I’ve saved his voicemails over the years, each one sweeter than the last. “I love you Rachie. You are magnificent. I’m proud to be your dad.”
My dad started an airline. For ten years, it was the fastest growing airline in the world. In 1982, he had a stroke, the airline went bankrupt, he lost all of his wealth, and he was paralyzed for the rest of his life. Since then, hundreds of his employees continue to hold reunions at which they describe the rare environment of respect and teamwork he built. They revere and adore him. Meanwhile, in those remaining 40 years, he became pure love.
My son Eitan sat next to my dad’s bed as he was dying. We were gathered for the last few days to say goodbye, and the grandkids had questions. Some asked for business advice, some for his favorite jokes. Eitan sat down quietly and, after a long silence, asked, “Poppop, do you have advice for how I should live my life?”
My father closed his eyes and opened them again.
“Respect people you don’t know and love people you do.”
That’s it. That’s how he lived. That’s what he taught.
Rachel Timoner is senior rabbi of Congregation Beth Elohim, as well as a writer and activist. www.cbebk.org
