We've started to receive some beautiful letters for inclusion in the Rev. and Mrs. Loketch Tribute book:

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From Mike Gerver:


What I most remember about Rev. Loketch are his marvelous shiurim on Shabbos afternoon, as well as the Mishneh Brurah shiur he sometimes gave during the week between mincha and maariv.

Though the Shabbos afternoon shiur was usually only one of a choice of shiurim and other activities going on then at Young Israel, I tried not to miss them. Rev. Loketch is an excellent teacher, clearly explaining the halacha, or the text we are learning. But what most stands out about his shiurim are the stories he tells.

He is simply the finest story teller I have ever met. His stories cover all periods of his life, including his years in Dorchester, and his years in Brookline, and stories about Rav Soloveitchik--but always coming back to his childhood in Warsaw, and the years he spent in a labor camp in Siberia, after fleeing Warsaw a few days after the Nazis captured it, and then his return to Poland as a soldier in the Red Army, and what he found there.

Not too many people who experienced those things had the seychel, the courage, the initiative, and the ability to make friends and relate to people, that it took to live through them. And of those few who did, not too many kept their emunah, and knew that ultimately, it was only by the grace of Hashem, by the miracles "she-be-khol et, erev va-voker ve-tzahayim," that they survived. He feels that Hashem had a reason for keeping him alive, when so many others, including his entire immediate family, did not survive.

For this reason, he always tries to use his ability to relate to people, to see things under the surface that others might not notice, to bring out the best in people, and to bring them closer to Hashem and to Yiddishkeit. And Mrs. Loketch, though she sometimes tends to stay in the background, also has that ability, and uses it.

Coming to YI on the occasions when I visit Brookline, on Friday night, or motzei Shabbos, won't be the same, without Rev. Loketch's kiddush and havdalah. He told me that the niggun he always used for kiddush in shul on Friday night was one he made up himself, but it seems to me to distill, in his wonderful singing voice, all of the niggunim of Jewish history, or at least of Jewish life in Poland.

I wish the Loketches many years of health and happiness, near their children and grandchildren in Detroit.

Mike Gerver
Raanana, Israel
Erev Yom Kippur

Sent via e-mail, here's the wonderful first contribution we received for publication in the Tribute book:
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Greetings from Ir Hakodesh.

It is with very fond memory that we recall the time in your thoughtful, tactful and learned service to the Young Israel congregation. Our special memories are around Mrs. Loketsh's catering service of our first grandson's brith, her readines and good humor in relocating the simcha from Shoole's Sukkah when it suddenly started to rain into the building downstairs.

I greatly enjoyed his shiurim and his davenen, but even much more his friendly face every time we met him. We wish him much happiness and health. Wih a gmar chatimah to him and his family.

Fondly, Lea and Michael Klein

Another beautiful letter, from Moe Berlin, former President of Young Israel of Brookline:

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My treasured friends, Rev. Meyer and Mrs. Loketch,

Rozzi and I and our children pray that you and your family will have a SHANA TOVA with much SIMCHA and joy in good health. On the occasion of your retirement from your blessed, valuable careers at the Young Israel Synagogue of Brookline, Rav Meyer as a too-low paid member of the religious leadership, Mrs. Loketch as a volunteer, we also wish to join myriad others in thanking you both for the similarly myriad ways in which you brought us the blessings of your friendship and partnership in the activities of the Shul.

During one of my periods of service as President of the Shul, at the suggestion of our friend, Myer "Mike" Weiner, I had the good fortune to ask you to join the staff. Your acceptance, Rav Meyer, was one of the highlights of my period of service. Your expert, warm guidance was invaluable to me and most ameliorative to the community. My recollections of our collaboration are a source of pleasure. It is one of the many acts of Chesed that HASHEM YITBARACH has granted me.

On a personal note, Rozzi and I recall your involvement in the first Brit Milah held in the Shul: that of our fourth son, Yeonatan Namar. You honored us by being the first to say his name in public, at the Brit ceremony. You hesitated about the name, Namar, for it was not usually given to Jewish children. When, in a bruef conference on the Bimh, I explained that first, we had used animal's names for the second names of our first sons-- Zvi, Ze'ev, Dov, and Aryeh was unavailable to us because Rozzi's Father who was alive then, thank God, was so named; and, that the Sephardim recite daily the precept in Pirkei Avot, "Hevei az K-Namer..." you acceded to our request. Later on, you told me with your precious smile, it is good we adopt Sepharadi minhagim, for this exemplifies the unity of our people.

We hope and pray that in your retirement you both willreceive all the blessings of OSKEI B'ZARCHEI ZIBUR in good health and with unbounded nachat from your wonderful children. With affection and esteem, Moshe "Moe" Berlin

Jerusalem, 11th Tishrei 5769

Another beautiful note:

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The timing of this announcement is simply Hashgacha P’ratit. I have a friend who is relocating to Detroit and just over Shabbat Ha’Azeinu I was sharing fond memories of Rev. Loketch, not knowing that he and Mrs. Loketch were resettling there to be closer to family.





MEMORIES – Mitch Morrison, son of Rubin, a’’h, and Helen Morrison, a’’h



Not only was Rev. Loketch my Bar-Mitzvah teacher, as he was to countless others, he was also a source of chizuk. Truth be told, after my years at Maimonides School, while some took the post-graduating year to study in Israel, I needed a sabbatical of sorts from disciplined learning. I attended Boston University and finding the long summer Shabbosim a bit long, I began to attend Rev. Loketch’s Gemorra Shiur. It wasn’t just learning text from an ancient time or memorizing countless Halachot.



Rather, Rev. Loketch brought the text to life, breathed new meaning into words scribed more than 1,500 years ago. His shiurim took on a special cadence when he reached the Aggadata. Suddenly, stories of legend became timeless as Rev. Loketch would share memories of his childhood, as a youth of Europe learning and living these very texts. These were not simply ancient teachings, they were alive, alive because of Rev. Loketch.



His warmth and relevance in my life continued long after I left my home of Brookline. Shortly after I married, I brought my kallah, Leslie, to the Loketch’s home. Mrs. Loketch, as always, was warm and offered us tea and cookies (had to eat those cookiesJ). Then we spent over an hour with Rev. Loketch seeking chochmah and bina. His wisdom remains as fresh as those cookies, 13 ½ years since we shared time in the family dining room.



Because of him, I did eventually go to Israel to learn and have continued since, often recounting the stories of my beloved teacher, The Reverend Myer Loketch.



May the Loketches enjoy many more years of health, happiness and inspiration.



Mitch Morrison

From Mordechai Raskas:

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It is rare in our time to find a visible representation of the beautiful process of mesorah, the transition of our heritage and Torah from one generation to the next. Rev. Loketch epitomizes this process, transforming the past into a present that is palpable to all. He brings to us the Torah, minhagim, and ways of our Avot.

My fondest memories of Rev. Loketch are of the countless times he helped me perform mitzvot. Whether it be by listening to his laining at mincha, purchasing a lulav, selling my chametz, acquiring aravot, or whatever the time of year called for.

Rev. Loketch was always there to assure that the mitzvot were both accessible to all and done with the highest of standards.

I wish the Loketchs all the best as they relocate to their new home in Detroit.

Mordechai Raskas

From Rabbi Dr. Don Yoseph Brand (currenlty in Israel):

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Of my countless and precious memories of Rev. and Mrs.Loketch, perhaps the most cherished has to do with my son, Reuven Eliahu.

As soon as Reuven was able to come to Shul on Shabbat he especially delighted in sitting next to Rev.Loketch who always had a smile and a warm appreciative look for little Reuven.

Suddenly, Reuven became reluctant to come with me on Shabbat. I imagined it was because he wanted to spend more time with his mother and infant brother so I did not press him on it. Generally he did eventually decide to join me, albeit somewhat reluctantly.

Reuven used my driving him to kindergarten (which was in the basement of the Shul) as a time for discussion .. Of late our discussions had involved HaShem.

"HaShem", he informed me, "is in Shul." "Well," I replied,"HaShem is everywhere but you can feel Him especially when you are in Shul." He seemed to accept this , but somewhat skeptically. Then he anounced
"HaShem has a white beard". "Uh-oh, I'm going to have to deal with this directly", I thought to myself. I then tried to explain that though we may think of HaShem in specific ways He really has no true form.

Reuven insisted "but Hashem has a white beard". After some further fruitless discussion we dropped the subject. Anyway we had arrived at the Shul and there was Rev. Loketch outside the Shul door looking sweetly
at the little children going into the Gan.

"Look" said Reuven matter-of-factly while pointing, "there's HaShem."

At once I realized how frightening it must be for a three year old to come to Shul every Shabbat and sit right next to HaShem. And I thought how blessed we both were that little Reuven's first model of HaShem
was his experience of Rev. Loketch.

Don Yoseph Brand

From Dr. Emanuel & Mrs Noa Goldman in Baltimore:

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Dear Friends of Young Israel of Brookline ~ ~

Memories abound standing alongside Rev Loketch from Shabbat to Shabbat, Yom Tov to Yom Tov. Arnold Bramson and I served as Gaba'im; Arnold, Gabai Rishon and yours truly, Gabai Shanee. The precision with which Rev Loketch lained The Torah set a standard. Rev Loketch lained with a certain tempo, pace and rhythm. Both Arnold and I routinely felt the momentum.

With the conclusion of Services, Mrs Loketch would always greet my wife, Noa, and me with a warm and inviting smile. 'Ah Gutten Shabbes' from Rev and Mrs Loketch set us on our way home. The memories continue to resonate of a lovely couple. May Rev and Mrs Loketch be blessed with only good health, joy from family and friends alike, and fulfillment in the many years ahead.

Dr. Emanuel (Manny) & Mrs Noa Goldman
Baltimore, Maryland

(Dr. Manny Goldman - above- was Gabbai of Young Israel of Brookline in the 1970s.)

From Avi Gerver:

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When I was 10 years old, I became very interested in cooking and food preparation.

The Loketches let me help them whenever they prepared or served a meal for their catering business, in the Young Israel kitchen. Though I was much too young for them to legally hire me, they did let me sample the food, and I was very happy with this arrangement because, well, it was delicious. In addition to the routine work of preparing and serving food, I got to use my creativity, arranging food in fancy ways on the plate, and learning how the Loketches did everything.

I liked working for the Loketches partly because it made me part of the grown-up world at such a young age, of doing something real and taking on responsibilities. The Loketches sensed that--they were sensitive to the needs of everyone they met--and came up with the idea of letting me help them with the catering.

I continued helping them in the kitchen for a few years, at least up to the time of my bar mitzvah, when they catered the kiddush and the party, and Rev. Loketch taught me my haftarah. I even thought about doing catering or having a restaurant as a career, until I took a class in photography when I was 15, and decided I liked that better.

I now make my living as a freelance photographer in New York. But I will always be grateful to the Loketches for the kindness they showed me when I was 10.

Avi Gerver
http://avigerver.com/

From Tamy Simon Chelst:

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Loketch Memories By Tamy Simon Chelst

My parents, Rabbi Isaac and Betty Simon, had moved to Beaconsfield Rd just about the time that the Loketch's moved to Brookline, so my memories of the Loketch's are largely from my early childhood when we lived in Roxbury and most people lived in Dorchester.

I remember the Loketch's and their oldest son, Dov, whom we called Beryl, from the neighborhood of the Bostoner Rebbe on Columbia Rd and Hewin St in Dorchester. Beryl was quite a spitfire and we quieter children marveled at the parents who needed to contain their son who ran in and out of the Bostoner Rebbe's shul.

I remember my father remarking later on the Reverend Loketch's contribution to the shuls he served and the rabbis whom he assisted and congregants whom he nurtured.

My dad felt that these people were incredibly fortunate to have such a Talmid Chochom in their midst. I remember my mother raving about Mrs. Loketch's culinary skills.

Revving up to the near present, last year I had visited with the Loketch's in their home in Brookline and was so grateful for the opportunity to catch up with them. I felt that, despite the many years that had passed, they were both still vibrant, with a glimmer in their eyes. They were welcoming, they were warm and they sparked memories of my long ago childhood back on Columbia Rd in Dorchester.

And now our lives cross again as Rev And Mrs Loketch join their children in Southeastern Michigan, where my family and I reside. Just Erev Succot, I traipsed through our local Meijer's supermarket with my two visiting grandchildren in video shopping carts, and whom should we meet? Rev Loketch and his granddaughter.

Galgal chozer baolam (a full circle)!

From Helen & Anatoly Rakin

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I will never forget how much I enjoyed Rev. Loketch's Divrei Torah sessions. You could tell that he loved doing it.

He encouraged shy young men to speak and listened to them with patience. To my regret I didn't attend enough of them because I inevitably fell asleep after reading.

I often met him on his way to shul and rain or shine, if I was driving, he would decline my offer for a ride. If I was walking we would have a nice chat.

Anatoly and I just enjoyed to "shmooze" with him, sometimes about his youth and the old days. We also remember during a visit at the Loketches the delicious latkes we were treated to by Mrs. Loketch.

My sons, David, Daniel and Mark were very fond of Rev. Loketch. Mark spoke to him many time and Rev. Loketch never failed in asking me especially about him and then about his brothers. They were very sorry when I informed them that I had not seen Rev. and Mrs Loketch and that after calling Mrs. Loketch had told me that he was very week.

They will both be greatly missed.

From Dr. Jeff Shames:

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In 1978, at age 18, I arrived in Boston to begin my studies at Boston University. Being a Yeshiva high school graduate I was apprehensive about leaving the cocoon of my yeshiva and living in a big college town.

However, immediately after arriving I met Rev. Loketch who helped to put my mind at ease with his efficient and warm manner, and assisting me in maintaining a religious lifestyle in my new environment. He assisted me in obtaining invitations to Shabbat meals with families in the YI, finding Shiurim, and getting whatever I needed, especially after I moved off campus. His gentle manner and kind help made my years in Boston memorable ones.

Most remarkably I remember his pleasant and melodic voice reciting the Kiddush Friday night in shul, and to this day I do it with the same melody as his.

I wish Rev. and Mrs. Loketch happiness and health in their new home in Detroit.


Dr. Jeff Shames

Rehovot, Israel

From Rosalyn and Arnold Bramson who moved to Silver Spring, MD in 1982, have maintained a strong connection to the Young Israel. Arnold was the Gabbai Rishon for many years and Roz served as Sisterhood President.

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Being Gabbai for many years, I had the opportunity to work very closely with Rev. Loketch and I will always be in debt to him for the many valuable life lessons I picked up from him.

I remember one particular situation where a member who was a very generous contributor to the Shul but was a particularly difficult person to deal with especially when it came time to ask him to daven for his yahrzeit.

No matter how I asked him, it wasn't well received and I would get a barrage from him. I finally asked Rev. Loketch how to handle the situation and his expert advice was, don't ask this person anything, just give him the Tallis.

That worked like a charm and I used that approach for many years.

I once attended a meeting of the Young Israel board. I was in a bad mood at the time and as a result I made a disparaging remark about some aspect of Rev. Loketch's performance of his duties. I immediately realized the inappropriateness of my comment and I went over to Rev. Loketch and apologized to him.

He gave me one of his warm smiles, assured me that he held no grudge, that I had done nothing wrong, and he made me feel much better.

Our oldest son, Howie z"l was very close to Rev. Loketch and when ever we couldn't find him, he was with Rev. Loketch. When Howie was very sick in a hospital in NY, Rev Loketch came to visit him and cheered him up immensely, and for this we will be forever grateful to him.

One of the things I remember vividly about Rev. Loketch is something in which his expertise is unparalleled. Rev Loketch is a Bar Mitzvah teacher par excellence. His rapport with all types of boys is universally acknowledged and you knew for sure that if you entrusted him with the task of preparing your child for his Bar Mitzvah, the outcome would be extraordinary.

We consider Rev. and Mrs. Loketch our very dear friends and it is our fervent hope that they enjoy many years of Nachas from their family.

We take this opportunity to thank them for their many contributions to the Young Israel of Brookline community.

Rosalyn and Arnold Bramson
Silver Spring, MD

From Mark Drazen:

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I have been acquainted with Rev. Loketch for over 30 years, starting with his teaching me how to read the Torah and Haftara for my Bar Mitzvah.

Over the years and decades, whenever I would see Rev. Loketch, he would warmly shake my hand, or grab my shoulder in a friendly gesture, and inquire about my job, where I was living, my social life, and of course, how my family was doing.

The sincerity and genuine display of warmth and affection was evident in all my encounters with Rev. Loketch, and is only part of what makes him a very unique and special person.

I deeply appreciate the kindness and loving spirit that Rev. and Mrs. Loketch personify.

Sincerely,
Mark Drazen

From Judith Lupatkin, a graduate of Brandeis University,
currently working in NYC. She grew up at the Young Israel, daughter
of members Donna and Richard Lupatkin:

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I have known Reverend and Mrs. Loketch for as long as I can remember. I will always remember their friendly and caring faces. I remember going to their home for Shabbat meals and enjoying Mrs. Loketch's amazing chicken chulent! I remember watching my brother lain for his Bar Mitzvah with Reverend Loketch standing there next to him keeping him at ease.

One particularly poignant memory of them was when I was about 10 years old. Growing up as a member of the Young Israel of Brookline, the shul was more than a place I spent a couple of hours once a week. It was a second home full of people who are a second family. The Loketches were no exception. One Shabbat afternoon while I was participating in youth groups, I was wearing my favorite necklace, a silver necklace with a "yehudit" charm dangling from the end, that my grandparents had given me. While sitting atop a radiator vent with a friend, the clasp broke and the necklace fell through the grate. Reverend Loketch was the first to offer his help in trying to retrieve this important piece. Unfortunately, we were all out of luck and the necklace was unable to be recovered. But this event taught me that there are very special people in my life who were willing to help me out whenever I needed it, and I will be forever grateful for that.

I will miss the Loketches and their warm smiles. When I come home now, I can feel their presence even though they aren't physically in Brookline anymore. I am sad to see them go, but glad that they can be happy and healthy with their family in Detroit.

With Love,

Judith Lupatkin

From Julian and Natalie Brecher, long time members of the Young Israel:

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To Irene and Myer:

We go back a long time as Lantzmen in Dorchester.

Irene, you were my Mikvah lady as a Kallah 50 plus years ago.

My mother was Beresh's teacher in kindergarden.

You elegantly catered both our sons' Bar Mitzvahs.

When we had the unfortunate fire, the plaque that the 1st minyan dedicated in memory of my father, which told us what we say in the davening, was salvaged from the Bais Medrash and you, Myer, shined it up so that we could use it at 14 Green Street. We will be forever grateful.

We will miss you very much and wish you both much health and happiness in your move to be with your children.

We hope to be in touch.

Affectionately,
Natalie & Julie

From Risa and Zev Gewurz:

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Buying lulavim and selling chametz will never be the same. In the midst of two of the most important times of the Jewish year -- right after Yom Kippur and as part of our preparation of Pessah – we would go to visit the Locketch’s. What we would get from them was not only product or services, but warmth, advice (spoken and unspoken) and brachot – the most important ingredients for every chag! Your life stories are inspiring, as are the way you continue to live your lives today. We wish you much health, happiness and success in this next phase of life! Mazal tov
– Risa & Zev Gewurz

From the Pick Family:

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Our best wishes to Rev. Myer & Mrs. Loketch, who welcomed us when we first came to Brookline in 1977 and continue to be good friends and role models, to us, our family, and the community.

The Pick Family

From Arnold Shuster:

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MY LATE MOTHER LOST HER FATHER IN 1954. SHE FIRST KNEW THE LOKETCHES WHEN REV. LOKETCH HAD A POSITION OF SHMAS AT THE ADAS YESHURUN SHUL (OFTEN CALLED THE BLUE HILL AVENUE SHUL). SHE REMARKED TO ME THAT AFTER HER FATHER DIED REVERND LOKETCH WAS LIKE A FATHER TO HER.

OZER SHUSTER EDISON NEW JERSEY

From Miriam and Jeffrey Sokoloff. Jeffrey and Miriam Sokoloff have been Young Israel members since 1972. Jeffrey has been the Gabbai Tzedakah for many years; Miriam is a former Sisterhood co-President, and chaired the Stained Glass Applique project from 1983 - 1991.

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Dear Rev. and Mrs. Loketch,

Shul is not the same without you. We miss you both very much.

We have been YI members since January, 1972, so we have known each other a long time. We moved to Brookline with only our Chava; both Leah and Shoshana were born here. Rev. Loketch, you announced their names in shul when Jeffrey had an aliya the Shabbat after they were born. And many years later you recited one of the sheva brachot at Leah’s wedding to Avi and at Chava’s wedding to Jeff. Jeff had his aufruf at the Young Israel, and you called him to the Torah with your very special nigun.

When my (Miriam’s) parents began coming to us for Pesach, my Dad so looked forward to hearing Rev. Loketch recite Tal. He would talk about it all week long.

Mrs. Loketch’s catering was always a treat, especially being invited into the kitchen at the old shul at Rev. Loketch’s invitation for a special chance to taste Mrs. Loketch’s kugel. She first introduced us to the taste of fresh figs and whenever I see them in the store, I’m reminded of that first taste.

Rev. Loketch taught me (Jeffrey) much about how to handle the many needy people who come to the Young Israel for financial help.

Your biggest chesed, Rev. Loketch, was the time that you spent at our home visiting my Dad during the final year and a half of his life. He just loved your company, and your visits were so special for him. We were so honored that you spoke about him on the Yiddish Voice on radio, for the Shlosim of his death; and that mitzvah on your part became your opportunity to meet to Mark David (Mayer Dovid) who also became your friend. Whenever we hear your voice on the radio, we feel as if you are continuing a mitzvah begun by my Dad.

We wish you both good health and nachas from your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

With much respect and affection,



Miriam and Jeffrey Sokoloff

From Judy and Seymour Schiff, long-time Young Israel members; they
are the 2nd of 4 generations of the Schiff family at our shul:

============================================
Tribute to Rev. and Mrs. Loketch

From Judy and Seymour Schiff


After all these years it will be hard to think of Young Israel without the Loketches. We remember when they first came to YI from Dorchester where Rev. Loketch had served as a shammos in the then declining shul where 3 generations of my family had davened. Irene was already known to many of us as the mikve lady. We watched their children grow up, and they in turn kvelled over our own children’s progress. To many of our out-of-town friends they were like surrogate grandparents!

At a time when we did not have routine kiddushim the Loketches prepared beautiful and delicious kiddushim for so many simchas, jello molds with whipped cream being one of her memorable specialties. Often, the flowers and choice goodies were whisked away to enhance the simcha of poverty-stricken immigrants the next day.
Irene was always ready to share her expertise in culinary matters, demonstrating at Sisterhood meetings the art of stuffing real gefilte fish and braiding a 4-strand challah.

Community matters aside, our Shul is a makom tefila, a place where Rev. Loketch shone with his vast erudition and beautiful voice. His expert layening and heartfelt davening enriched us immeasurably over the years. His renditions of Tal and Geshem added a special ruach to our chagim , especially when accompanied by one or more of his many grandchildren. The intensity of his Yizkor in memory of the Israeli soldiers and for the Six Million touched us to our very depths. And on a joyful note, how many hundreds of Bar Mitzvah boys and chasanim still feel a thrill as they recall his stirring Ya’amod for their special aliya.

Now that they are leaving our community to spend their retirement years with family, we want them to know how much they have meant to us and how important they have been to the growth of our community. We wish them many years of good health and nachas, surrounded by the love of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

אור זרוע לצדיק ולישרי לב שמחה

From Bob and Ruth Berren:

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We appreciate all your efforts on behalf of the Young Israel of Brookline, the warm friendship with Arthur and Sophia Berren. We always looked forward to seeing you both on our trips to Brookline.

We will miss you both and wish you many more years of health and happiness and Nachat from your children and grandchildren.

We are sending you 2 pictures one of all our children on vacation and one of Bobby and I in August ,2006 with our grandchildren.

With all our love,

Bob and Ruth Berren

From Ruchamah and Charles Cutter:

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Dear Rev. and Mrs. Loketch,

We want to wish you well on your retirement and your move to Detroit. We think of you often and are sorry to hear you are leaving Brookline after so many years of devoted service to the Young Israel community. We remember fondly the delicious catering at our personal and community simchas, the Simchat Torah kiddushim and the lovely and inspiring davening and leining by Rev. Loketch. We hope you adjust easily to your new life in Detroit. May Hashem grant you good health and much nachas from your children and grandchildren in the years to come.

Fondly,
Ruchamah and Charles Cutter

From Dr. Eli and Miriam (Abromson) Ladell and Family:

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Dear Rev. and Mrs. Loketch,

It has been an honor and priviledge to know you all these years. You have both been" lifelines " for the shul and the community in numerous ways, from Rev. Loketch's beautiful "lehning" and inspiring shiurim, to Mrs. Loketch's warm smile and greetings on each of our return visits, as well as her superb catering talents, just to mention a few.

When my mother, Judy Abromson, A"H was recuperating from her serious illness and was still quite weak, she decided one day that she wanted to visit the shul during its renovation after the fire. She told me that she was especially moved by the fact that Rev. Loketch took out time from his busy schedule to take her on a private tour one morning to check out the progress.

You have both been shining examples of "Menschlichkeit" and Kiddush Hashem. You embody sincerity , kindness and willingness to serve the shul in a quiet, unassuming yet dignified manner. You have raised a beautiful family of B'nei and B'not Torah, and have set an example for all to follow.

May Hashem grant you much "Nachas", and may you be zoche to many Healthy years together Ad Meah V'esrim. You will truly be missed by all.

Fondly,
Dr. Eli and Miriam (Abromson) Ladell and Family

From Harvey Sukenic:

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Dear Rev. and Mrs. Loketch,

How to say thank you for all of the warmth, hesed and kindnesses of over twenty some years? I have so many memories, memories going back to both of you in the old Young Israel kitchen, of I don't know how many good shabbos and good voch greetings, of the Reverend's lainings, davenings, Mishnah Berurah classes, of his Yom Ha-Shoah talk, of selling hametz, of walking to shul together down Harvard Street, I will miss your concern and smiling faces. I hope to be able to see you in Detroit on my visits to my mother and relatives.

All the best,
Harvey Sukenic

From David and Debbie Schiff. David is the 3rd of 4 generations of Schiffs at the Young Israel. He and his wife Debbie met at the Young Israel.

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The calendar read כ"ח תשרי. As a young boy, this date was etched in my memory as it was the day when my Zaidie z”l observed the yahrzeit for his father. Old and frail and no longer able to attend shul on a regular basis, Zaidie always marshaled the strength to go to shul on this date to say kaddish and honor his father. The scene, which repeated itself every year, is seared in my memory as Zaidie sat in his chair in my parents’ house all afternoon dressed in his suit and hat, awaiting the time when my mother would drive the two of us to mincha at Young Israel. Though I was only 6 or 7 years old, my job was to escort Zaidie up the many stairs, and to stay with him throughout the davening.

As though it were yesterday, I recall looking out the back seat window as our green Chevy station wagon approached 62 Green Street. There, at the bottom of the stairs, was Reverend Loketch – who clearly had been standing at his post for quite some time – eagerly anticipating the arrival of his special guest. When our car pulled up to the curb, Rev. Loketch ran to the passenger door, greeted Zaidie with a kiss and a “sholom aleichem” worthy of a Gadol haDor, assisted him out of the car and escorted him in regal fashion up the stairs and into the beis medrash. I too received my own hug and kiss as I watched the beautiful kavod and love that Rev. Loketch showered upon my Zaidie.

אשרי עין ראתה כל אלה!

It is this early memory which, for me, served as the backdrop for my own lifelong relationship of love and respect for Rev. and Mrs. Loketch. Whether it involved selling the chametz, buying the shmura matzah, hearing the reading of Megillas Esther or absorbing the scene of סיום התורה on Simchas Torah, Rev. Loketch’s כתב יד adorned every aspect of our Yomim Tovim. Ask anyone who has traveled through our shul throughout the years and chances are that they can recite “Hamavdil” in a similar nuanced pitched as Rev. Loketch’s havdalah.

Shabbos kiddushim assumed their own special status as well. As a child, מעין עולם הבא was defined as jello molds with whipped cream, chopped liver with snack crackers and Mrs. Loketch’s one-of-a-kind chopped herring! And with each of these experiences, when I would approach Rev. and Mrs. Loketch to wish them a good Shabbos or to thank them for a deeply satisfying kiddush, I was regaled with stories and “mayselach” of my grandparents and of the Loketch’s youth in Europe.

How blessed is my family that ב"ה we enjoy 4 generations of friendship and השפעה from the Loketches. I remember vividly as Rev. Loketch told me week in and week out how he so looked forward to dancing at my bar mitzvah; how he so looked forward to dancing at my wedding! And for me, it is difficult to describe the נחת רוח I felt when Rev. Loketch called my son – named for my Zaidie – to the Torah for his bar-mitzvah aliyah.

Regarding the Yom Kippur davening, the רמ"א writes in או"ח ס' תרי"ט ס'א –
ואל ישנה אדם ממנהג העיר אפילו בניגונים או בפיוטים שאומרים שם
The מגן אברהם explains – שמבלבלים דעת הקהל

The impact of your departure, particularly right before חדש תשרי, is all the more powerful. To this young boy, yours was the face at the shtender at the rear of the shul, the הדרת פנים in a kittel which set the tone for the Yamim Noraim. Your niggunim, your kavanah, your hislahavus as a ba’al tefillah continue to ring in my ears as though you davened the Yom Kippur shachris this very morning. What more glorious way to enter into Sukkos than with Mrs. Loketch greeting us in the shul kitchen as we sifted through esrogim and hadasim while she lovingly tied the lulav “bendel” and assembled the arba minim. The מנהגי העיר are the מנהגים that you taught me. The ניגוני העיר are the ניגונים that you taught me and, as the רמ"א writes, these cannot be changed - שמבלבלים דעת הקהל.

The story is told that when the Chafetz Chaim advanced in years he considered moving to Eretz Yisrael. He reasoned that since he could no longer deliver shiurim or participate in the צרכי ציבור in the fashion that he had for so many years that his “usefulness” in Radin had expired and he would spend his אריכות ימים in Eretz Yisrael. But his talmidim pleaded with him to stay and said ”as long as the Zaidie is seated at the table, the grandchildren behave better, and continue to learn and be inspired from his mere presence”.

While we are so pleased that ב"ה you are spending time with your wonderful family –
כשתילי זתים סביס לשולחניך. הנה כי כן יברך גבר ירא ד' בניך – please know that we miss you terribly.

קשה עלינו פרידתכם!

באהבה רבה ובאהבת עולם

David and Debbie Schiff
Yaakov, Ilana, Talia and Avigail

From the Poritz Family:

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Tribute to Rev. & Mrs. Loketch from the Poritz Family:
Andy & Ruthie (Abromson), Joshua, Naftali, Leia & Danny

Rev. and Mrs. Loketch attended all our family simchas: our wedding 27 years ago, all three boys’ Bar Mitzvahs and Leia’s Bat Mitzvah. Rev. Loketch gave the drasha at Shalosh Seudas at Josh’s Bar Mitzvah.

Ruthie recalls how Mrs Loketch, Debbie & Sally sat in the row behind the Abromson clan in the “old” Young Israel. Their families go way back; Ruthie can’t remember Young Israel without the Loketches.

Among Ruthie’s fondest memories from the “old” Young Israel is Mrs. Loketch gathering all the children in the social hall to come in the kitchen and help prepare the Shul’s kiddishes. She made it fun! She showed us how to make fancy platters and decorate them and really inspired Ruthie to have fun in the kitchen to this day. She also taught the children the value of helping out in the Shul and feeling good about it.

Ruthie recalls warmly the sweet voice of Rev. Loketch making Havdallah at the end of Shabbos since her childhood.

Andy recalls fondly how Rev. Loketch ordered very special Tefillin from Israel for each of the boys and how we went to his home to try them on.

Andy looked forward each year to Rev. Loketch helping him pick out an esrog and Lulav for himself and the boys as they became Bar Mitzvah. And, of course, Rev. Loketch’s warmly welcoming him for Mechirat Chametz before each Pesach with a warm handshake and wishes for a happy and kosher Pesach for the whole family.

Andy very much enjoyed learning Mishna Berurah with Rev. Loketch between mincha and maariv.

We recall with great fondness and appreciation the Loketches’ kindness and warmth. Always there with a smile, a heartfelt “Good Shabbos” and a kind word or complement, like telling Andy, Josh or Danny how nice their davening or leyning was.

With deep respect and appreciation, the Poritz Family wishes the Loketches continued health and happiness in their new home.

From Bill and Susan Ireland:

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To our dear friends, the Loketches,

It's now over five years since we left Brookline for Jerusalem, but our love for you is as warm as ever. Thinking back over the (few) years we have known you, what comes to mind are wonderful shiurim on Shabbat afternoon and wonderful food from one of the world's most scrumptious kitchens. But, more importantly, we treasure your warmth, kindness, and friendship.

May your new life in Detroit bring you nachat from your family and better health.

Love,

Susan and Bill Ireland

From Lillian Berkovitz:

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It is with fondest memories that I recall Mrs. Loketch who sat behind me in shul. She always greeted me with smiles, warmth and affection that made me feel special. It seems that we made intense connection almost immediately.

Always dressed elegantly and looking lovely, she emanates a graciousness beyond words.

I want to wish her and her husband, Reverend Loketch, the very best of everything in their new life.

Sincerely, Lillian Berkovitz

From Rose Flax:

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To my Dearest Friends,

Thanking you for making Harold z"l and me feel welcomed to the Young Israel community. Thank you for your continuing friendship.

Fondly,
Rose Flax