In memory of Zaidy

March 14, 2008
Zayin Adar 2, 5768

Dear Zaidy,
We can’t believe you’re gone. But we know that there is no place you’d rather be than with Bubby, whose side you did not leave for 62 years. We all look to you and Bubby as an example of the most beautiful marriage, full of devotion and kindness, and will always try to emulate the care and concern you always showed for each other.
Zaidy, this last year was not an easy one for you. Yet you did not complain. The residents in your building often heard you singing as you went to meals or walked the halls. You encouraged those around you to be happy, to be positive. You made friends and invited them over, you took care of the lonely and you never ceased to greet everybody with a smile. We know how lonely you must have been, yet you found in your last year of life, new things to live for. You joined a Shul with Rabbi Sperlin and devoted yourself to their services. We are sure that they, nor the congregants at Rabbi Sirota’s Shul and neither the congregants at Anshei Ozeroff will ever forget the smiling, jolly face of Jack Dubrow.
----I, Zvi, grew up on your knee. It was always the highlight of my week to run over to Bubby and Zaidys to see the game and drink ginger ale while Bubby watched opera. After I got married we continued the tradition and even Miriam watched her first hockey game in your apartment.
Zaidy, you have done so much for our family in the last couple of years. Our home in Montreal was full of your things; your kitchen table and chairs, a cookbook, some linen, a suitcase… and soon they will join us in Russia and we will think of you and your generosity when we use them. You were always giving giving giving. Every time we came to your house, we left with a lot more than we came with. Shirts, ties, books, fruit. Fruit, always fruit. And the greatest surprise was when you would show up at our door with a pint of strawberries or some blueberries!
----You have been the only Zaidy, I Chayale, have ever had. And you welcomed me as one of your own. You always kissed me and told me how much you loved me. You asked about my work, you even came once to visit me at work! When I mentioned last month that I was going to be in New York for a few days your response was “I miss you so much, I’m going to come to New York just to see you.” I felt like the most special person in your life.
And You loved our daughter too like your own child and always took an interest in her development. You were always Miriam’s favorite Zaidy from the minute she stuck her tongue out to you exclusively. As Zvi said the last time he spoke to you, we will give her, from you, the biggest kiss she has had this week. We will tell her about her Zaidy and we are sorry that she will grow up not knowing you.
When we left to go to Russia on our lifelong mission, you were not excited about it. It was too far and you wanted us nearby. But you knew it was important to us and you sent us off with your blessing. That meant the world to us as well as the phone calls asking how we’re doing. We are sure that you and Bubby wherever you are watching over us and giving us strength to continue.
We love you Zaidy and we are grateful to you for the lessons you shared with us and the warmth and laughter you spread. We will miss you.
Zvi and Chayale