Eulogy for Harry Messenger
Tzvi Hirsh Ben Shamuel V’Frumah - Passing
Tuesday January 30, 2007
Service Friday 2, 2007
Shalom,
We begin our service with Psalm 23, and I invite you to join along with me now in reciting these words…
The L-d is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures,
He leadeth me beside the still waters,
He restoreth my soul,
He guideth me in straight paths for his name's sake.
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me, in the presence of mine enemies.
Thou hast anointed my head with oil,
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell in the house of the L-d forever. Amen.
Dear Family and friends,
We are gathered here this Friday afternoon, when it is customary to prepare for a happy time in our lives - to usher in the Shabbat. However, we are here now in this sanctuary to bid a sad farewell to Harry Messinger, a beloved Kneseth Israel member who occupied a seat in this sanctuary for many years along with his dear wife Irma. Harry Messinger, Tzvi Hirsh Ben Samuel V’frumah, loving husband of Irma, devoted father of Roberta, Evelyn and Arthur, father- in-law of Kim, grandfather of Kate, Sam and Jared, and brother of Ralph.
I would like to share with you some insights about Harry. Harry was a wonderful human being. He was a self-made man. Harry’s education enabled him to make important contributions to society. He graduated from Cooper Union Institute of Technology with a degree in chemical engineering. Harry served in the Army during World War II. While stationed at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, he assisted in developing the atomic bomb. He also helped in the manufacturing of incendiary bombs dropped on Tokyo during the war.
Throughout his life, his attitude remained consistently positive. No matter what occurred throughout his life, Harry gave freely of himself. These noble traits were due to the love, devotion and constant care from his wife Irma and his children, grandchildren and friends. Harry was a caring and patient father to his children and grandchildren - they considered him the best and he was! His family members speak with great affection and awe of him. His children: Roberta, Evelyn and Arthur told me that their father "was always there for them, and he was an honest, generous and kind man who lived with great humility and was so well educated. "
Irma and Harry were a truly exceptional couple who were happily married for more than 60 years, which in and of itself speaks volumes about the amazing relationship and bond that they shared. No night was too long or a day too short for Irma to be at Harry’s side. Irma is an Eshet Chail, which in Hebrew means woman of valor, a righteous woman. They were known as a beautiful couple, a dynamic duo. How blessed they were to be married for over 60 years. Now parting and saying goodbye is more difficult. And yet we know that Harry would be proud to know that you, Irma, as the matriarch of your family, will carry on with dignity. It is rare in our society today that two people are united in life’s journey as partners for such a long time and what a blessing it was! This is a legacy that they have created and given to all of us. Irma and Harry did much together. Not only did they raise their family but they also traveled and had a close circle of special friends. Irma and Harry worked hard and were dedicated and successful in their respected fields.
In one of my recent conversations while I was visiting Harry he said: "Rabbi, life is a Spiritual Journey." Yes, Harry, I agree with you, and there are 2 poems composed by Faye Kilday that describes your life:
A Spiritual Journey
Life is a spiritual journey from
the first day of our birth,
Life is a spiritual journey on this
beautiful planet called earth.
Life is a spiritual journey -
we're here to learn all we can,
Life is a spiritual journey -
a special gift from God to man.
Because Of You
Because of you,
The world is a much nicer place.
Because of you,
I have faith in the human race.
Because of you,
I know what it means to love
unconditionally.
Because of you,
I know what it means to give
unselfishly.
Because of you,
I believe in magic and mystery
and worlds unseen.
Because of you,
There is joy - wherever you are
and have ever been.
And all because of you, Harry.
Yes, Harry was a man of great character. His legacy and good nature will live on in the hearts of his dear family and friends. The biblical prophet Job cried out in his sorrow, "G-d has given. G-d has taken away. Blessed be the name of G-d." Baruch Dayan Haemet meaning blessed are you G-d, who is the true judge.
Everyone gathered together here expresses their deepest sympathy to the family and we know that Harry’s fine name, good deeds and values will live on. May his eternal soul ascend to heaven and rest in peace forevermore. Amen.
The family wishes to observe the Shivah which is the 7 days of mourning at the Messinger home 883 Clubhouse Village View in Annapolis. In the Jewish tradition, shivah is not observed during Shabbat. Therefore, tomorrow Saturday evening, services will be observed at 6:30 PM. Morning miniyans will be held during the week at the synagogue Sunday 8:30AM daily 7:30AM. Evening services will be held at the Messinger home Sunday through Wednesday at 5:30 PM. Visitors are respectfully welcome to comfort the mourners between 1-3 PM each day.
Tuesday January 30, 2007
Service Friday 2, 2007
Shalom,
We begin our service with Psalm 23, and I invite you to join along with me now in reciting these words…
The L-d is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures,
He leadeth me beside the still waters,
He restoreth my soul,
He guideth me in straight paths for his name's sake.
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me, in the presence of mine enemies.
Thou hast anointed my head with oil,
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell in the house of the L-d forever. Amen.
Dear Family and friends,
We are gathered here this Friday afternoon, when it is customary to prepare for a happy time in our lives - to usher in the Shabbat. However, we are here now in this sanctuary to bid a sad farewell to Harry Messinger, a beloved Kneseth Israel member who occupied a seat in this sanctuary for many years along with his dear wife Irma. Harry Messinger, Tzvi Hirsh Ben Samuel V’frumah, loving husband of Irma, devoted father of Roberta, Evelyn and Arthur, father- in-law of Kim, grandfather of Kate, Sam and Jared, and brother of Ralph.
I would like to share with you some insights about Harry. Harry was a wonderful human being. He was a self-made man. Harry’s education enabled him to make important contributions to society. He graduated from Cooper Union Institute of Technology with a degree in chemical engineering. Harry served in the Army during World War II. While stationed at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, he assisted in developing the atomic bomb. He also helped in the manufacturing of incendiary bombs dropped on Tokyo during the war.
Throughout his life, his attitude remained consistently positive. No matter what occurred throughout his life, Harry gave freely of himself. These noble traits were due to the love, devotion and constant care from his wife Irma and his children, grandchildren and friends. Harry was a caring and patient father to his children and grandchildren - they considered him the best and he was! His family members speak with great affection and awe of him. His children: Roberta, Evelyn and Arthur told me that their father "was always there for them, and he was an honest, generous and kind man who lived with great humility and was so well educated. "
Irma and Harry were a truly exceptional couple who were happily married for more than 60 years, which in and of itself speaks volumes about the amazing relationship and bond that they shared. No night was too long or a day too short for Irma to be at Harry’s side. Irma is an Eshet Chail, which in Hebrew means woman of valor, a righteous woman. They were known as a beautiful couple, a dynamic duo. How blessed they were to be married for over 60 years. Now parting and saying goodbye is more difficult. And yet we know that Harry would be proud to know that you, Irma, as the matriarch of your family, will carry on with dignity. It is rare in our society today that two people are united in life’s journey as partners for such a long time and what a blessing it was! This is a legacy that they have created and given to all of us. Irma and Harry did much together. Not only did they raise their family but they also traveled and had a close circle of special friends. Irma and Harry worked hard and were dedicated and successful in their respected fields.
In one of my recent conversations while I was visiting Harry he said: "Rabbi, life is a Spiritual Journey." Yes, Harry, I agree with you, and there are 2 poems composed by Faye Kilday that describes your life:
A Spiritual Journey
Life is a spiritual journey from
the first day of our birth,
Life is a spiritual journey on this
beautiful planet called earth.
Life is a spiritual journey -
we're here to learn all we can,
Life is a spiritual journey -
a special gift from God to man.
Because Of You
Because of you,
The world is a much nicer place.
Because of you,
I have faith in the human race.
Because of you,
I know what it means to love
unconditionally.
Because of you,
I know what it means to give
unselfishly.
Because of you,
I believe in magic and mystery
and worlds unseen.
Because of you,
There is joy - wherever you are
and have ever been.
And all because of you, Harry.
Yes, Harry was a man of great character. His legacy and good nature will live on in the hearts of his dear family and friends. The biblical prophet Job cried out in his sorrow, "G-d has given. G-d has taken away. Blessed be the name of G-d." Baruch Dayan Haemet meaning blessed are you G-d, who is the true judge.
Everyone gathered together here expresses their deepest sympathy to the family and we know that Harry’s fine name, good deeds and values will live on. May his eternal soul ascend to heaven and rest in peace forevermore. Amen.
The family wishes to observe the Shivah which is the 7 days of mourning at the Messinger home 883 Clubhouse Village View in Annapolis. In the Jewish tradition, shivah is not observed during Shabbat. Therefore, tomorrow Saturday evening, services will be observed at 6:30 PM. Morning miniyans will be held during the week at the synagogue Sunday 8:30AM daily 7:30AM. Evening services will be held at the Messinger home Sunday through Wednesday at 5:30 PM. Visitors are respectfully welcome to comfort the mourners between 1-3 PM each day.
