Irv’s friendliness
and optimism defined him. He always made
those he knew feel as if they were indeed a joy to behold. A smile always graced his lips and his hearty
laugh was always a reminder that it takes more muscle energy to frown than to
smile! I even remember when he shared
his recipe for laughter as an agent for healing with Tifereth Israel members
during one of our Lunch and Learn sessions. Frankly, no one else could have
been as convincing in such a presentation. He modeled the theory that happiness
could lead to healthiness.
Irv’s love
for Israel was undying. He and Ruth
traveled there often, renting an apartment for their longer stays and immersing
themselves in Judaic learning. His love
for Israel didn’t stop there, however. His
work as a fundraiser for the United Jewish Appeal initially brought him to
Lincoln, but once he settled here and became part of the Lincoln Jewish
community, he continued his work to support Israel by serving as the
Federation’s president.
Irv was
blessed to have Ruth in his life, someone with whom he could share his passion
for healthy foods and nutrition, and with whom he could host large gatherings
of friends on shabbat and especially on Pesach.
I know the warmth of their hospitality can still be felt to this very
day. He was also blessed to have Ruth’s
daughters as part of his life. Having an
extended family brought him joy as well as the care he needed at the end of his
life.
Kindness and
humor, joy and friendship emanated from Irv. He also modeled tenacity, a
passion for life, and belief in G-d. May those qualities always live on in each of
us as we remember him in the days to come. Tifereth Israel was blessed to have him as
part of our family for so many years and we will indeed think of him whenever
we feel a warm embrace or hear someone mention that joy is the great
healer.
Amen.
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