Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

This is a week of remembrance on many levels. Wednesday marks the anniversary of Kristallnacht. Thursday is Remembrance Day.

A few days ago, the Boston Jewish community lost Aaron Feurstein at age 95. When I was a young boy, he was the Baal Tekiah at my childhood shul. He was a true mentsch and respected by all who knew him.

In our tradition, the Biblical Aaron was known for loving all people (Pirkei Avot 1:12). This was true of Aaron Feurstein, as the following story illustrates:

He became well known in December of 1995 when his Malden Mills factory burned down. Presumably he lost everything. He had 1400 employees and maintained a commitment to keep them on and give them their holiday bonuses. Though Aaron never sought attention, the media at the time covered his kindness. He appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show and was recognized by the White House. He went on to rebuild his factory. Aaron became known as the Mentsch of Malden Mills."

This week, society lost a true righteous man. All people can learn from his attributes of kindness and generosity.

May his memory be a blessing.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison