This Shabbas is the Yahrzeit, anniversary of passing of a precious soul and it is being dedicated in loving memory of Alex Glassman by his dear with Carol. I am not a maven in any way about what takes place in the supernatural worlds or with a Neshama, but I FEEL in my heart and in my neshama how comforting it must be for Alex’s Eliyahu's precious soul. Let me tell you just a little about Alex. He was a tall man physically — when we met I recall he was towering. His character, his mentsch matched his height and his laugh was powerful. He supported many amazing Jewish causes such as Technion. He was a devoted humanitarian (which he tried to keep anonymous) and a proud Jew (which he proudly advertised). But I remember how he expressed regret for not having a Bar Mitzvah. Now thinking of this center being dedicated in his and Carol's name and thinking about how many kids have received their Jewish education, had bar mitzvahs and will have here — in fact, this week alone we had a bar mitzvah in the shul, and the hundreds of children just even today enjoying camp and how many more will in the future, I can say with a whole heart that he has his symbolic bar mitzvah many many times over. Alex, who never had his own bar mitzvah but enabled hundreds of others. When I read from the Torah tomorrow I know that his Neshama is with us and elevating us all. Alex & Carol, your gift of love continues and will continue for generations.
Alex, now that Chabad Naples is also 13 years old and bar mitzvah — we wish you a mazal tov and I am sure you're smiling from on high as we hope to keep making you proud. The shul will be celebrating with Carol and I know your neshama is with us as well. May his precious Neshama be comforted.