LETTER FROM AMERICA

By ZALMAN MYERSMITH

I was very saddened to learn of the passing this year of the Shul Beadle, Arnold Chazen of blessed memory.

Arnold who was very close to my family for many years, met me before my rabbinical days and proudly encouraged me to continue with my work with the CST and the Office of the Chief Rabbi. He attended my wedding in the USA even though his health was deteriorating. He was so proud of his family, and of his greater family the members of the NWES. He cherished the sanctity and tranquillity of the Shul. He was one of the very few people that I have been fortunate enough to meet who was very much in touch with his spiritual self.

He could always be found leading the morning prayers and would sneak out before the repetition of the Amidah to put on the coffee for the post minyan breakfast.

The famous quote etched on the top of the Aron Kodesh in our shul reads Da lifnei mi ata omed or Know before Whom you stand. Arnold constantly understood and felt the presence of Hashem. His work, which indeed was his very essence, was that of a very holy nature. May his memory and his merit be a blessing for all of us. No longer bound by the physical limitations, may his soul watch over us.

My wife Sheina and my daughter Yehudis join me in wishing you all a happy, healthy, sweet and meaningful Rosh Hashanah.