Dr. Irving Barkan

Dear Sherry, Paula, Doug, Al and
family,

Irving's passing is a life cycle moment for both the immediate and extended families, as well as thousands of Jews whose lives he touched with the love of Judaism. He was a living legend of Jewish learning, teaching, and scholarship in their richest context.

I am proud to say that he was my uncle and will always appreciate the hospitality and good cheer that I received from Sarah and him. His life was indeed a blessing.

Best...

Dear Paula: As I told you once before, your father changed my life. When I moved back to Chicago and started Hebrew School at Rodfei Sholom, Dr.Barkan noticed my love for Judaism. He encouraged me to take a test which gave me a scholarship and allowed me to attend Camp BJE. I went for 4 summers, truly the best of my life. I spent many a Shabbat morning with him at junior congregation listening to his wonderful stories, many I still remember. He was a gift to Jewish education...and I, am...

Paula: Your father was the best Hebrew teacher I ever had, and I have had many. I shall remember him with great fondness for all his kindnesses and concerns. Regards, Mel Garbow

Dear Paula,
Your father was a most warm and wonderful director at Rodfei Sholom in Chicago, and I enjoyed knowing him for many years. My mother, Rosalyn Bogen was one of the teachers at both Beth El, Bnai Torah and Solel, and she also greatly respected your father. I remember him leading the children's services on Saturday mornings at Rodfei Sholom. He always involved us in reading from the bima, and I loved being part of the service. What a great man...
Respectfully, Lynn Bogen...

I have fond memories of Dr Barkin from Rodfi Sholom...Without Dr Barkins help i would have never graduated. He was a kind man ,i am glad he had a long life.

My sincerest condolences go out to my high school classmate Joanne and the entire family on your loss. Dr. Barkan was a fixture in my Hebrew school education at South Side Hebrew and I have carried warm memories of him...and his staff...throughout my life.

With fond remembrances of Uncle Irving .... His many years were a blessing to us all. Sending heartfelt condolences to Paula, Sherry and Joanne ....

With Love,
Kenny

We have many fond memories of Uncle Irving. We are so happy that we were a part of his family life and that he was able to live a long life. We shall miss him but always remember him.

Much love to Paula and Sherry and Joanne and their families from cousins Karen and Terry.

Karen and Terry

Dear Paula,
Both your parents were, for me, role models exemplifying educators who were pasionately devoted to Jewish education. Their influence was broad and lasting.

Dr. Barkan was the epitome of the Jewish intellectual who lived his life with dignity and grace.

yehi zichro baruch.

Harriet Fienberg Elazar