A Program of ElderLink

pipeline from the
great rabbis of
Mir."
"He was always
teaching, always
learning ... always
growing," he said.
Rabbi Moshe
Einstadter, a close
Rabbi Bakst
friend from
Cleveland, spoke
of the freshness of Rabbi Bakst's Torah
learning and the exhilaration he had
when learning something new.
"He had a sweetness in giving over
learning," said Rabbi Einstadter.
"Everything he said had a chein
(charm). He became a walking sefer
Torah (Torah scroll). He left an indeli-
ble impression in the world."
"Rabbi Einstadter didn't just eulo-
gize, he created an energy as if Rabbi
Bakst was in front of us speaking," said
Aish's Rabbi Alon Tolwin. "He inspired
me; I'm a transformed person. The val-
ues of Rabbi Bakst are something we
need to take more personally and
infuse them into our everyday lives."
Son-in-law Rabbi Yehudah Svei of
Philadelphia also spoke emotionally
about the magnitude of the loss of
Rabbi Bakst.
An earlier memorial service was held
for Yeshiva Gedolah students after
Shabbat Dec. 25. At this gathering,
many of Rabbi Bakst's closest longtime
students spoke.
"He was not only the Rosh
Yeshivah, but the mashgiach [spiritual
adviser] as well," said one former stu-
dent for whom Rabbi Bakst was a
mentor for more than 30 years. "He
was like a caring father, you could
always go to him for support and
guidance. At the same time, you also
held him in awe. It was part of the
kavod haTorah [honor for the Torah]
that he demanded."
The student quoted a talmudic pas-
sage: "If the previous generation were
like angels, we are like people; if they
were like people, we are like donkeys ..."
"We can't probe the depth of Rabbi
Bakst's generation," he explained. "It
was a different level completely."
Rabbi Bakst was involved in the
Council of.Orthodox Rabbis of
Detroit, active on its Beit Din
(Rabbinic Court) and Va'ad haChinuch
(Education Council).
Said a student: "He overlooked the
spiritual needs of the city, and at the
same time, knew every single bocher
[yeshivah student] , every family. He
encouraged us all to perfect ourselves
and learn, to strive for greatness in
Torah."

DO YOU EVER

Forget where you
put your keys?

Forget if you locked
the door?
Forget someone's
name?
Get frustrated when
you can't always
remember things?

DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY?

If your answer to any of these questions is "yes," then the
Memory Club is for you. You are invited to attend a unique
program for mature persons experiencing memory problems.

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE
IN YOUR LIFE, JOIN THE MEMORY CLUB!

Mention this ad to attend a free introductory session.

Memory Training Sessions

Regularly Scheduled
Field Trips

Memory-enhancing
Games - Music - Crafts

For more information, contact:
Ronnie Berman
Memory Club Coordinator
at JVS, (248) 233-4247

Volunteer Opportunities

The Memory Club is brought to you by:
Jewish Home and Aging Services and
JVS - Realizing Life's Potential

Exercise Classes

In partnership with

The Agencies of the Jewish Federation

ELDE LIN

Lunch Provided

Connecting People & Services

This program is made possible by a generous gift from the Shirley Harris Fund.

❑

E

This is Federation

Visit us online: www.thisisfederation.org

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