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Ivan Wachmann Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Ivan Wachmann
75 Entries
Hanna Wachmann
October 20, 2014
I love you so much, Saba...
And I miss you.
You said you would come to my wedding... and I know you will.
I just wish we could have danced.
I love you. May
Your granddaughter,
Hanna
Our beloved Rabbi's final resting place
Terri Lynn
July 10, 2013
April 20, 2013
Dear Cyndi,
I just yesterday heard of the passing of my friend, teacher, mentor, and confidant, Rabbi "I". It will take some time to organize my thoughts and put them into words. I think often of my time on the bima with him and Cantor Gary, as well as time with him in his office as he taught me and truly inspired me to study. He possesed the knowledge of the ultimate scholar coupled with the heart of gold and could reach out and touch everyone. He certainly knew each and every ritual but also taught me that Judaism was about ethics more than anything else. He and I laughed together often. My heart goes out to you as do my prayers. You and the world have lost a giant.
Annette and I now live in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
His memory will serve as a blessing and forever an inspiration.
Stephen Spiegel
Terri Lynn
April 11, 2013
"Eternal God, may the light of Your presence shine on us as we gather here,
Our hearts bowed down by the loss of Rabbi Ivan Wachmann whom You have gathered to Yourself…..
We thank you for all that was gentle and noble in his life.
Through his name inspire us with strength and light.
Help us to use our grief itself for acts of service and of love.”
Friends and relatives arrive at Temple Sholom and sign the guest book
Terri Mark
April 11, 2013
Memorial table in the lobby of Temple Sholom
Terri Mark
April 11, 2013
Terri Mark
April 11, 2013
Memorial service for Rabbi Ivan was terrific. We all had a chnce to laugh and cry and honor his memory.
Photos to be posted shortly.
April 11, 2013
B"H: In memory of the most authentic and loving human being,...forever and ever (lyolm voed)
IRA
I.R.A.
April 11, 2013
B"H: There are no words,...B.D.E.
April 7, 2013
April 7, 2013
April 6, 2013
NOT ONLY A RABBI BUT THE BEST FRIEND I EVER HAD
Mark Young
April 3, 2013
A Memorial Service for Rabbi Ivan Wachmann will be held at Temple Sholom on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 7pm.
Rabbi Wachmann, 77, former rabbi at Temple Sholom in Pompano Beach for 15 years, died on March 13, 2013 in Eilat, Israel.
He is survived by his wife, Cyndi, 4 children, 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Cantor Hesh Mayersdorf will be conducting the service. Community leaders and friends will be paying tribute. Light refreshments will be served following the service.
Temple Sholom is the oldest Conservative synagogue in Broward County.
The public is welcome to attend.
WHAT: Memorial Service for Rabbi Ivan Wachmann
WHEN: Thursday, April 11, 2013
TIME: 7 pm
WHERE: Temple Sholom
132 SE 11th Avenue
Pompano Beach, Florida
T Lynn
March 28, 2013
Please join us at a Memorial Service for Rabbi Wachmann, April, 11, 7 pm, at Temple Sholom, Pompano Beach.
Sandy Garbus
March 28, 2013
Harry and Sandy Garbus had the wonderful pleasure of being joined in Matrimony by Dr. Wachmann in his finest style and obvious pleasure when they were both Seniors. That day will never be forgotten more than a little because of the spirit he put into the ceremony!
Lolly Goodman
March 22, 2013
For many years I have carried with me a note that Rabbi quickly wrote on a business card. It is a note of "healing" as my daughter was very ill at the time.
when I read of his passing, I looked at that note again, and felt the warmth of him. He will always be remembered as a beautiful soul. May he rest in peace.Respectfully, Lolly Goodman
March 21, 2013
Beloved Cyndi,
You and our beloved Rabbi have always touched my heart and have meant so much to me and to my family. When my precious son died, a cousin recommended that my dear mother and I meet beloved Rabbi to help us in our sorrow. As soon as my mother and I met beloved Rabbi, we could feel Rabbi's warmth and love and healing energy. He was a true mystic and man of God. His essence oozed spirituality, wisdom and goodness. From the moment I met dearest Rabbi, I felt such a connection and his presence, friendship and kindness he extended to me and my family will forever live within my heart with such gratitude and inspiration. His warmth, love, joy and faith helped us to reach higher. He was truly a precious, precious man of love who spread and lived God's message of unity, love, compassion, joy peace, and to enjoy the moment...etm. He was so humble and yet so great. He blessed us a few years after my son's passing by officiating at my beloved granddaughter's Jewish naming when my son and daugher in-law flew in from CA. You and he are a beautiful couple and his character and what you shared I hope will give you the spiritual strength to celebrate the blessings you shared. Though he may no longer be alive in the physical, Rabbi's beautiful spirit is forever with you and eternally with you. What helped me when my son passed was that energy doesn't dissipate it just changes form.
You are loved and cherished. God bless you, dear Cyndi, as you heal. You are not alone and intrinsically supported by the world who know you, love you and appreciate you. You have been an example of devotion and helped Rabbi enjoy such a meaningful and rich family life and served as a model for us to aspire to. Now may you find the peace within your own soul that passeth understanding and may you honor beloved Rabbi by taking care of yourself now.
With heartfelt condolences and with my love from my heart to yours,
Susan Cohen
March 21, 2013
I met Rabbi Ivan when I came to visit my mother-in-law, Carole Kahan, at Palm Aire. She was thrilled when Rabbi Ivan came to Temple Sholom. She found him charming, bright, and adored his brogue. She also spoke about Cyndi as a very unique and special woman. Michael and I came to meet both of them, and my mother-in-law was totally correct.
Ultimately Rabbi Ivan presided over my mother-in-law's funeral.i'll never forget that he stood right behind me the entire time I gave my eulogy, and the same for Michael. He had such respect.
I have been emailing with Cyndi for many years now. She is remarkable for her devotion, her generosity of spirit, and her loving dedication to her husband. I know Cyndi that you have many friends and family that love you dearly, and Michael and I send you our prayers and love at this very difficult time.
Lynn & Michael Kahan
Rabbi Ivan's Retirement Party from Temple Sholom
March 20, 2013
Rabbi Ivan, Cyndi and Former Broward County Sheriff Al Lamberti at the retirement party for Rabbi Ivan
March 20, 2013
David and Adele Greenblatt
March 19, 2013
When we attended our first service on a Friday night at Temple Sholom, Rabbi Ivan warmly greeted us and made us feel welcome, we knew we had found our spiritual home. That spirit remains and we and the entire congregation mourn the loss of such a wonderful human being. May his soul rest in Ganedin and may Hashem give Cyndi the strength to carry on at this difficult time.
Judith & Josef Scher
March 19, 2013
Dear Cyndi:
Though we knew about Rabbi's illness, we were so very sorry to learn of his passing. During our first membership at Temple Sholom (we are back again), we found him to be a warm, welcoming, understanding, and very knowledgeable religious leader. He will definitely be missed. Judith & Josef Scher
March 19, 2013
Dear Cindi,
We are sorry to hear of Rabbi Wachmann's passing. We fondly remember the many interesting sermons. He greeted us with warmth and affection every time we saw him. He will be missed. Howard and Grace Weinstein
March 19, 2013
Dear Cyndi,
We have such fond memories of you and "Rabbi I". He was our good friend, inspirational leader, a friend to all. He touched many lives with his smile, Irish brogue and sincerity, his very bright and positive outlook and always helpful to those in need. You both were very special to both of us.
We remember, especially, our first Sukkot evening at Temple Sholom with just the five of us sitting under the Sukka-you, Rabbi I, Gary Sherman and both of us. We also remember so well our getting together for breakfast the day before you left for Israel, but sad that you were leaving our Temple.
We hope and pray that you, dear Cyndi will have a strong, healthy and good life as "Rabbi I" wished for you, too.
With our love,
Bernie and Jeanne Arnold
Gigi Paleias
March 19, 2013
Gigi Paleias Family
Rabbi Wachmann & Cyndi were dear close friends. He named my granddaughter & we shared many meals together in my home. He will always be OUR RABBI. Noone will ever be able to take his place in our hearts.
Elaine & David Sheidlower
March 19, 2013
Dear Cyndi, and all the family - on behalf of myself, Melanie, Danielle, and also, my husband David, who never had the pleasure of meeting cousin Ivan in person, but feels like he knew him and Cyndi, through my stories about Ivan from my childhood, and then from the regular updates that you have sent out, we all wish you all a long, long life, with lots of laughter and happiness. Ivan and my dad Ralph, had a lot in common - they were both shining lights, always singing, laughing, and radiating happiness, and on occasions when they were together at Auntie Rose's house, it was exceptionally memorable. I remember, growing up, whenever you saw Ivan, he would always give you a brocha, and he officiated my wedding, back in 1979, to the girls' father. My mum Susan, also thought the world of her cousin, Ivan. So basically, even though I havent seen him in person in many many years, he was a big part of my life, and both Melanie and Danielle have spent time with Ivan and Cyndi in recent years, and told me how you two were so in love and so devoted to each other, and how they enjoyed visiting with you both. Finally, I have recently reconnected with Ivan's eldest son, Rabbi Dov, who I found out, lives in Lakewood, NJ, and Melanie and Mordechai are settling in Lakewood, following their marriage in 5 weeks, so will be in touch with him too after the shiva week. If we visit Israel, we will certainly come to see you in Eilat. Our heartfelt sympathy for your sad loss. With love to you all, Elaine & David Sheidlower, Melanie & Danielle Shalom. MHDSRIP
Terr Lynn
March 18, 2013
Memorial service for Rabbi Wachmann is scheduled for April, 11, 7 pm at Temple Sholom, Pompano Beach
Mary and Lloyd
March 18, 2013
H was a great friend and a reat guy, he touched many lives and will be long remembered
Mary and Lloyd
March 17, 2013
Dearest Cyndi,
Reb Chaim Yitchak was and will always be a "TSADIK". I am sad that his neshama left so soon.
It seems Hashem needed him there at this time. The consolation now is that he is no longer suffering,
and that he went peacefully. I am grateful to Hashem that I was able to speak and sing with him last week.
It is a very special time in my life that I will cherish and always remember.
Melissa and I along with your extended family, will continue to pray that your mourning be short and as
painless as possible. I know that the memories you shared together will help you get through this difficult time.
Please take care of yourself and stay healthy. I will speak with you soon.
Fondly,
Hesh and Melissa
Judith King
March 17, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss. Rabbi Wachmann will surely be missed.
Always in our hearts
March 17, 2013
Retirement Party
March 17, 2013
Passover 2002
March 17, 2013
Dr. Jeffrey and Dalit & Kesem. Fine
March 16, 2013
To Cyndi and the Family
On this day of the departure of our Holy Brother
Rabbi Chaim Yitzchak Vachmann
The second of Nisan in the month of our Freedom and Redemption;
We know the our Holy Loved One is with the Angels
Whom he loved so much.
G-D Himself must have come to the Gates of Heaven,
Arms open wide to embrace His loyal servant.
He shall be missed by the wide circle of those lives he touched.
He leaves a G-dly legacy to all; his precious wife Cyndi, whom he adored, his sons, daughters and closest family and friends to whom he ministered in his special way.
He was my dearest friend who spoke with me on a daily basis.
He knew the entire Torah by heart and spoke it as his natural tongue.
His laughter shall be missed. His singing that raised the hearts of all those fortunate enough to hear him.
But the biggest trait of this quiet man was his humility and care for all he met.
He is upon the heights of Heaven looking down with the Heavenly Host and still...
blessing all of us whom he watches over
He lives inside each and every one of us and; therefore; will never die.
To those of us left behind; we have our happy memories of a very happy beloved friend who knew how to have fun, make us laugh, and bring joy…
Today is his Birthday in the Other World and I am sure he would want all of us not to be sad, but to know that he was free at last and Home.
With love and condolences to Cyndi and all we cannot sit Shiva with…
Our hearts are with you...
We, my family, our son, Kesem, my wife, Dalit who loved him so, and I…his holy brother Jeffrey feel truly lucky
To have known such a man as Rabbi Chaim Yitzchak Vachmann
LOVE TO YOU ALL
THERE IS NO PLACE WHERE G-D IS NOT!
March 16, 2013
I'll never forget meting Rabbi Wachmann for the first time when he came to Temple Sholom. I marveled at his Irish brogue and warmth of personality. The world has lost a magnificent soul. May he watch over us from heaven above throughout eternity. Sincerely, Sandra R. Best.
Steve Warsche
March 16, 2013
To Our Mentor, Spiritual Leader and Friend Ivan, No words could explain the emptiness we feel, imagining the stillness of your essence. Your presence here on earth was full of love, giving and the best example of what Hashem would want us to be. Thank you from all of us that you touched with your beautiful spirit and wisdom. Thank you Hashem for the gift you gave us all, Ivan the Rabbi, the Mentor and the servant of your Holiest purpose. We know that your essence, is now quiet here but you are still heard loud and clear by all whom you knew and who knew you. You will be sorely missed, knowing you were always there for us made us so secure. Until we meet again, when we cross over, WE LOVE YOU FOREVER..
Steve, Anita and Brittany Warsche`
March 15, 2013
A light was given to me the day I attended my first Friday night service at Temple Sholom in Pompano. I cannot believe that the light is now extinguished. However it glows warmly in my heart when I think of you, dear Ivan and your beautiful Cyndi, I was blessed to know you and befriend you. I will never forget the lessons you taught me.
TRINA LONDON
March 15, 2013
Please let me know where the memorial is for my dear friend and Rabbi Ivan.
Trina London
[email protected]
Thank you
Terri Lynn
March 15, 2013
Dear friends and loved ones of Ivan and Cyndi,
there is talk of a memorial service for Rabbi after Passover. Please send me your e-mail address and I will add you to the list of friends and relatives. Or, you can post it here. [email protected]
March 15, 2013
Will always remember Ivan with a snile on his face and his Jokes. Marillyn Lewinger
Francine Labovitz
March 15, 2013
Sincere Condolences. Rabbi Wachmann will be missed by many, May His Memory Be Blessed.
Pls notify me of memorial service via phone.
Francine Labovitz (954) 682-8314
2613 NE 28th Ct
Lighthouse Point, FL 33064
and send email to acquaintance
[email protected]
March 15, 2013
A truly great and noble man. G-d
will love him dearly as we all did. O
We'll never forget the great Mitzvah that Rabbi Ivan performed by arriving at our mother Rachel's bedside minutes before her passing, She loved him dearly. Our hearts go out to you dear Cindy. We love you and think of you often. MHDSRIP
Marlene and Paul Perry, Gloria & Terry Black
March 15, 2013
Dear Cyndi,
Just thinking of Rabbi still brings a warm feeling of joy to us. What a special person he was. What a wonderful part of our family you are. You both will always be in our heart.
With love,
Jill and Paul
Alice Braun Prestia
March 15, 2013
Dearest Cyndi,
We go back a long way. I remember when Ivan wanted to bless you on Friday after services and it was not proper for you to be alone I was with you. What fond memories. My Harvey had a special bond with our Ivan discussing Jewish books and how they related to todays life. He was there for my granddaughter Hailey's baby naming. Oh yes..the "Super Bowl". These are only a few of some of my memories. His spiritual being will be with me always, and you dear Cyndi are part of my life.
With love,
Alice
Judy and John Lee
March 15, 2013
We never got to spend much time together, but you were both always in my mind and my prayers. Both of you always had such contagious smiles. We were looking forward to another winter visit that did not happen. Memories are so precious, and they will never fade. Our unconditional love and condolences to you and your family.
Joanne Greenberg
March 15, 2013
My Dear Cousin Cyndi,
I will never forget the day that you brought Ivan over to meet Lenore and me. He sang, he laughed, and you smiled and glowed with happiness.
You both are so loved, and Ivan is a ray of sunshine that now shines down on us all from Heaven.
Both of you are in my prayers, and I know that Moe and Lenore are welcoming Ivan home.
John Johnson
March 15, 2013
Rabbi was a good friend, an inspirational leader and a very spiritual man. He was also a very loyal trustee at our hospital. He and Cyndi were an example for all people - in sickness and in health, till death do us part-a true love story.
Marlene Farber
March 15, 2013
My dear Rabbi Wachmann. I was very blessed to have you as my Rabbi at Temple Sholom. Your greatness and inspiration will be a part of me forever. You have touched many lives and will never be forgotten.
Meryk Katlin
March 15, 2013
Rabbi, I know your spirit will always guide us. Your love will continue to surround us. Your words will still teach us, but we will all still miss you so.
March 15, 2013
When Rabbi Wachmann & his first wife Doreen came to Glasgow in the mid-1960's when he was appointed Rav of Langside Hebrew Congregation there was a thriving cheder network amongst all the shuls. Rabbi Wachmann made it his mission to try & win the JNF World Jewish Bible Quiz for the shul. In 1967, myself Raymond Tate, Eric Shinwell, Barry Winetrobe & Martyn Wolff were selected to represent the cheder in the regional round against all the other chedarim. We triumphed & progressed to the National Finals where we took on all the regional winners, thus some of our opponents were late-teen Yeshivah students compared to we pre-Barmitzvah cheder kids. We won again & so we jetted off to Stockholm in 1967 to represent Great Britain in the finals, again being much the youngest team. For the final two rounds we were still in contention but the teams had to be reduced from 4 to 2. The Rabbi chose myself & Barry & I had the honour of answering what turned out to be the winning question. I don't remember the actual question but the answer was Bialik. Langside Cheder boys were the JNF World Champions. We returned in triumph to Glasgow & did some TV appearances & the Late Chief Rabbi Dr Jakobovits A"H came up to congratulate us. I still have a picture of him shaking hands with this shy 11 year old. To this day I still wear one of the prizes we received, a 22ct Swedish gold ring & have the becher & Siddur as well. Like everyone, the Rabbi had his faults but they were far outweighed by his enthusiasm for Judaism & his mensclichkeit. I wish his family Long Life.
Raymond Tate,
Govan,
Glasgow,
Scotland
VALERIE BARR
March 15, 2013
I met the Rabbi and Cyndi through our mutual friends Marie and Joe - I so enjoyed our conversations together - he will be sorely missed and I wish Cyndi and the family long life!
Harry Tate
March 15, 2013
It is with much sorrow I mourn the passing of Ivan my Rabbi in Glasgow and who was a dear and true family friend to myself and my late wife.
On leaving Glasgow for Manchester we visited with him at Holy Law Shul and it was the last time my wife saw him.
I had the pleasure along with my son David to see him in his shul in Pampona a few years back, He will never be forgotton by me.
Shalom my dear friend
March 15, 2013
Rabbi, I know your spirit will always guide us. Your love will continue to surround us. Your words will still teach us, but we will all still miss you so.
Rabbi and Cyndi in Warren, Vermont, July 2004
Terri Lynn
March 15, 2013
I just spoke to Cyndi. I told her that we are preparing another photo collage for her. Please post your photos on this gallery for us to use.
March 15, 2013
Dear Cyndi,
Ivan's beautiful voice, his luminous smile, his humor and his great spirit will remain with us always.
Marlyn and Lew Littman
David Tate
March 15, 2013
So sorry to hear of the passing of the Rabbi who taught me at Cheder and my Barmitzvah at Langside Hebrew Congregation, Glasgow. He has gone to a better place, Shalom.
March 15, 2013
A truly lovely human being. Warm, understanding, learned, adaptable,unique personality. We will always remember him. To Cyndii, we wish you and all the family"Long Life".With love, Roger and Barbara.
March 15, 2013
Dear Cyndi, We miss all your emails about your life in Israel with Rabbi Ivean. Weshall never forget his presence at a Brandeis meeting, where he told me he leared so much about the University. He was the consummate gentleman and will be greatly missed. Love to you and take good care of yourself. Jay and Ada
LOIS AND SID KAUFMAN
March 15, 2013
ALWAYS IN OUR THOUGHTS WITH FOND MEMORIES
FOREVER.
Ellen Paleias Adler Gary & Sean Stark
March 15, 2013
Thank you Cyndi and Rabbi for being in our lives. We are blessed to have known you. Our love and condolences unconditionally.
We love you
March 15, 2013
My Aunt Cyndi has been a huge part of my life. When she brought Ivan into the equation, we were truly blessed. His Irish broque and genuine smile made him difficult to resist. Over the years we came to love him just as much as Cyndi. My children Ayden(13)Owen(11) and Jake(5) enjoyed him as well. He loved them so. We were fortunate to spend some quality time in Tel Aviv in August, 2011. Our family is fortunate to have had him as such an integral part of our lives and we will miss him greatly. Watch over us, Ivan. We love you.
Elyssa, Jason, Ayden, Owen and Jake Ackerman
March 15, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to Cyndi and all the family.
We have the fondest memories of the times both happy and sad that we spent with the Rabbi. His warmth, kindness and sincerity will never be forgotten
Gloria and Edgar Hift
mel petersiel
March 15, 2013
a warm,welcoming figure to me during my annual visits to his shul for yahrzeit. He greeted us like long lost friends from Canada,and it did indeed feel like that was the case. Our sympathies to his family
ANNE AND MARTIN LEVENE IN EILAT
March 15, 2013
N0T SO L0NG IN OUR COMMUNITY BUT YOU AND CYNDI MADE AN IMPACT ON US FOR EVER WE SHALL MISS YOUR IMPUT AND EASY ATTITUDE TO ALL OF OUR LIVES HOWEVER WE VIEWED OUR MAKER ESPECIALLY ANNE WHO HAS HAD HEALTH PROBLTMS BUT IS FIGHTING TO REGAIN HER LIFE`
SENT FROM ICHOLOVE HOSPITAL BY ANNE IN TEL-AVIV
Judy and Jack Schnee
March 15, 2013
Rabbi Ivan added so much to our lives. He always had a smile, a kind word, and his enthusiasm for life and those around him was unequaled. He was our Rabbi at Temple Sholom in Pompano Beach, and we always enjoyed being with him and his beloved wife, Cyndi. He will be missed!
Love, Judy and Jack Schnee
Cantor Elliott Dicker
March 15, 2013
The news of Rabbi Wachmans's passing was heartbreaking. Rabbi was a mentor, friend, advisor, and a source of knowledge to me throughout the years of our friendship. We would laugh together, sing together and cry together. His friendship was a blessing. We would always spend quality time together whenever our schedules allowed us the opportunity. Paramount in his thoughts always was Cyndi's health. He loved her so very much. His love of Judaism and his constant effort to teach and be a beacon of light to everyone with whom he came in contact was extraordinary. Tears come to my eyes as I look at the photo in the Sun Sentinel obituary because the tallit he was wearing was one I made for him.
My deepest and sincerest condolences to his entire family and especially to Cyndi. May his memory remain for all of us as a source of comfort and blessing.
March 14, 2013
What a wonderful man! I feel blessed to have known both him and Cyndi. My prayers go out to all who loved him.
Harvey Block
Donna Friedman
March 14, 2013
Jubialant, kind, the most intelligent person I've ever met, inspired me to be better, give more and, of course, pray more. Thank you, Rabbi. My prayers are with you Cyndi and to all your loved ones.
John & Paula Levin
March 14, 2013
We will always remember Rabbi Ivan with great fondness and affection. He touched our lives in a special way with his warmth and generosity of spirit. Our prayers go out to Cyndi and Rabbi's entire family.
Helena and Steve Kraus
March 14, 2013
Our thoughts and love go to Cindy at the great loss of our dear cousin Ivan. He will be sorely missed and always remembered. Love Helena and Steve
Ronald Schagrin
March 14, 2013
I returned to Temple Sholom the day after my mother passed away in 2005. Upon entering, Rabbi Wachmann wrapped his arms around me and was a great source of comfort. As a daily attendee to the morning Minyan, I believe that I was blessed in getting to know the Rabbi. I still marvel at his knowledge, believing that he had the Torah memorized. His smile was infectious; when he walked into the Bet Midrash (house of study) the room came alive. He will be missed, but he will be forever etched in my heart. My deepest sympathy goes out to his beloved wife and family.
Rosemarie Maniscalco
March 14, 2013
Entire staff at Rosemarie's Cosmetics will always remember you. Rest in peace
Andrew Paleias
March 14, 2013
Rabbi Ivan will be missed but always remembered . He presided over my wedding and was a true
friend of our family. Our sympathies to his family.
Malcolm Black
March 14, 2013
The world has lost a giant of a Rabbi. All who had the good fortune to have known him received a special gift from Hashem. A true Lamed Vov who may have left this world physically, but his spirit will remain amongst us for ever. May His Dear Soul Rest In
Peace. Shalom Dear Rabbi
Malcolm and Margaret
Terri Lynn
March 14, 2013
Mark and I created this video for Cyndi and the family.
Terri Lynn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea8jxGTV9Ic&feature=youtu.be
I remember the very first time I met Rabbi Ivan Wachmann. His name sounded very imposing and I was nervous. I was meeting him in his study and was expecting to meet a pale, pudgy man that looked like Lazar Wolf, the butcher, from Fiddler on the Roof.
Boy, was I wrong! Imagine my surprise when I met the dapper, red haired Irish Rabbi. I've told this story many times, but I didn't believe he was the Rabbi. I was convinced I was on “Candid Camera” and I was waiting for someone to walk into the room and tell me to “Smile.”
From that moment on, he brought smiles to my life. He was our Rabbi in good times and bad times. He and Cyndi always came to our parties, dinners and family events. He blessed our precious granddaughter and led the funeral for Mark's mom, Edy. He was a guiding force in our life and helped us over and over again.
A few years back Rabbi and Cyndi came to our New Year's Eve Party. People still talk about that party. He gave it such life and purpose. We were all having such a good time singing and holding hands that we never noticed that the ball in Times Square had fallen.
Mark and I never wanted Cyndi and Rabbi to move away to Israel but we knew it was for the best. If you remember, their trip was postponed a few times. I think we took them for a few “goodbye dinners.” Weren't we the lucky ones!
Sometimes, late at night, when I was on the computer, the little icon would pop up on my screen telling me that Rabbi and Rebbitzon were online. I clicked on SKYPE and there they were. The calls were always so inspiring and uplifting.
And now he's gone and we all are grieving. I am not going to sugar coat anything but he did not deserve to leave us the way that he did. Tears are pouring down my face as I think about him and the void he has left in Cyndi's life. She has been remarkable and courageous and my heart is heavy for her. Our thoughts and love go out to his children and family.
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