vacation sports were Atlantic City, NJ and Wahsington, D.C. Ari was the father of six children; two sons and four daughters. Sharon and Ari’s covenant of love and acceptance lasted until Yah called Ari home.

Ari is survived by his wife Sharon Benyahmeen; his six beautiful and strong children, Ah’khazyah, Sahviahnoot, Rishon and Cocavyah Benyahmee, Eliease Phillips (William), Lauren Miles (Jerome); his grandchildren, Malachi, Katahvyah, Raziel, and Naytzach Benyahmee, Nala and ari Rice and Ari Miles. He is also survived by his siblings, Terriene, Shirlene and Ehi Mackay. Ari’s childhood friends are Harry (Horn) Robinson, and Joe Transon, who share his childhood memories of Red Hook, Brooklyn. He was ‘Uncle” to a multitude of nieces and nephews who all loved him dearly, and “Cousin Ari” to many.