One Swell Dad

My husband, Matt Berke, should be
a role model for all other fathers.
Let me start with a little bit of his-
tory. Matt and I were blessed with our
son, Sam, when we were only 18.
Everyone hears countless stories about
deadbeat dads and young fathers not
taking care of their responsibilities.
This stereotype definitely is not Matt.
He absolutely adores Sam, and we as
husband and wife have a wonderful
and deeply loving relationship.
Matt is not the typical 22 year old.
While most "kids" his age are out do-
ing the college-party thing, Matt is
busy schlepping Sam to and from
preschool nursery at Shaarey Zedek,
or explaining the basics of hockey to
this lucky 4-year-old — and loving
every minute of it. Not only is Matt a
success when it comes to fathering, but
in all aspects of a happy and healthy
family. He is a very prosperous com-
mercial and real-estate agent. A lot
of the time, Matt is busy exploring his
own background and future in Ju-
daism so as to educate Sam with the

proper fundamentals of God.
You definitely could say that
Matt found his niche when he
became a father. The cards
were stacked against us, but
we had this powerful parental
love on our side. We often sit
around, just staring in com-
plete and utter amazement at
this little boy. We are amazed
that he is so wonderful. We are
amazed that we fit so natu-
rally into the role of parenting.
And we are amazed that we
were lucky enough not only to
have each other, but to have
this wonderful enhancement,
Sam, to our lives.
Matt Berke with Sam: "He found his niche when he
I like to just sit back and became a father."
watch the two of them in ac-
tion. Of course they wrestle, play ing that they are experiencing total joy.
games and sports, read and joke
If any father deserves a tribute, it is
around a lot. But the beauty of them ' Matt. People all around the world
together often gets me teary eyed. Matt should know of his accomplishments
has this laugh that only Sam can bring as a wonderful, caring, giving and lov-
out of him. Every time I hear that ing father.
laugh, I am filled with total joy, know-
Libby Berke

Atsoz,Vkq,

Andy Markowitz is a great skating teacher.

A Great Pair

The Storyteller

This memory is when my Dad taught me
to roller skate. I was 7 years old. I kept on
falling, but he encouraged me to get up and
try again. I don't think I'll ever forget his
smile the first time I made it around the
rink by myself. We were so happy we skat-
ed the couple skate. I was smiling so hard
I thought my cheeks would pop out.

Our Dad, Alan Simons, is the best fa-
ther in the whole wide world. He makes
bedtime lots of fun. Even after a long,
hard day of work, he finds the energy -
to tell us one of his great "Oy Vey Iz
Mir" stories.
Daddy, you're the greatest and we
love you!
Helen, Debbie, Michael
and Robbie Simons

Amanda Markowitz

, .
410A ,Tek

Alan Simons even
makes bedtime fun.

Herschel Saks with his
new little angel, Shani,
who says, "Here's my
father holding me up to
see the menorah during
the first Chanukah of my
life, some 24 years ago.
Since this was taken, I
have grown a bit taller
and, fortunately, my
father's sideburns are
considerably shorter. But I
am proud to say that I am
still Daddy's little girl."

To My Pal

This is a poem from your oldest and only gal,
To the greatest father, Herschel Saks who's my pal.
Thank you for all your hard work,
And for teaching me not to be a jerk.
You may think that your hard work I do not appreciate,
Yet I do not know how to reciprocate.
In my small way I try to repay
Of how to tell you things that are hard for me to say.
Your many long hours of work and pain,
Money for your family you try to gain.
You give us toys, clothes and luxmies, too,
And sometimes we forget to thank you.
You have many troubles and worries, too,
And no one wants to help you.
Shani and Dad today.
Because you have given everything we've wanted,
We sometimes may take you for granted.
You work so hard every day,
So I decided to send this to say:
Happy Father's Day to the most wonderful father in the whole world,
from the bottom of my heart.
Shani Saks