Eulogy for Murray Baumel (2001)

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Eulogy for Dr. Hyman Kirschenbaum (2000)

Tu B’Av = semi-holiday; required not over-indulgent expression of sorrow. I and my wife knew Hy and Judy >40 years. Admired him for his professional competence, humanity, family, Yiddishkeit. Born London, Ont.; public school; Western Ontario Medical School. Yiddishkeit – from intensely Jewish home; father taught him. Major part of career – BIH, neurosurgery. Intensely devoted to patients; his surgery saved thousands; not only professional care, also personal attention... Patients = humans... רופא נאמן / רופא רחמן... so: imitatio Dei. Humble: never affected by professional arrogance, though earned undying gratitude of patients and their families. When federal anti-religious cuts impacted kashrut in 1981, recall – Hy was outraged. Fought at the peril of his own career, but never relented until he won. When Russians came to New York – spared no effort: classes, lectures at BIH, highest pass rate – all free. Continued several years. Honored often – awards, plaques, etc., loved and admired – yet never sought such rewards. Passionate for honor, not honors.Three anomalies:Died of an aneurysm – the very condition he so often treated. Very busy surgeon, yet always made time for the family he loved. We take leave of him in sadness... on a happy day in the Jewish calendar. Mishna at the end of Taanit: לא היו ימים טובים לישראל כט״ו באב וכיום הכיפורים שבהם בנות ירושלים יוצאות וחולות בכרמים. Such contradiction! But see it as part of the progression – Tu B’Av → Shabbat Nachamu – Tu B’Av with its theme of shidduchim, marriage, children, family = continuity of Am Yisrael.So, no anomaly: today is a Tu B’Av; but be confident – eventually נחמה – and then, his family will continue in health, strength, and devotion to his ideals. The grandchildren he so adored... will live, achieve, and be a blessing to Hy’s memory. In your sorrow, know consolation will come – and then... for generations.

Eulogies & Memorials

Eulogy for Morris B. Abram (2000)

His general record well-known; no need repeat his brilliant record in law/civil rights/govt/etc. Concentrate on pers’y/J contrib’s. Suave/sophisticated/brilliant – yet compassionate/friendly. Southern charm mixd w אידיש חן – a marvlous combination! Love family: wf Bruna Molina; ch – Ruth/Ann/Moriss/Adm/Josh. Courage: Neither cancr/KKK could mk ths mn cower, neither anti-Amer’n diatribes could intimidate him.J Orgs: headed AJCom/Natl Conf Sov Jy/Conf Presdnts Major A-J Orgs; short stint Pres Brandeis U; and Ch, BD/CSL/Y.U-- & mmbr Trustee Com . choose new Pres. (I've since forgvn hm'In all public If (civil/J/polit), he couldn't be pigeon-holed as Extrmst/Modrt. Anyone wh opposd KKK as vigorously... was not modrt. So f 1-man 1-vote. Rather—examind each case on own merits & determnd hs approach. Maimnds: שיהא אדם שםopinions/p-v. Bt whn h arrvd at decision, pursued it w convictn. passion—bt w fairness. Thus, h gave lie t myth tht moderts= wimps. Struck me as man who always a passionate moderate. ,Brought litigator skills to commty work: at CSL/BD-a master at work... found'g Ch/BD/CSL-76-78. Rcvd HD from Y U, I shll evr b gratfl f hs advc/counsel/guidnce as newly mintd PresIsrael: Read his letter/record 22 Sept J999 on UN/Annan/IsrRei Dimension: "[I am] without a [J] background (which I somuch wish I had)"—high praise Lubavitcher RebbeRead: his letter to me of July 24, 1986Today: R.CH. Nisan- שלא חיסר בעולמו כלום וברא בו בריאותטובות ואילנות טובים להוות בהם בנ״אWherein company MBA, felt: all's well w world. & that if anything went wrong, this charmg, brave man—whose favrt motto-'if elevator broken, use stairs"--would set it aright. We ought bless G-d f gift of such a man in our midstEnd: Used t write t me (mostly by hand) 2-3x yr״ Annual ck to Y.U. w gracious note "wish I could do more" Morris, after all I've said about you, I wish 1 could do more—because you deserved it

Eulogies & Memorials