A Legacy of Blessed Contentment

Same BS different day. Zeydie would always start conversations with his familiar line — it's another day, thankful to be alive. I'm just one day older, he said — 2 weeks ago on his 89th birthday.

Today is not just another day. Today we come together to celebrate the life of a man who raised a beautiful family and left a legacy that will live on.

Over the past couple of days, I have been reflecting on my grandpa and on his Hebrew name - Baruch Asher - Blessed Contentment.

Baruch — Blessed Self-Sufficiency

The term Baruch - blessed - is also attributed to God and can mean self-sufficient. I would proudly say to Zeydie - you really were an entrepreneur - establishing a reputable business, being the go-to source for commercial laundry for the top hotels, airlines, and beyond. I don't know. He would say. His humility would not allow him to gloat in his achievements, but we are certainly proud of his go-getter attitude, his self sufficient character, and his business acumen.

Asher — The Pursuit of Happiness

Asher - means happy or content - Rabbi Shamshon Rafael Hirsch notes that the term (in connection to the name of the son of Jacob) bespeaks the characteristic of being in a state of seeking happiness. Of looking for moment or opportunity to achieve happiness and contentment. Zeydie was always basking and delighting in those happy moments in his life - in his beautiful relationship with our beloved Bubbie, in seeing his grand and great grand kids, in just living his life.

A Mind That Never Settled

He was never satisfied with superficialities. As Aaron and I were becoming religious he would always push us, asking us questions to dig deeper and not to take anything for granted. I pity all of the missionaries that knocked on his door and thought he would be an easy convert.

A Heart Full of Joy

He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye (not the glass one). He was a master shmoozer and a brilliant storyteller.

Cherished by All

Aviya and Tzofia loved zeydie and always enjoyed singing and chatting with him and they will miss him greatly!

Georgia was just as comfortable spending time at their home as she would be with her own grandparents. She felt very welcome and loved at his and bubbies home.

They ran a home of love and clearly cherished their family.

A Legacy to Follow

May we all learn from his example - living lives in which we strive and struggle to put in the effort and to seek moments of joy and happiness.

May we all learn from his example — living lives in which we strive and struggle to put in the effort and to seek moments of joy and happiness.

The Promise of Tomorrow

And may God fulfill prophecy in Isaiah: