from a friend who worked with Dad on the Chevra Kadisha

This was special because although we all knew that my father served on the chevra kedisha [Jewish burial society], I don't think we knew much about his experiences there. We knew that the work he did with them was not easy, and very important, and very sacred.


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Nancy,

I wanted to let you know how sorry I was to hear about Avi. I wanted to share some thoughts with you.

I can't remember a time when I had seen Avi, and was not greeted with his big smile, and a "how are you?" That question was always asked with a genuine tone and not just asking to make conversation. I remember when I had gotten engaged, and I had seen you guys at Barbara's house, and he was so happy to hear about future plans of marriage.

Aside from knowing Avi from Kemp Mill, I was very fortunate to spend several years  on a few different Chevra Kadisha teams with him. When I had first joined the Chevra Kadisha I was often afraid that I was much slower than the rest of the team, and was concerned that I would hold the team back. Avi had once noticed that, and pulled me aside one day, and assured me that I was a good fit, and being slow and careful was the right way to go. The care and concern that he showed towards the mais was a wonderful example for everyone in that room, no matter how many years of tahara experience they may have had. There was nothing more important to him than making sure the honor of the person was upheld to the highest degree.

I doubt there are many people (if any) who ever met Avi and did not walk away feeling good.  May his memory serve as a blessing for you, and your family. May we only share Simchas from now on.

Yoni