SPIRITUAL LEADER'S MONTHLY MESSAGE

Nathan Kahn: A Pillar of Habomin
By Avrum Rosensweig

Every synagogue has a face, a personality and a way.

When I was growing up in Kitchener, Beth Jacob Synagogue, where my father was the Rabbi for 37 years, shaped and molded it bringing much warmth and thoughtfulness to its members. I believe its safe to say that Beth Jacob then, and perhaps now, was an oasis of passionate Judaism. Its personality was eloquent and its way was pure.

Habonim is very similar. There are those faces at Habonim, that lend a haimishesness (Yiddish for warmth) to the place, and through their own personal flare and wonderment, add a creative bend to the shul. We have a modest crew at Habonim so I will let you fill in the blanks, as to whom I am referring to.

One person we must make mention of however, is Mr. Nathan Kahn. Mr. Kahn is a magnificent human being who has been a member of the shul for decades and acts in the capacity of gabbai - the person who manages the aliyot, opening of the ark and other such necessary rituals.

Mr. Kahn, was unfortunately absent for the High Holiday services because of a broken hip. It is an understatement to say that he was greatly missed by all and that his absence truly created was felt.

Each and every one of us wish Mr. Kahn well and remember with great fondness and emotion, the moments when our shul's elder statesman stands before the entire flock and chants the prayer - Mi Shabarach in such an ominous and holy fashion.

When I first joined Habonim I recalled how moved I was by the fact that every Mi Shabarach Mr. Kahn made, which includes names of those who are not well, began with Eli Rubenstein.

I thought perhaps that this would last for a short while, but it continues to this day. Thank God, our Eli is much stronger, but Mr. Kahn continues to ensure that Eli gets the added benefit of this prayer from the lips of a man that God no doubt, hears very well.

Mr. Kahn is a delightful and humble man and very focused on his task at hand. I will often thank him following a service and without fail he will turn to me and ask me not to do so in the future. I apologize Mr. Kahn, but it a habit one adopts by being a rabbinical son. We thank others a lot!

Mr. Kahn's focus on his job is incredible as well. Sometimes I will call up someone open the Ark, and instruct that person to do so at a given time. My schedule, however, will from time to time conflict with Mr. Kahn and he will very unabashedly let me and those with the kavod (honour) know, that they must wait until he gives them the go-ahead.

And you know what, Mr. Kahn is always right. So I bow to his expertise, wisdom and knowledge of his work.

Mr. Kahn, as I told you a little while ago, and mentioned above, we all await your return to Congregation Habonim and to watch as you go about it with such grace and strength. You are a very important person to all of us and forever integral to our services.

Get well soon, Mr. Kahn. I need your guidance up there on the Bima and miss your ingratiating smile. Re'fuah Shlaimah (you should have a full recovery soon). Mr. Kahn is at Humber Hospital.

» October Article - Habonim: A Gem of a Place. Not to be Missed!
» June Article - Our Youth. Our Inspiration.
» February Article - Some Insight Into My Life