Max, as I
was sitting down to write this message to you, I was thinking what could I say
to someone I’ve known for nearly 65 years, who was one of my parents’ best
friends, and who somehow still manages to be the first person who joins me in
the shul every Shabbat morning! Well, I
think, after much soul-searching, I finally struck upon a theme. So bear with me.
Did you ever
notice that the stories in the Torah are not about youngsters leading our
people to freedom? Aharon was 83 years
old and Moshe was 80 years old when they approached Pharoah to let us go! No one looked at them cross-eyed nor doubted
their ability to lead, even though Moshe had a speech impediment and needed his
brother to verbalize the messages he wanted to share with the people. They had the advantage of being seniors with
experience and energy. They also had a
passion for their work and a desire to pass on to the next generation the
values that they held so dearly. Moses
does lecture his flock of followers, does become frustrated with them when they
seem to stray from the path, but always loves them and wants what is best for
them. He knows that one day he will no
longer be leading them, but does not stop working on their behalf no matter
what challenges he must face.
Now it’s
true, you’ve superseded Moses’ 80 years by ten plus years….but you too have discovered
ways to enhance your communication with others whenever the words don’t flow freely from your
tongue…you have a wealth of experience related to the history of individuals
who have come and gone from this community over the years, and to the nooks and
crannies of this building. You care
dearly about the success of this congregation and we all know that when you
chastise us for not supporting its activities and services in the manner in which
you deem appropriate, it is chastisement born out of love and caring. You are not present because you are planning
a revolt and plotting to overthrow the present leadership of the
synagogue! Such revolts and plotting are
the bailiwick of individuals much younger than 91 years of age! Your continued support for this institution
is an indication of your desire to see us flourish and not because you have any
ulterior motives of self-aggrandizement.
There is a
view of growing older that we hear daily! That view is that getting old is not for
sissies. Our bodies become less capable
of moving about effortlessly just as our souls are learning to express
themselves more freely. Some parts wear
out, like hips and knees, and can be replaced. Some parts, like eyes and ears,
function with less clarity and can be helped by external devices. Learning how to keep an attitude of
cheerfulness while going through these changes is not how everyone responds! You, Max, have managed to laugh even when you
asked your doctor what’s wrong and he responded “Max, you’re getting old!” Your ability to chuckle has managed to keep
your spirit shining brightly!
When I was
in Israel last summer studying Maimonides, I learned that there’s a statement
about two of the greatest contributors to the Jewish people which goes like
this: Mi Moshe Ad Moshe Lo Hayah Od
Moshe….From Moses to Moses (Maimonides)
there has been no other Moses. Having
just celebrated Purim and having learned about the devotion of Mordechai to the
Jewish people, I would add using the same format but with your Hebrew name, Mi
Mordechai ad Mordechai Lo Hayah Od Mordechai.
From Mordechai to Mordechai there has never been another Mordechai!
Happy
Birthday, Max.
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