Farewell Memory Katzen

As we reflect on your years at Temple Sinai, there are four very personal encounters that pop into our mind. The first is when you, Barbara, Avi, and David spent several weeks staying at our home as the renovation of their home had not been completed! What a joy to get to know all of you on a very personal level. Your entire family were such easy house guests and we loved just hanging out with all of you!

The second was watching you acting in the early Purim shpiels. What a ham!!!! (Pardon the comparison.) What fun we all had—you were in every shpiel from 1995 until 2001. With titles like "The Spiel According to Frank Sinatra," "Irving Berlin," "The Beach Boys," "Walt Disney," "Rock 'n Roll," and many more. Those were great times. The best was your appearances on stage and your unforgettable musical numbers!

The third was in 1996 when you remarried Bob and me in the Leebov Sanctuary. This service was much looser and much more fun than the original marriage service in 1961. That ceremony took place in the Falk Auditorium in front of the stage! Plus, we remember the 35th remarriage more vividly than in 1961! Our original bridal party and our three children walked down the aisle—what a thrill that was. Having you remarry us was awesome!

The fourth was—wait for it—when you remarried us again for our 50th wedding anniversary. Your words were so beautiful and although it was at a different venue (Green Oaks Country Club), our entire family felt the warmth and love as if we were in our own Temple.

This time not only our children, but our grandchildren walked down the aisle!!! WE loved your services and most of all your incredible sermons!

Until we take our final breath—You Will Always Be Our Rabbi!!

Ellen & Bob Katzen