It is hard to believe that the thirty days of mourning (shloshim) have passed since the death of my beloved grandfather on January 24, 1968.
My grandfather who lived in Montreal for over forty years was eulogized at his funeral as the "last of his generation".
Those who knew him, saw before their eyes a Jew of the "old country". A full white beard, always clean and neatly brushed. His face reflecting the faith and trust of the Divine Presence, and a lively interest in all about him.
In my early childhood, I recall being taken to visit my grandfather, but only after his arrival in Montreal do I remember him vividly and lovingly.
All his life he guarded his faith with love and devotion, and lived with complete trust in the Almighty. He never minimized or lessened his devotion to his prayers and studies.
With his full devotion to his faith and the "old ways", he was considered to be a modern man, a man "of our time", a man that was interested and concerned with all about him, and all about man and his world.
With my grandfather one could discuss any subject. Of his own studies of the Talmud it goes without saying, but also current events, social problems and matters of concern to his family and friends.
Our family is diversified in the political spectrum and we all do not see events in the same light or outlook. Each one of our family has his own political and social views, which are often in opposition to one another. My grandfather, however, could converse and discuss with everyone, disagree, argue and maintain his own outlook on events as he saw them, through the interpretations of the Talmud and Bible studies which he devoltedly carried on every day.
Despite his age he had a sharp mind and welcomed the opportunity to carry on discussions and exchange views.
From his first day of arrival in Montreal he was associated with the Synagogue of "Chevra Mishnayith". And until his last day on earth he was active and devoted to his synagogue of which he was for many years the Senior Trustee and Chief Officer. His synagogue was his life's work and for that he gave his all, working and worrying about its future and its continuity.
He was progressive enough to realize that the Jewish community of Montreal was expanding and moving in new directions. Far from the hustle and bustle of the old Rachel Market, where his synagogue stood for many years, he saw the movement of the Jewish community to the suburbs and he made plans to follow it. The old synagogue, for many years on St. Dominique near Rachel, and later on St. Urbain near Laurier, was his headquarters, and there he could be found many a day and night.
A few months before his death he finalized plans for reestablishing the Chevra Mishnayith Synagogue in Chomedy - a suburb community where it is now functioning under the spiritual guidance of Rabbi Nizhnik, a close friend and collaborator of my grandfather.
He made sure that the valuables and Sacred Books of the old Synagogue would find a new home and would be assured a prominent place in the new house of worship.
A few years ago he sent two Tora Scrolls to Israel, and I had the duty (with pleasure) of arranging for their shipment to Israel.
My grandfather never demanded anything from us, but all of us - his children and grandchildren, as well as the great-grandchildren were always ready to do anything he asked. And it was always done with readiness and pleasure.
About four years ago, on the occasion of his 90th birthday, the entire family gathered to celebrate this event. All his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated in this joyous occasion and at that time we established the "Nachshen Family Circle", of which my grandfather was the Honorary President and chief inspiration.
On all occasions when the Family Circle met, my grandfather took much delight in the younger children of the family and took pleasure in seeing his family together.
Always active, always busy, always ready to meet and talk with people, my grandfather kept his interests alive. Until the last moments of his life he was concerned with his Synagogue and the health of his Mentor and Rabbi, the Bayonner Rebbe of New York whose disciple and follower my grandfather had been for many many years. His Rebbe was his inspiration and talisman for his spirit and vigour.
My grandfather was always concerned and occupied with Jewish matters, but never was employed as a clerical or religious official. His work and devotion was very personal from which he did not wish to derive a livelihood. When he arrived in Montreal and during the Depression years, he worked hard to earn a living for his family and despite economic hardships maintained a dignified standard of living.
He was a prominent member of the Jewish Community Council - Vaad Ha'ir - of Montreal and participated in many worthy causes, both charitable and social, and during World War Two he was active in Refugee Relief and Aid to War Victims.
Israel to him meant a Jewish Homeland, and although he believed in the Messiah and the restoration of the ancient land by Divine intervention - he supported the State of Israel through his active participation in the Jewish National Fund and other Israel causes. Many tributes were paid to my grandfather for his efforts through Golden Book inscriptions and Certificates of the Jewish National Fund, the agency responsible for the reclamation and flourishing of the many settlements in Israel.
There is much to write about my grandfather, about his long and fruitful life. However, not all details can be related at this time, when we can hardly accept the fact that he is no longer with us.
We were fortunate to have our grandfather with us for so many years, and his memory will forever be an inspiration and blessing to us.
He lived with his faith and died faithfully as he lived, quietly, modestly and with all his senses and faculties intact.
I recall from my early "cheder" (school) days, when I studied the Bible chapter relating the death of the Patriarch Jacob. The passage reads as follows: "And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed: and he departed his life, and was gathered unto his people." (Genesis, Ch. 49.33)
Thus my grandfather died, and his memory we will forever cherish.
Israel Nachshen
March 1, 1968