HARRY KRAFT

Aharon ben Arieh

1909—1975

Remembering Harry Kraft*, on the occasion of his fortieth yahrzeit,

[21 Iyar 5775, 10 May 2015]

Our father, Harry, Aharon b’reb Aryeh Leib, can best be characterized as a man

who dedicated his life to ahavat shalom bain adam l’rayahu. He focused his love

for mankind by “making peace among people.” Though he was raised in the Lit-

vakish-misnagaid tradition he was indeed a Hasid balev (in his heart). His love ex-

tended from his respect for his parents to his deep affection for our Mum, Sarah,

whom he always called his “Sweet” to his dedication to his three children and to

his love for all children.

The topic for my personal study to honor his yahrzeit this year is linked to our fa-

ther’s daily living lesson of ‘gemilut chasadim’ (acts of loving kindness). His father

used to say of his son Aaron that he emulated the behavior of the biblical Aaron -

“ohave shalom, v’rodef shalom, ohave et habriot umkurvan latorah” – he loved

peace he pursue peace, he loved God’s creatures and brought them closer to the

Torah.” (Avot : ). And this was the man we knew as our father. We’ve had the

privilege of reading so many wonderful and heartfelt messages from the commu-

nity, that we in turn wanted to share with you a poem by the late Israeli author,

Yehuda Amichai, entitled “The Amen Stone”. This was sent to me by our

daughter, Rachel, who like all of Harry’s heirs, loved their Grampy dearly as only

youngsters can…

From the generations that follow Harry Kraft and honor him in death as in life.

*Zichrono l’vracha – May his memory always be for a blessing

Avram Kraft

The Amen Stone

BY YEHUDA AMICHAI

On my desk there is a stone with the word "Amen" on it,

a triangular fragment of stone from a Jewish graveyard destroyed

many generations ago.

The other fragments, hundreds upon hundreds,

were scattered helter-skelter, and a great yearning,

a longing without end, fills them all:

first name in search of family name, date of death seeks

dead man's birthplace, son's name wishes to locate

name of father, date of birth seeks reunion with soul

that wishes to rest in peace. And until they have found

one another, they will not find a perfect rest.

Only this stone lies calmly on my desk and says "Amen."

But now the fragments are gathered up in loving-kindness

by a sad good man. He cleanses them of every blemish,

photographs them one by one, arranges them on the floor

in the great hall, makes each gravestone whole again,

one again: fragment to fragment,

like the resurrection of the dead, a mosaic,

a jigsaw puzzle. Child's play.

Yehuda Amichai, "The Amen Stone" from Open Closed Open, translated by

Chana Bloch and Chana Kronfeld, published by Harcourt, Inc. Copyright © 2000

God’s Love and Harry Kraft

Kehillath Israel is honored to be part of the establishment of this ‘Word Monument’ which assembles

more than 80 recollections in observance of the 40th yahrzeit of our Congregation’s beloved teacher

and leader, Harry Kraft. For those who knew and loved Harry, reflecting upon his indelible impact

warms our hearts. For those who were not so blessed (alas I only knew him vicariously through his

children, particularly as a child growing up with Avram in Highland Park, Illinois), the passages that

make up this enduring monument should become required reading. Why? Not merely because it is

important to know and appreciate one’s roots. And not simply because Harry’s glowing touch

inspired generations who continue to pass it on today. But, more essentially, because Harry Kraft

brought to life one of the most essential religious truths that Judaism has to teach, the truth that

God loves us.

I recently heard a story about a woman from a modern orthodox community on the Upper West

Side of New York. During Shabbat lunch at her rabbi’s home, she shared about an experience in

which she visited a Church for the first time. “How was it?” asked the rabbi. “It was powerful and

sad” she replied. “It’s power came through in the recurring affirmation ‘God loves you’. What was

sad,” she continued, “was that in the thirty years I’ve been attending Shul, daily, on Shabbes and

Chagim, nobody has ever told me that God loves me.”

It is clear that this woman never met Harry Kraft. His warm smile. His large stature. His flowing

tallis. His sweet, melodious song. The way he held his Siddur and helped us find our place in ours.

His unique capacity to gently convey a contagious love for the Psalms. The ways he met our gaze,

took interest in our lives, and brought passion to personalized learning experiences all conveyed with

animated clarity the ahava rabba words of the prayer book that come before the Shema each

morning, “You have loved us with great love, Lord our God, and with surpassing compassion, have

You had compassion on us.” It is one thing to pray these words each morning. It is something far

more surpassing to experience them through one of God’s appointed messengers.

We thank God for the blessing of Harry Kraft’s life. And we thank God as well for the privilege of

learning from his love-filled legacy.

Rabbi William Hamilton

May 8, 2015

A famous Mishnah in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers, 1:6) states:

את כל האדם לכף זכות עשה לך רב וקנה לך חבר והוי דן

“Provide yourself with a teacher, and find someone to learn with, and judge all

men favorably.”

I last remember speaking to Mr. Harry Kraft, ז״ל , my teacher, on the corner of

Harvard and Williams Street a several months before his passing and my

graduation from Brandeis University in 1975.

This is how Mr. Kraft became my teacher. On many Shabbat afternoons my Bubbie

would ask me to read the weekly Torah portion to her as my Hebrew reading skills

advanced as an 10 year old. One day, I saw a notice in the basement hall of the

Kehillath Israel Hebrew School that Mr. Kraft was offering a class in chanting the

Torah portion. My Bubbie would be overjoyed if I learned to chant the Torah! So

every Sunday after Hebrew School a group of 4 or 5 boys would meet with and

learn from Mr. Kraft. Our goal was to prepare to read the Torah on the first day of

Pesach. We were to read the Torah in the Rabbi Louis M. Epstein auditorium at the

Junior Congregation where Mr. Kraft led hundreds of children each Yom Tov.

After months of preparation, the first day of Pesach arrived. We ascended the

stage to read our individual portions in the Torah. But one Torah reader was

missing. Mr. Kraft came to me and said, Larry, you will read that additional Torah

portion. The confidence that Mr. Kraft placed in me that morning would affect me

for the rest of my life. Mr. Kraft judged me favorably and as a result I learned that

with preparation, one could do anything. As a teenager, I became a regular weekly

Torah reader at KI’s teenage congregation. Once each year, the KI teenage

congregation would lead services in the main sanctuary.

I vividly recall coming to the Kraft family apartment on Powell Street where Mr.

Kraft patiently worked with me to prepare and practice delivering my d’var Torah

on Parashat Zachor, (The Shabbat of Remembrance) for the Main Sanctuary

service. Mr. Kraft later approached me to organize and invite recent Bar Mitzvah

boys and their fathers to Sunday morning minyan and breakfast. When Hallel is

recited on Rosh Chodesh and Yom Tov, I can hear Mr. Kraft proclaiming; “Psalm

117, the shortest yet most beautiful of all the Tehillim”. Thus, Mr. Kraft is with me

every day as I put on my Tallit and Tefillin to daven and showing me where the

Chazan repeats in the siddur.

The role model that Mr. Kraft provided for me strongly influenced my involvement

in the Jewish Community in a non-professional capacity. I served as president and

gabbai of Congregation Shaarei Tefillah in Newton, and as a member of CJP’s

Chairman’s Forum. More importantly, Mr. Kraft showed me the importance of

being a conduit of knowledge and commitment to younger generations. My shul

has a Sunday morning minyan for teenagers modeled precisely after that which

Mr. Kraft taught me. A friend and I taught a class on the Parasha of the week for

children in our shul. I have been an active board member and founding parent of

the Jewish Community Day School of Boston and have played a significant role

supporting the Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus at the University of

Massachusetts, Amherst. I personally owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Mr.

Kraft who was an unparalleled role model for all those who benefited from his

contributions to the entire Boston Jewish community.

Mr. Harry Kraft, יהי זכרו ברוך , May his memory be for a blessing.

Sincerely,

Larry Brown, Newton, MA

February 26, 2015

Harry and Sarah Kraft became close friends of ours upon my becoming the

assistant rabbi at Kehillath Israel. Harry was president of Kehillath Israel during

my last year as assistant rabbi and led a delegation from KI to my installation as

rabbi of the Beth Jacob Synagogue in Norwich, Connecticut.

Two images of Harry remain with me to this day. We both studied Talmud with

Rev. Solomon Eudovich, the retired rabbi of the Kehillath Israel chapel. Harry's

seriousness and complete emotional involvement in the study session were so

inspiring. The second image is that of Harry leading the Junior Congregation on

Shabbat. The joy he exuded, the care, sensitivity and warmth he showed the

children were unforgettable. He was a rare person whose counterpart is hard to

find. As our rabbis say: "Woe for the loss of those special people whose like are

not to be found."

Rabbi Joseph and Shoshanah Schultz

May 6, 2015

As I read the attached letter I wrote 15 years ago, I realized that it describes the

legacy of Harry Kraft that I feel even more strongly today. Certainly the last fif-

teen years have confirmed that his children and grandchildren have embodied

and continued to grow his legacy.

And as I think about my other childhood friends from K.I. Hebrew School days

and my sister’s children and grandchildren in Israel, I know that the legacy of

Harry Kraft has continued to expand to generations here and in Israel. The

Keshet event last week honoring Dr. Norman Spack is the most recent example of

the extraordinary influence of Harry Kraft (and Norman’s father) as the moral

force of K.I. May it continue to be a blessing for his children and grandchildren

and may K.I. continue to aspire to have similar influences on future generations

as it had on mine.

Sincerely,

Steven J. Comen

March 24, 2015

Shalom Ima, Bokehr tov Abba. Anee ruhayvah. The translation for this is "hello

mother, good morning father. I am hungry:" Not bad for a child going to Hebrew

School, and using her newly learned words at home. This child was me, and I was

not old enough to start Hebrew School, or even Nursery School. I was a toddler,

who every Monday through Thursday, and on Sunday mornings, attended a class

for toddlers, and preschoolers, taught by Harry Kraft, Of Blessed Memory. My

parents were attempting to teach me English, but by the age of 3, I knew, and

spoke significantly more Hebrew than English, thanks to Mr. Kraft. My parents,

both were at K.I. every day. My mother was the secretary in the Hebrew School

office, and my dad was on just about every committee there was, as was Harry

Kraft, so they got to know each other very well.

Harry loved hearing my parents stories about I only spoke Hebrew at home, thanks

to him, and even sang the songs that he taught us. When all the other little

children in the neighborhood sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," I would sing some

Hebrew song. As I turned 4 years old, this behavior of speaking significantly more

Hebrew than English continued, and my parents began to get a little bit concerned

over what would happen when I turned 5, and needed to start Kindergarten at

Devotion School. They were told not to worry, because so many children who

spoke Hebrew in Kindergarten, did so because of two reasons. They either were

from Israel, or they had Harry Kraft as their teacher.

Harry was not just a teacher to the children at K.I. He did so much for Kehillath

Israel, and touched the hearts of people of every age. He will always be missed

deeply. Todah Rabah Mr. Kraft.

Shalom,

Elaine Lasoff

Harry Kraft was a legend in the Jewish community. In a strange way, he had a significant impact

on the course of my life.

We all, of course, know that generations of Jewish children learned to daven at the feet of

Harry Kraft. On Saturday morning in Oscar Landers Hall, Mr. Kraft would step onto the “bema

“ decked out in his cantorial garb; he would instruct us to turn to page 42 of our prayer books;

and then in a booming voice would lead us in the Mah Tovu. His presence (and voice)

dominated a room.

Ironically, Harry Kraft allowed me to participate in sports in high school (and later college). Like

most KI graduates, I was slated (and began) to go to Hebrew Teachers College (HTC) after

graduating KI, a path that was not conducive to extracurricular activity in high school, including

sports. I begged my parents to allow me to withdraw. They were reluctant, particularly my

mother, who was a secretary in the Hebrew School office, and my father, a many time Temple

officer. What would people think? Enter KI “high school,” an evening and weekend post-

Hebrew School program. Harry Kraft taught many of those courses. His involvement in that

program gave my parents comfort in my decision to withdraw from HTC; confident that I would

still be continuing my Jewish education at a high level. The Hebrew High School program did

keep me engaged. Indeed, a life-long interest in “the politics of religion” was first stimulated by

Harry Kraft’s course in comparative religion.

Harry Kraft also influenced my college choice. It was he who first suggested when I was 16 that

maybe I should look into Columbia. Bob had just graduated, and Harry thought that the school

and New York City would be a good fit for me. Few decisions have had more impact on my life

than my selection of college. Again, it was Harry Kraft who first raised that option and

influenced my eventual choice.

My father, Joe Lasoff passed away in 2007 at the age of 91. KI was a central part of his life, and

he served in many leadership roles. When Rabbi Hamilton eulogized him he said that Joe Lasoff

was the last of a generation in the Boston Jewish community that included such giants as Harry

Kraft. It was an interesting comparison. Two giants. It was an honor to have experienced and

to have been influenced by both of them.

Larry Lasoff

There is only one place to begin when thinking of my memories of Harry Kraft:

Junior Congregation.

My first thought is of his imposing stature. I picture him in his three-piece

pinstripe suit, bending down to carefully point out the place in the Siddur to one

of the children. That image is etched in my mind as a moment which

encapsulated the ideas of dor l’dor.

Then, I think of his booming voice. I hear him during Hallel, reminding us that

Psalm 117 is “the shortest Psalm in the book of Psalms” (words I never have

forgotten) and singing: “Let’s all answer” to encourage us to respond with ki l’olam

hasdo.

I still find myself singing the tune he taught us to Mizmor Shir L’yom HaShabbat

or to Psalm 136.

I still can see him showing young children how to shake the lulav or wear a Tallit,

more often by holding their hands or arranging the Tallit on their shoulders than

by teaching with words.

Others will remember Harry Kraft for so many different ways. I will never forget

Junior Congregation and the way he introduced us to the Siddur, led us in song

and taught us to pray.

There are many individuals whose example led me to the Rabbinate. After many

years, some have faded in my memory. But, my awareness of his influence on me

never fades.

It is through these memories and the memories of so many others that his soul is

bound up in the bond of life. May the memory of Harry Kraft, zichrono livracha,

continue to inspire those he touched and, through us, generations to come.

Rabbi Robert Dobrusin

First of all, I never knew Harry Kraft by that name.

As a child, I always referred to him as "Mr. Kraft," as did all the other

children. To us, he was sort of a Rabbi, but we did not use that title obviously

as he was not an actual Rabbi.

I can still picture him leading high holiday services in the Auditorium, and the

prayer I most closely associate with him is the traditional rendition of

"Halleluyah." He swayed as he sang and led us in this prayer. He exuded

spirituality and "Ruach."

I also associate him with the small model sukkahs we all produced and

displayed in the Auditorium in that same era.

Harry Kraft was one of a kind-- a committed lay leader who came across to us

children as a loving and warm spiritual figure.

I can only imagine what it was like to be his offspring.

Of course I myself had the joy of being the daughter of another great KI lay

leader, the late Sumner Z. Kaplan, z"l. They are part of the greatest generation.

May the memory of Harry Kraft be for a blessing.

Ruth Kaplan

Remembrances of Mr. Kraft –

Mr. Kraft ran the kids services for the shalosh regalim (Passover, Shavuot, and

Sukkot) when I was in grammar school. (I’m a little vague whether he also led

the Shabbat morning services for kids.) I remember my parents letting us take

off from school, but only if we attended services…so you know what we

did. We usually had services for those holydays in Epstein, and would have

about 50 kids in attendance. There are melodies I remember from those days,

and I get wistful when we don’t use them in today’s services.

I also remember Mr. Kraft leading the services for the High Holydays in Landers –

this was the third section of adult services. I remember sitting with my father

and always enjoying the fact that Yom Kippur services in Landers always finished

ahead of the ones in Epstein or the sanctuary.

Mr. Kraft instilled in me a joy for the holydays and a love for KI.

Stuart Rose

May 6, 2015

I will always remember Harry Kraft and the profound influence he had on my life. Harry loved Judaism

and children; he loved teaching children and sharing with them his love for Judaism. Harry was a kind,

thoughtful gentleman who always had time for a kind word or explanation; each question asked was

important. I can still see Harry's warm, gentle, welcoming smile.

To this day when reciting Jewish prayers or davening in shul, I think of Harry and all that I learned

from him.

Once again Harry has brought us all together- to honor him, his life, his legacy; the gift he gave to

each of us. Thank you, Harry, I am most grateful.

Thank you for this opportunity to share these thoughts and to acknowledge Harry Kraft for who he

was, all he did, and all he meant to us.

Marilyn Sargon Brier

May 6, 2015

It’s hard to believe that Harry Kraft is gone more years than I knew him, but that is

true for many, including his grandchildren.

I am sure that anyone so committed to the educational mission of KI, at the pivotal

moment of selecting the replacement for Principal Lieberman, Harry must have had

input in the selection of my father, Al Spack. It was a time of growth in all of the

schools, reaching 1000 pupils. My dad was committed to professionalization of the

teachers who were teaching double sessions five days a week. With his Harvard

MBA behind him, he led the shul to pensions and health benefits for them.

As with many of my classmates, the first lay person I met at KI was Harry. That was

because of the service he ran for kindergarten and 1st graders, the one where Mr.

Lieberman told fanciful stories about how all the animals in Israel spoke Hebrew.

Nine years into being Principal, one of his closest colleagues and supporters of the

school, Rabbi Judah Nadich accepted the rabbinate at the distinguished Park Ave.

Synagogue in Manhattan. Nadich had taken a “whatever it costs” attitude to the

school. I realize now that, if Harry’s tenure as President of the shul was indeed

1956-1960, that was indeed significant because he had to deal with the

congregation’s anger over Nadich’s breaking his contract. He had to “fill in” as the

moral force supporting the synagogue which he was capable of doing, but he must

have been consumed with the search for a new rabbi. Rabbi Saltzman had many

qualities, but standing up to the board or taking a strong interest in the youth or

the school weren’t among them. The former he turned over to Rabbi Joe Lukinsky,

the only rabbi from Jewish Theological Seminary to have been offered a major

league baseball tryout, the latter he left to my father.

Harry was the first president to pay a visit each Shabbat in the chapel and each

day of Yom Tov in the tent Junior Congregation service. This occurred even when

he could have used a break after davening, reading Torah, blowing shofar, and

giving sermons in the Landers Hall for “the little people.” We all felt noticed. Some

of Harry’s occasional remarks from the bimah in the tent should have been

published.

I have retained a relationship with our BHS exchange student during our senior

year, Anita Kalbermann of Montevideo Uruguay. She comes to reunions and to

visit friends. She had barely arrived when Rosh Hashana arrived and a classmate

took her to this mystical tent where 750 teenagers from all over the region filled

the space while their peers led the complete service. What an introduction to

Jewish life in Brookline. That was 1960 but she talks about it and remembers ever

wide-eyed detail still.

I now realize, although my dad didn’t discuss it much, that without Rabbi Nadich

and without Harry Kraft, a new nickel-and-dime Board had taken power in the shul.

It was 1962 and my Dad never had to justify the spending on the school before.

And, he was a Tufts Economics major with a Harvard MBA. However, “up rose a

Pharaoh who did not remember Joseph.” According to the late Bernie Gould as

told to me virtually on his deathbed, my dad stood up at Board meeting snapped

his briefcase shut and told the board, “the financial constraints you impose on the

school are in conflict with the mission I was brought here to fulfill - to make this

the best school possible. I submit my resignation at the conclusion of the school

year.” He then walked out. He was a principal with principle and years later I

recognized the role of lay leadership as only a Harry Kraft provided. That he was

universally loved made him even more special.

40 years after his passing, I see Harry and Al chatting in my Dad’s office. Their

voices are recognizable and their messages are still clear.

Nachman

Dr. Norman Spack

February 7, 1996

Dear Mr. Kraft, I mean Avram, Bob, and Elizabeth,

Please excuse me for addressing you by your first names, instead of Mr. Kraft, but to

me, your beloved father was the Mr. Kraft I knew. I grew up in Brookline and attended

KI Hebrew school in the mid to late 60’s and I was greatly influenced by your father all

through my Jewish education. I honestly have wanted to write to you for the past

several years, but I did not know the best way to get in touch with you. Then, one

Shabbat, I told Barry Shrage (President of CJP in Boston) of the influence that your

father had on me, and other Jewish youth and adults while I was growing up. The role

model that your father provided for me at KI in Brookline was critical in making me who

I am today. Your father taught me how to read Torah when I was about 11 or 12 years

old in a class that he used to teach on Sunday mornings at KI after Hebrew school.

Each morning when I daven, there are certain parts of the siddur which I picture your

father teaching me, “the Chazzan repeats this and then you continue here”. Your father

was my mentor in organizing a Sunday morning Shacharit service to teach other boys at

the time of their Bar Mitzvah how to put on their Tephillin and daven. When I was

president of junior congregation at KI, I remember coming to the apartment on Powell

Street where he worked so hard with me to compose the D’Var Torah which I delivered

when the teenagers would lead the service in the main sanctuary upstairs at KI. I

recently found my original manuscript of that D’var Torah which was given on Parshat

Zachor, probably in 1969 or 1970. I spoke on remembering the Holocaust at a time

when very few people even mentioned that part of Jewish history. On every Yom Tov,

even today, I picture Harry Kraft on the stage in the Rabbi Epstein Auditorium at KI,

directing the service for several hundred youth. Every time Hallel is recited on a Yom

Tov or Rosh Chodesh, I have a crystal clear image of your father pronouncing, “Psalm

117, the shortest yet most beautiful of all the Tehillim”. I could go on and on, but I am

sure you understand what I am saying.

I have served as president and gabbai of Congregation Shaarei Tefillah in Newton

Centre, MA and am forever grateful for everything that Mr. Kraft taught me when

I was younger. I regularly read Torah in our shul, and I have been a member of

the Chairman’s Forum of the CJP and the Jewish Cemetery Association of Massachusetts.

However, what is most important to me is that your father taught me and inspired me

how to teach and help others, especially children. Between Minhah and Maariv every

Shabbat afternoon, a friend and I taught a class in the Parasha of the week to 2nd through

5th graders. We had 5 to 13 children attending each week. In addition, over the last 5

years I have become an active board member in the establishment and success of the

Jewish Community Day School (JCDS) in Newton, MA. I believe that this new school

espouses much of the lessons of Jewish learning, continuity and understanding that

embodied your father’s spirit.

Your father handed down to me the knowledge and importance of transmitting Jewish

tradition not just to my own 3 children, but to others as well, according to the model set

in the first Mishnah of the Ethics of the Fathers

“Moses received the Torah from Mount Sinai and he transmitted it to Joshua and Joshua

transferred it to the Elders, and the Elders transmitted it to the Prophets, and the

Prophets transmitted it to the Men of the Great Assembly…”

After all I have described to you, you might think the Jewish service is my vocation.

However, I am actually a Ph.D. biochemist and in the process of starting my own

company. My service to the Jewish community has been done exclusively as a volunteer

to give back to the community as much of what your father taught me as best I can. I

want to let you know how much I will forever appreciate the way your father enriched my

life and I can only hope that I can do my part for the future of the Jewish people one

tenth as well as your father did.

I look forward to the opportunity to meet you all and thank each of you personally

.

Sincerely,

Larry R. Brown

Harry Kraft was my teacher in high school in the late 1930s. It was a joy and a

privilege to be in his class. He was a warm, engaging, and stimulating teacher. He

was obviously secure in his Jewish identity. Also my family and I were so happy

when he became president of KI. He was the most modest, and yet the most

Jewishly knowledgeable person, of any of our previous presidents, and most of

those who came after.

Ruth Wolf

Long before I was a die-hard New England Patriots fan or knew who Robert Kraft

might be, I was a huge fan of Harry Kraft. Some of my earliest "Jewish" memories

are of the children's Shabbat services led by Mr. Kraft in the late 60's and early

70's. Rather than sitting and squirming in the hard pews next to my parents in the

main sanctuary, this service enabled me to have fun with my friends and absorb

prayers and traditions in a more appropriate manner. Although I am certainly not

a frequent attendee at services anymore, the melodies that Harry Kraft taught me

nearly 50 years ago are still etched in my memory. He was a kind, gentle, and

sweet man. May his memory be a blessing.

Jeremy Rabinovitz

Almost everything I learned about davening and praying I learned from Harry

Kraft. I still have my signed prayer book for perfect attendance at the Junior

Congregation as it was called back in the 1940's. He taught me to read from the

Torah and to lead a service. Those skills enabled me to lead shabbat and other

services while I was serving in the US Air Force in the mid 1950's and to act as a

military Chaplain. He was a wonderful leader and spiritual guide.

Sid Dockser

We had heard so much about Avram’s warm and wonderful father, but had never

met him. Av described his father as a Tzaddik- passionate about his Judaism,

leading youth services at KI, a beloved man and everyone was touched by his life.

We were excited to finally meet Harry Kraft, his first and unfortunately only visit to

Highland Park. He had a gleam in his eye for his children and grandchildren that

mirrored encouragement and love. We were anxious about having Sarah and

Harry for dinner, wanting everything to be perfect for this man who radiated a

sense of Kadosh within him. They walked into our home and we were enveloped

by his big smile, warmth, and hugs to his children’s good friends. Suddenly we

realized that we had no bread in the house. Fortunately, our next door neighbors

supplied a loaf of bread to begin a beautiful and memorable evening. It was

evident that Harry adored his family and especially enjoyed sharing Divri Torah

with us. We remember falling in love with Henry, who was so kind and accepting

of us.

May his memory be a blessing.

Barbara and David Hoffman

Harry Kraft was one of my first accounts at Clark Dodge in

1969. I will always remember the smile and kindness of this

Gentle Man.

Harold W. Schwartz

May 17, 2000

Everyone no doubt realizes that the legacy of Harry Kraft continues through his children and

grandchildren. What is no doubt less understood is that it also lives on in the generation who were

children at K.I. at the same time as Avram, Bobby and Elizabeth. To understand that legacy, it is first

necessary to go back 50 years and recognize the unique time that was in the history of Jewish

Americans, the unique roll K.I. played in our lives during those formative years.

We were babies during World War II. We started Hebrew School as Israel was about to become a

nation and we were infused with our parents’ optimistic visions for our futures. Zionism was as

natural to us as any thoughts of anti-Semitism affecting our personal lives were unknown to us. As

young children, their message to us was clear – study hard in school and be a good person.

The elementary school we attended from kindergarten through the eighth grade was the Edward

Devotion School across the street from K.I. The Devotion School neighborhood was different from

every other school neighborhood in Brookline. Even though President Kennedy was born a few

hundred feet from the school and Robert Kennedy was born a few hundred feet farther away, when

we were children the vast majority of the people we knew were Jewish with only a few Christians in

each class. And the vast majority of the Jewish children went to Hebrew School at K.I. Even if some

parents were so observant that they went to the Young Israel Shul, which was then in a converted

house on Fuller Street, or were so non-observant that they never attended Temple services, their

children typically went to the K.I. Hebrew School. Only a very small number of children went to

Temple Israel, Temple Sinai, or Ohabei Shalom.

K.I. was an integral part of our daily lives. We had Hebrew School Monday through Thursday from

4:15 to 6:15, services Saturday morning, dances at the Temple beginning at a young age on Saturday

night and Hebrew School Sunday morning. During the week, our typical routine was school, Irving’s

(for candy), the Devotion playground for whatever sport was in season, Irving’s, Hebrew School, and

then home for dinner.

On Saturday, after services (either the Youth one when we were little or the Junior Congregation

when we were 11 or older) we went home for lunch or ate at the Kiddush and then went to the

Coolidge Corner movie theater for the double feature. (Whenever any of the Kraft children went, we

understood that one of us had to buy the tickets for them because they didn’t carry money.)

K.I.’s demographics were mixed both religiously and socio-economically. Just as it was welcoming to

children of parents who were all varieties of religious observance, it was populated by congregants of

all socio-economic levels. The relatively wealthy families lived in the Runkle or Lawrence school

districts with a few from the Heath or Baker neighborhoods. The middle-class kids (none of us

considered ourselves poor – at worse, lower middle-class) were the Devotion kids. We were Democrats

“voting” for Stevenson while the Runkle kids might have liked Ike. We rooted for the Braves; they

probably liked the Red Sox.

This demographic context is vital to an understanding of Harry Kraft’s legacy to us because neither we

nor our parents could relate to our rabbi. Rabbi Judah Nadich seemed thoroughly off-putting and

aloof to us. We knew him as a Republican, most proud of his relationship with General Eisenhower

and his authorship of the book Eisenhower and the Jews. It seemed quite appropriate to us that he left

K.I. for the Park Avenue Synagogue.

Harry Kraft was our rabbi and our parents’, too. He was our religious leader who taught us and who

we aspired to emulate. He taught us at our Youth Service and later at the Junior Congregation and

with his children at the main service he inspired us by his example. While he seemed so distinguished

to us, we nevertheless felt that we could relate to him. His physical presence seemed special –

whatever his actual height was, he appeared tall because of his bearing; probably had prematurely gray

sideburns; and he always seemed to be well-dressed, presumably because our image of him was on

Shabbos. Nevertheless, we felt we could relate to him since we were all friends with one or more of

his children, we knew he lived in an apartment and did not own a car and we knew that he was the

“rabbi” for our parents’ High Holiday services in the Oscar Landers Hall.

Harry Kraft personified to us and our parents the pursuit of our Jewish values. He inspired us to want

to learn about our religion regardless of our impatience with Hebrew School and Shabbos services. He

challenged our Kashruth and Shabbos observance indirectly through the examples of his children when

our parents might have been struggling with their personal practices or had to work sometimes on

Saturday. And he made us believe that righteous lives were accessible to us by setting an example

that appeared so naturally comfortable with probity, morality and Jewish family values.

A significant number of our childhood friends at K.I. grew up to become rabbis. Their fathers typically

had rather undistinguished jobs – although one was the announcer at the professional wrestling

matches! There is no doubt that everyone of those K.I. children who went on to become rabbis were

most deeply influenced by Harry Kraft. There is similarly no doubt that the children who did not go on

to become rabbis were nevertheless left with a similar legacy to pursue righteousness in their lives.

We are all indebted to Harry Kraft for this legacy. May it continue to be a blessing for his children and

grandchildren, particularly now as they grieve for Sarah Kraft, and may we all continue to share in it.

Sincerely,

Steven J. Comen

I was introduced to Kehillath Israel in the early 1950s while attending Harvard

College. My classmate, Richard Nesson, and his family were active in the

congregation, and it was through them that I became familiar with the beauty and

very special ambience of the religious services at KI.

During these years, I attended a number of services that were led by Harry Kraft. I

was quite taken with this spiritual and learned teacher, who, by example, inspired

me to continue my own Jewish education as an adult. This resulted in my

teaching religious school for many years, while and the same time, running a

business and trying to help raise a family.

I am inspired still by the memory of this learned and gentle man and am often

reminded of this when I see his son Robert, who, by sheer coincidence, is married

to my cousin, Myra.

With best wishes to the Kraft Family and the entire KI congregation of the

occasion of the most important and deserving tribute to the memory of Harry

Kraft,

M Howard Jacobson

My family was part of the KI family for many years during the 1950s, ‘60s, & ‘70s… My dad,

Nathan Ross, was a regular davener, often being called from our home on Centre Street,

immediately behind KI, to complete a morning or evening minyan… He was so proud to be so

called and frequently brought me along (more so after my bar mitzvah at KI… as a spare)… He

particularly enjoyed davening during the High Holidays in Oscar Landers Hall when Harry Kraft

led services… He described Harry’s voice as warm and comforting… a voice which made it a joy

to daven together… It was high praise from my sincere, gentle, loving dad… Those two

menscheon, alav hashalom, still share their warmth with Congregation Kehillath Israel’s family in

my memory… as well as on one of my websites…

Michael A. Ross

April 23, 2000

Last year I was at a meeting of my chavurah. Rabbi Alvan Kaunfer (also from KI)

led and activity in which we were asked to think about and describe Jewish

“heroes” in our lives. I talked about Mr. Kraft. He taught us all to divan, a whole

generation of kids, I remember everyone waving hands in the air in order to be

picked up for the next group of chazonim. AND he always had a group for girls.

He was ahead of his time in letting girls divan at the bimah. I don’t think it is

unrelated to his early training that so many of our generation went into the

rabbinate.

He taught us to take pleasure in good singing. The feeling of wholeness that I get

when I am part of a congregation which is singing together with full voices harks

back to that early experience. It’s like eating mashed potatoes or some other food

reminiscent of home. He had a beautiful strong voice and, as a little girl without a

father, I had a crush on him and thought he was extremely handsome. At that

early age I did not at all appreciate what it took for an adult to be there for us

week after week, year after year. Now I do. That was heroic!

Eleanor Levinson Lewis

I remember Harry Kraft as a tall, warmly passionate man who loved to daven with a

sincerity that was genuinely inspiring. His large, flowing Tallis enveloped him and I

remember what a kind, gentle man he was. The Krafts were very important to KI,

and there are many wonderful memories of their passionate commitment to the

community.

Michael Gould

Jerusalem

We clearly remember meeting Harry and Sara Kraft when they came to Highland

Park to visit. Avram and Kerana were already an integral part of our lives and we

readily offered to switch homes with them so the senior Krafts could walk to the

synagogue on Shabbat.

I remember greeting them on their arrival- Sarah, small, smartly dressed and

proper, accompanied by a taller, handsome, charming Harry. What a dapper

dresser, what an engaging smile and what twinkling eyes. We were taken with his

legendary figure at once. All the stories we had heard about him were true and by

the end of Shabbat, we were counted among his loyal fans.

When Harry Kraft died suddenly Bernie and David Hoffman flew to Boston to be

with Avram and Kerana. They returned overwhelmed by the outpouring of love

and support they had witnessed. Harry Kraft in his death, as in life, affected many

people. His passing created our Torah Study Group in Highland Park, treasured by

all of its members some 25 years later.

Life’s highway has taken us to KI synagogue many times- our children Iris, Gerry,

and Rachel live in Brookline and we have frequented KI on many occasions- we

always feel Harry’s presence here- the memorial wall reminds us of his labors- and

our continued closeness to the Krafts allow us to remember him in the ways in

which his memory has influenced Avram, Kerana, and their children in so many

ways, Harry Kraft is remembered with love and admiration.

May his memory continue as a blessing.

Fran and Bernie Alpert

Rabbi Felix Kahn

Remembering Harry Kraft of Blessed Memory

Shortly after my family moved to Brookline at the end of July 1974, I got in touch with

the late Harry Kraft. I had a warm introduction to him by his Mechutan, the late Dr.

Arthur Gladstone. We knew and highly respected Dr. Gladstone from our stay in

Burlington, VT. Mr. Kraft invited me to come to his office in downtown Boston. We had

a very pleasant conversation. I told him that I had interviewed with the late Rabbi M.

Saltzman and the board of Congregation Kehillath Israel in order to assume the vacant

position as Ritual Director. The interviews went well and my candidacy was approved. I

told him that I had received a letter of acceptance which stated that I was hired as Ritual

Director for the period of one year, which, if it was satisfactory, would be extended, The

letter on Synagogue stationary was signed by Mr. Edward Novakoff, Kehillath Israel’s

president at that time.

“Make sure,” Harry Kraft said to me, “that your appointment as Ritual Director will be

brought before the Board and that it will be ratified.” I was really moved by the interest

and concern which he showed me. Harry Kraft wanted to make sure that my

appointment would be a secure one.

May his memory be a blessing to his family and to all those who knew him.

After the Holy Days and Sukkot of 1974, I had numerous occasions to meet and talk with

Harry Kraft until his untimely death in Iyar of 1975.

Although I had known Harry Kraft only a short time, I knew how beloved and esteemed

her was to Kehillath Israel, especially to its younger folks and to the larger local

community.

Consequently. I thought of a way to establish a fitting memorial in the Rabb Chapels of

which I was in charge. I approached members of the daily and Sabbath services in the

chapel and we raised the money for a non-permanent tablet there. It says:

Harry Kraft

Reb Aaron ben Reb Aryeh Iyar 21

May his memory be a blessing to his family and to all that knew him.

April 21, 2000

Forever captured by an inscription on a page of The Psalms given to my son, Andrew, in the late

60’s on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah ;

“May you every be inspired by the Sweet Singers of your people”, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Kraft

Who can clearly rekindle the essence of these two people? How can I describe their dignity, the

menschlechkeit, the intelligence, and with it all the kindness, the modesty, all part and parcel of

their generosity. Not merely to Kehillath Israel with monetary contributions for which they were

well known, but many quiet ways in which they enriched the lives of those who were fortunate

enough to have known them.

As a KI bride in the late 40’s and new to the Jewish community of Brookline, I cannot remember

anyone other than Harry and Sarah (as I refer to them now; then they were definitely known as

Mr. and Mrs. Kraft – with respect) who came forward to welcome me to the congregation. I was

too young and foolish to recognize and realize the enormity of the family ties, the heritage of

responsibility I had married into, and certainly unaware of the wisdom of those who came before

me. In time I learned. And the Krafts were part of my education.

Dear Harry, so involved with the shul and everything going on. Life was perhaps simpler then and

those men who clearly were in control of the synagogue took on each task with determination

and good reasoning. Harry had the ability to make things happen and never with political

intrigue; he was a gentleman and was respected as such. And listened to. He was a doer.

Over the years my dear departed husband, Burt, spoke of Harry Kraft very often as being a

peacemaker. Coincidentally, the very way we think now about Burt. I remember Sarah clearly,

Sarah with her small hats; Sarah with her ever present smile, her true interest in what I was doing

over the years. And her kindness to my daughter when they were all on a cruise on the Queen

Elizabeth with Rabbi Sam Korff and there was a kosher problem on the ship. You can be rest

assured that it was not a big problem to the Krafts; they must have weathered that ocean storm

with their typical aplomb. Today Debbie Rudnick Arippol and I speak often of their unique way of

helping and caring about her without offending an “independent” teenager. My final

conversation with Sarah well after Harry had passed away was about, of all things, a tea

caddy. She requested that I get one for her and we chatted about it and other things at

the time. That was the last time I had contact with her. I did write her a long letter at

one time after that but it must have gone astray. She would have answered it if she

could. So many years have gone by, but the spirits of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Kraft live on at

KI and within my heart. My life has been enriched.

Jeanne Rudnick (Mrs. Burton Rudnick)

May 5, 2000

The invitation brought back memories of your father, Dr. Harry Kraft. That is how I

knew him and that is what I called Mr. Kraft from the time I was 6 or 7 and into my

adult years. With the invitation memories flooded to the fore of my adulthood and

your father. I don’t know how young I was when your father was pointed out to

me by my dad. Surely it was at a very young age for we grew up in the same

neighborhood. My family was not a very observant one but my dad pointed to

your father on several occasions and said “there is a Jew.” He went on to say that

Harry Kraft truly lives his Jewish commitments. For my dad the fact Harry Kraft was

a shomer Shabbat meant that he lived his principles and that was a thing he

admired.

My strongest memories of Mr. Kraft were children’s services at High Holidays and

hagim. I must have been no more than seven and the hall was large and there

were a great many children. Before there was a tent on the Rosh Hashanah we

had services at the JCC, which was then housed on the second floor of the

Brookline Arcade building. This was not the most aesthetic ambiance for children’s

service but who cared. Mr. Kraft was leading and somehow he made it seem very

special. His very being radiated a love of Judaism and conveyed to us that we

were fortunate to be Jews. On the hagim we were able to return back to KI to use

what was then known as the social hall. It was he that first conveyed to me and

many other very young people the simhah of the hagim.

Another memory is of Simhat Torah services in those post Second World War days.

In those days Kehillath Israel was not known for its exuberance. No one danced on

Simhat Torah. But it was a great place to be a kid and to march around. Even

today, I remember that your father was the person called for the aliyah of kol hana’

arim and he led us in the brachot on the Torah. It was very clear that we were

privileged. Then the Torah was put away, and Mr. Kraft lead all the children

standing before the ark in the singing of Hatikvah and the Star Spangled Banner. It

was a moment even then, or perhaps more so then, of felt sanctity. These

memories that have come to the fore are fifty years old or more and yet they are

extraordinarily vivid for your father was a dominant Jewish presence and an

extraordinary Jewish model in my life. He made us as children feel fortunate that

we were Jewish. He cared for us enough to share with us his love for Judaism.

A yahrzeit is a time not of mourning but of celebration of a life. In this case your

father’s 25th yahrzeit is a time for many of us to remember that though his

influence extended throughout the whole Jewish community, he shined with extra

measure on generations of Jewish children. I was fortunate enough to be one.

Dr. Rabbi Robert Abramson

One of a kind, a human being who was something special. High respect.

Loving his conducting of services. A true lamed vavnick a Tsadik. The best.

Once I needed to make a call and was near Powell St. Sarah and Harry took

me in, offered me tea, cake, they were so warm.

I’ll never forget them.

Harry Flamenbaum

May 4, 2000

When you entered the Epstein auditorium on yontiff, especially on sukkot, Mr. Kraft’s

commanding presence was fully in charge of the some 500 children filling the room. He had a

booming but kindly voice. That indeed was the essence of Mr. Kraft – kindness which exuded to

children and adults alike. I know he must have taught us many tunes in those days, but his

“Hodu” stands out in our minds to this day, even though we have not sung it to that tune since

the old KI days. He would boom out with gusto and special emphasis “Hooduuu La-H” Kiii

Tooov, Ki lioooolam chasdooo! I can hear his voice in my mind’s ear right now (and I must

confess, Marcia and I sing the tune at home from time to time just to remember Mr. Kraft.) I

recall, too, his wonderful stories at those services. I can’t remember any particular story, but he

would captivate the hall with one of his Jewish tales. I also remember the model sukkah

contests. The stage was filled with model sukkot made by the children, and there was a special

prize of a miniature Torah for those who made the dioramas.

When I was a bit older – I think already in college – I would go down to his service on the High

Holidays. Again, one prayer he chanted stands out: the U’Nentaneh Tokef prayer. As with the

Hodu, he emphasized those moving phrases “mi yichyeh u’mi yamut, mi baesh u’mi bamayim”

with such personal pathos. Though he had a “baal tefillah” voice, and not a trained cantorial

voice, the emotion in his prayer touched every soul.

I think that Mr. Kraft was a model for us as Jewish educators. Certainly when we came to run

our own Jr. Congregations of school services, he was the model emblazoned in our minds. But

most of all he was a model warmth, caring and love for children. I can see his beautiful smile

now. Later I appreciated the fact that he was the ideal layperson – what we all hoped as Jewish

professionals that we would have in our own shuls: He was a successful businessman with an

excellent Jewish background, full of Yiddishkeit, and he was willing to volunteer that talent for

the shul and for young people. Unfortunately, there are not many lay people with that kind of

devotion and learning. He was one of a kind.

His memory will ever be with us, and with hundreds of others who grew up at KI Yehi Zichro

Baruch – May Mr. Kraft’s memory be for a blessing.

Rabbi Alvan and Marcia Kaunfer

A family friend and an inspiration to all.

I remember my childhood growing up with Harry and Sarah both in Brookline and in Maine

during the summers with their children as deeply significant. We had a true neighborhood of

caring and a shul that mattered due mainly to Harry Kraft.

I loved his warmth and his genuine affection. I remember his warm soft hand always caressing

my cheek. I remember most how he carried himself like someone carrying a Torah. He always

walked with dignity and his smile was infectious.

As I thought about what to share I focused on what I believe was Harry Kraft’s piety.

Rabbi Israel Salanter founded a movement for ethical piety called musar. This is how I

remember Harry.

One can see it today at the Western Wall – the extreme swaying – wave-like dancing – davening –

a movement of intense bodily prayer. Such was the commonplace posture for worship in

Salanter’s time. Yet he would not do so. Arguing instead, “Even when you are praying with

intensity, it is more important to make sure most have seen someone wrap himself in a tallit. A

lovely ritual and one usually done with a certain flourish. The Salanter would enwrap the prayer

shawl in a very closed circle. For he insisted, “Make sure that when you take your tallit, you

don’t slap the face of your neighbor with its fringes.”

One further example. We grew up with the tradition that calls for a formalized, ritual washing

of hands before a meal. Nowadays we see it echoed in the custom of pouring a glass of water

three times over the hands before a family enters the home after the burial of a loved one.

Unlike his contemporaries who would pour copious amounts of water over their hands, Salanter

would never use more than a few drops on his fingertips. When his pious colleagues took him

to task, he responded, “Did you see the servant over there? She carries from the well on her

back a yoke and on the yoke two large jugs of water, and I don’t want to earn mitzvoth on her

shoulders.” This was Harry Kraft. Always concerned with others. He was indeed a pious man.

I remember dear Harry as always reminding us to become more of what we can and ought to

be.

I loved that man.

Shalom,

Rabbi Steven B. Jacobs

April 28, 2000

It’s a pleasure to share this reminiscence of Harry Kraft z”l on the occasion of his yahrzeit

commemoration at KI on May 20.

“Where did you pray? I davened with Harry Kraft, of course.” – not an unusual remark

during my days at KI (1949-61). What was unique about the answer is that it could have

been the response of both the youngest and the oldest members of the KI family. Harry

led YomTov services in the Social Hall (later named for Oscar Landers) with his loyal

following among the oldest congregants.

I first met him at his weekly Shabbat morning service in the School Hall for students in the

first grade of Hebrew School. And, what he could accomplish in 45 minutes: fun, facts,

singing and a Torah service. Harry brought in Mr. Liberman, the principal who preceded

my Dad, and he would regale us with stories about Israel, that wondrous young country

where even the animals spoke Hebrew.

My brief life as a Kohen:

As a regular at Harry’s children’s service, I noticed that a Kohen got a weekly aliyah

without fail, that the two Leviim were called up every other week, and the Yisraelim

seemed to be in line forever. So, when Harry asked if there’s a Kohen in the house, I, not

really knowing the difference, decided that Kohen was a good fit and my hand shot up. It

worked without fail, and each Shabbat after services my parents were amazed at my “aliyah

streak” until Harry commented to my father that he hadn’t assumed that anyone with the

name Spack had descended from Kohanim. Well, that was news to my Dad, and I have

toiled in the vineyards of the common people ever since. My mother loved to tell this

story and I cringed every single time.

Later, when Harry served as President of the Congregation, I recall being shocked that he

wasn’t a fulltime paid employee and that he actually had a “day job,” or was it a “night

job?” We kids (myself, Danny Margolis, Elizabeth Kraft et all) hung around the shul a lot

on weekdays and on weekends. Harry was ALWAYS there. How could he have run a

private business when KI was his life’s work? I never figured it out.

What I do know is what I have seen in the photos of graduating classes, including the I

sent you of Bob’s class. I see Harry as President, Judah Nadich or Manual Saltzman as

Rabbi, Joe Lukinsky as Associate Rabbi, Bernie Gould as Chairman of the School Board,

Michal Hammerman as Hazzan, and my Dad as Educational Director. What a team of lay

and professional leaders and all still in their prime!

Harry Kraft z’l and Bernie Gould z’l were two of the finest people and best lay leaders I

have ever known. They remain my heroes.

I look forward to being with you and the Kraft family next month and I regret that Mrs.

Kraft did not live to share in this commemoration.

B’shalom,

Norman Spack MD

Harry Kraft Service Class of ‘51

KI Hebrew School Class of ‘56

Vice President, Junior Congregation, ’60-‘61

Dear Avram,

Although you don’t know me, I received a card in the mail a couple of days ago, seeking recollections of

your wonderful father and reflections of personal impact. My Dad is Mel Wolf and my mother is Ruth

Wolf, both of whom grew up at KI. My grandmother was Sara Feinsilver. Al of them were (and my

parents still are) members of that community.

My name is Joey Wolf, and I am a JTS ordained rabbi. Currently, and for the last 13 years, I have had the

good fortune to serve a large havurah (300+ households) in Portland, Oregon. I know you know my

wonderful teacher from his early days at Brandeis, Buzzy Fishbane. He came out to Oregon earlier this

year, and taught all of us. I am 49 years old, so this gives you some idea of my vintage.

What I have to say I’m sure you’ve heard over and over again. I’ll just say it a bit differently! I hesitate,

only since when I visited Joe Lukinsky a couple of years ago at the Seminary, he brought up a nearly

identical recollection, which stunned me!

First, a word on my perspective … I was a kid who did NOT join USY or participate regularly in junior

congregation. I was a Brookline High School jock, for the most part, and I only went to shul when my

parents “guilted” me out. I was booted out of every class in my final year of KI’s Hebrew School – most

frequently precisely so that I could get over to the Devotion School gym. Therefore, what I recall has to

do with yom tovim – when I DID make it a point to stay out of school and get over to services.

What I recall is Harry Kraft standing up at the bimah at those largely attended junior congregation

services in the Louis Epstein Auditorium. In specific, I remember Sukkot. All those miniature shoebox

tabernacles festooned across the bimah. There’s a service going on, but I feel good about it, which is

not the case when other adults take charge. Not only can I see a man standing with enormous dignity,

great stature, and with a handsome and wide smile emblazoned on his face – but I can hear his voice to

this day. It’s Pesukei d’Zimra. And it’s Psalm 136. Each word is sung with vitality, as if the account of

our mythical history, our heroes and foes are here with us at this moment. Sichon Melech ha-Emori and

Og Melech Ha-Bashan, each syllable of their names given prominence, resound in the antechambers of

my memory, because they figure too in our story. They all promenade, by verse, before me, thanks to

Harry Kraft’s melodious voice, and the figure of piety and (most of all!) joy guides me whenever I stand

at the amud today.

What a difference one man made! What abounding love he reflected, for Jewish tradition, across

generations! May his memory be a blessing! He taught us by example what it meant to give praise!

Rabbi Joey Wolf

May 3, 2000

Dear Avram,

May 7, 2000

I am so grateful you invited me to write something on the occasion of your father’s twenty-

fifth yahrzeit. The request came to me because of Michael’s and my participation in the Study

Group. I write on behalf of all the participants. I did not have the privilege of knowing your

father, but because of him and because of your desire to create something in his memory,

there is a precious enriching piece of life that our family shares with you and Kerana and six

other families. Soon after your father died, you approached us along with the Alperts, the

Hoffmans, the Frankels and the other Rabinowitzs to establish a study group in your father’s

memory. We did not take much convincing, and twenty-five years later we are still meeting

every other Shabbat afternoon at 4 o’clock. The snacks have become healthier, our eyes a

little more farsighted, the small children who would crawl under the table or play in the yard

now have children of their own, but we are still studying Torah. The original six families have

been increased by the Soffers and the DeLeeuwes. From time to time another family would sit

at the table but then move away or determine that the group was too intense or not intense

enough. But someone has been studying almost every designated Shabbat for twenty five

years.

We began quite appropriately with Bereshit, the beginning, the beginning of understanding

the stories of Genesis and the lessons within them. We pondered over ideas like sholom bayit,

sibling rivalry, wrestling with angels, faith and living in a non-Jewish world. We read the text

and commentaries, Rashi, Cassuto, Malbim, ibn Ezra, Hertz, Sarna, and Plaut. We learned to

listen to each other and to express our thoughts and feelings. We moved slowly, line by line,

sometimes only exploring one or two verses a week. We found that this was the time we

could talk about all Jewish things, events in the newspapers, occurrences in the community,

and eventually those things in our hearts. We sat within eyesight of each other on the High

Holidays and shared the fall beauty of Succot. The second seder became a study group

institution. The Katz’s moved to Cincinnati and came back two years later with little to make

up. The Alperts moved to Israel. A sign of the strength of the bonds among us is that we still

share celebrations and sadness with one another no matter where we are living. E-mail helps

but the key is the power of deep relationships that form around sacred ancient texts.

Finally completing Bereshit, our study and discussion continued with Sefer Shemot – Moses,

the Exodus, Sinai, redemption and revelation. There were arguments over God’s role and

human responsibility, the thou shalts and the thou shalt nots, ethics and beliefs. Our children

became bar and bat mitzvah, and we made wimples and Torah decorations, wrote songs and

plays, and some celebrated in Israel. We bought cemetery plots adjacent to one another so

we could continue in that life after death that we are still wondering about. After all, at the

pace we were going we could never finish in time. When it came to questions of revelation

and the like we had many differences of opinions and beliefs. If only all the Jews could talk to

each other as well as we have, with respect for our differences and joyful affirmation of what

we share. As our discussions continued through these twenty-five years, we became more

aware of being part of a discussion that has been continuing for 2500 years. We varied the

pace with Shir HaShirim on Pesach, Ruth on Shavuot, a little of Megillat Esther and Ecclesiates.

Individually, we visited the Alperts in Jerusalem and together at the Holocaust Museum in

Washington where we heard all Hetty Deleeuwe’s story and met her family. With

grandchildren arriving and extended, the second seder became several second seders, but all

with somewhat of the “study group” flavor.

Suddenly, after a siyyum at the kosher restaurant at the Hyatt, we were in Deuteronomy with

barely a nod toward Leviticus and Numbers – but we would cover most of what we skipped in

Devarim and make up for the rest another time. We began to share weddings, dancing,

celebrating and drinking l’chaim. Life can also bring pain to be incorporated into our being,

and we try to be there for each other. Now in Devarim we stand on the Plains of Moab.

There we confront hope and mortality, the future and the past. Our life styles are changing,

some of us retiring and enjoying the view, others still plunging ahead toward the promised

land. Our children’s children are entering bar and bat mitzvah age and some of our children

are part of their own Study Groups. As for us, we plan to continue ad me’ah v’esrim, and then

we’ll see what happens.

For all this, our deepest love an gratitude to you, Avram, and your wonderful father Harry Kraft

z”l.

Betsy Katz – on behalf of all the Study Group

If I can’t be here today to celebrate the life of Harry Kraft, it is because I am doing

something he would want me to be doing: officiating at two Bar Mitzvahs. It

seems like yesterday that I went to see Harry a few weeks before my own Bar

Mitzvah, 30 years ago, and he helped me to produce a meaningful and brief

prayer to read before the ark. I suppose it was good rabbinic training for me – to

be meaningful and brief, for sure, but also take a special interest in making Torah

and God alive for children.

The contents of that prayer were quintessentially Harry. The portion, Tezave,

begins with a description of the eternal light, and the words I spoke were all about

the meaning of this light, and the pure olive oil that was used to keep it burning.

It seemed to me, and to every child who came through these halls, that an eternal

light was always blazing from Mr. Kraft as well. His appearance was angelic at

times, especially on Yom Tov, a glowing presence bedecked in white. His voice

often blazed too, and the echoes of his Hallel still resonate in the auditorium,

which in those days was filled with children even on the second day of festivals.

We kids loved to anticipate when he would bring us in by saying, in melody,

“Everyone,” or “Let’s all answer,” during the verses of “Hodu.”

There was the public Harry and there was Harry, the loyal and trusted friend. My

father really never stopped grieving when Harry died. It was a loss far more

personal for him than any other I can remember within the congregation. It was

as if Harry’s passing set in motion the process that would lead inevitably to his

own, just a few years later. And while I was too young to appreciate it fully at the

time, I knew that I was special to Harry too. All the kids felt that way, but when

Mr. Kraft smiled and called me “Joshie,” only my father’s own from-the-pulpit

winks made me feel more at home, warmed from head to toe.

My best wishes to the entire Kraft family on this very special day.

Rabbi Josh Hammerman

April 28, 2000

My memories of Harry Kraft are those of a man who always had a smile on his

face, treated all people no matter their status as meaningful, productive and useful

human beings. He saw the good in people and was able to overlook their faults.

When you parted from him you just felt uplifted and a better person for having

been with him. To this day I am grateful for all that he did to instill the true

meaning of Judaism in my children as a result of his conduct of Shabbat services

at KI. They speak of it to this day. He had a way with kids that I have not seen

duplicated anywhere. Three times Deuteronomy enjoins us to teach our children

diligently. Harry not only taught but did so in a way that children learned. He was

a true lamed vavnick.

Sumner Kaplan z”l

May 2, 2000

I hope these words aren’t too late:

It is only as an adult that I have come to appreciate the remarkable impact that

Harry Kraft had on my and so many other youngsters. For years he led the junior

congregation services in a wonderfully spirited and engaging way. His enthusiasm

was always palpable, and his patience must have been endless ( given that he was

dealing with children at services and that our Hebrew School behavior at KI was

not always stellar)! To this day, his melodies ring strong and his manner, as he

davened, remains etched in my consciousness. Happily (and somewhat ironically)

the Kraft Center for Jewish Life at Columbia University was just completed one

block away from my home. As I pass it (which I do regularly) I am grateful to have

such lovely and rich memories of this man. I am delighted that Kehillath Israel is

honoring Harry Kraft’s memory. He was truly a KI legend.

Marjorie Kaplan New York, New York

May 11, 2000

HARRY KRAFT CHANGED MY LIFE!

My earliest recollection of Harry Kraft is of the profound respect he engendered in my parents,

Edward Miller and Dr. Ethel Goldstein Miller, may they rest in eternal peace. I was probably about

five years old, certainly before the age for starting at the Kehillath Israel Hebrew School, when I

overheard a conversation between my parents , who were good friends of Harry. I recall my father

saying, as vividly as if it were one week past and not about forty-five years ago, that Harry was a

man of prodigious intellect, a possessor of profound knowledge of Judaism, and a man of great

personal ethics and integrity. He described him as being a rabbi in stature. I interrupted my Dad

and asked him to explain the vocabulary words I did not fully comprehend. In short, my Father

related in words that I could comprehend the many admirable qualities of Harry Kraft that were

worthy of emulation and which lead one and all to seek out Harry’s company and insightful

knowledge. From then on, to this day, the name Harry Kraft has filled me with awe.

And now, as to how Harry Kraft, “my teacher”, changed my life. My parents were observant Jews

and ours was a pious home in which education, both secular and religious, was revered.

Unfortunately, with regard to my Hebraic education, I was a scholastic laggard during my first year

or two of Hebrew School. The Jewish wisdom, bible stories, and Yiddishkeit that illuminated our

house, failed to light a fire in my soul. My Dad spoke to Harry Kraft about the disappointment he

felt in my failure to adapt readily to the wisdom of the sages and the beauty of Torah knowledge.

In other words, I was a disinterested student. Harry suggested that instead of attending Shabbat

services with my Dad in the main sanctuary, I should attend the junior congregation services in

Landers Hall. At those services Harry Kraft would give us fervent Shabbat greetings and explain at

length the weekly parshah. I thus first came to experience and love the Midrash, the deeper

meaning of each sentence of Torah, as expounded by the holy sages. I recall with much fondness

the first D’var Torah I ever heard Harry Kraft give – concerning Joseph and his coat of many colors.

Harry elaborated the sentence: “But Yisrael loved Yoseph more than all his other sons, and was to

him a son of his old age..” Mr. Kraft explained that Joesph was the most loved of Jacob’s sons

because this son’s life most closely paralleled that of Jacob. He then related to us the striking

similarity in the facts of their two lives. My eyes were thus opened to the fact that there were many

layers of meaning in the Holy Scriptures.

Several weeks later, while instructing us in the story of the giving of the Torah at Sinai, he related to

us an idea so simple, but yet so profound, that I have tried to use it in my Jewish studies

throughout my life. The concept was not so much novel as it was useful. Harry explained to us

children that Judaism can be understood as a table held up by four legs: HASHEM and his forever

immutable Torah given at Sinai; the Synagogue as a house of prayer and study where our personal

and spiritual needs are met; Ahavat Yisroel – love of our fellow Jews and the concept of Klal Yisroel;

and devotion to Eretz Yisroel, our beloved Zion. For the table not to collapse, he said, all four

legs must be equally strong. Each of the legs must be cherished and strengthened. For some

unexplained reason, perhaps through HASHEM’s intervention, Harry Kraft’s words resonated in my

heart and psyche, and my attitude and devotion toward Judaism was forever changed. Harry

recognized that a child’s brain was a resource that had to be carefully cultivated before it could be

fully tapped. Though I am not a “perfect” Jew in any sense of the word, Harry Kraft laid out for

me a vision, an ideal, to be forever strived for. If I have fulfilled even a few of my parents’ religious

hopes for me, then I am sure that my Mom and Dad are still expressing their thanks to Harry Kraft

in the Gan Eden.

Harry Kraft was an articulate and eloquent orator. Landers Hall will ever redound with his insightful

words that stimulated innumerable young minds in incalculable ways. His beautiful orations

touched on the subjects of Torah, the State of Israel, tzedakah, justice, and humanitarianism. He

was noble and humane and truly spoke the vocabulary of a committed Jew. He was extremely

persuasive, articulate, and a real mover of spirits. He spoke with profound insight while boldly

challenging us to work in the service of noble ideals. Profound intellectual depth and great

erudition were his calling cards, while he set a standard of leadership in our midst. He enriched

many lives besides mine. Through his great deeds of leadership and loving demeanor he

articulated the loftiest goal of Judaism and thus reached to the very essence of Jewishness – to do

unto others as you would have others do unto you. What a tzaddik he was! Like the candles on

the menorah, the symbol of the Jewish people, a love of HASHEM, Torah, the State of Israel and our

synagogue burned ever brightly in Harry Kraft’s heart.

I join with all those at Kehillath Israel who pay tribute to the memory of Harry Kraft on the twenty-

fifth yahrzeit, as we celebrate a life well-lived. May Harry’s name be forever a blessing – for his

family, his friends, and for the synagogue which he loved. May the Kraft and Levine families to

continue to receive HASHEM’s blessings and may they continue their father’s legacy as they so

marvelously have unto this day.

What is lasting after one departs this world are the cherished memories others have accumulated

over the years and the good name one leaves. By any measure, Harry Kraft’s life must be labeled

an outstanding success. May the quality of his life inspire us to more noble lives and impel us all

to do good and serve our people, the House of Israel, so that when we conclude our passage on

this earth and stand before the Almighty enthroned on his heavily abode, HASHEM will judge us to

merit a place with Harry Kraft in the Gan Eden.

Philip L. Miller, M.D.

Grampy passed away when I was nine. What does a nine year old daughter

remember?

… his smile that reached out and made you smile

… his sweet, sweet voice when he spoke or sang

… his warmth … his patience … his goodness … his love …

… holding my hand as I walked on the “big” rocks by the ocean in Maine

… Saturday morning children services at shul, with Grampy leading the singing of

“Mizmor Shir L’yom Hashabbos”

… receiving candy fruit slices from him afterwards as a Shabbos treat

… Saturday afternoons, Grampy reading my favorite story, The Pet in the Met,

before my brother Adam and I took naps (in twin beds that our father and his

younger brother, Uncle Robbie used when they were younger)…

When I considered that 25 years have passed since I was nine, I marvel that my

memories of my grandfather are so strong. I believe the memories are fueled by a

feeling that his essence lives on in each member of the family. I experience his

presence most powerfully in my father, Avram. When we sing together on

Shabbat or holidays, our voices seem to comingle with my memory of my

grandfather’s singing.

This is the blessing. One man’s impact … a ripple effect… that passes through

generations. I am so grateful that our paths cross directly those first nine years.

His spirit lives on in me and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, of

this I am sure.

Rachel Elizabeth Kraft

May 11, 2000

May 2, 2000

Harry Kraft of Blessed Memory – what a saint! He was always planning and

participating in every activity to keep the KI Congregation family happy and busy

while teaching people of all ages in his kind and friendly manner.

Harry Kraft was our dear and longtime friend and teacher who was instrumental

to our own 2 sons (Edward and Leonard) and also our nieces (Beverly Hoffman

Singer, Nancy Hoffman, Cynthia Koretz Nelson and the late Ellen Waldman) in

continuing their education at Hebrew (Teachers) College after graduating from

Kehillath Israel Hebrew School.

Harry Kraft’s soft, kind, and comforting voice and his friendly mannerisms in

putting across his love for Torah will always be remembered. He also instilled

upon everyone to do as the Torah teaches: to treat people as you would want to

be treated. So many of his junior congregants entered the helping professions

for Tikoon Olum – Repairing the World – which he always inspired us to do. He

always taught us there are those less fortunate than we were and we must always

be there to help others.

Our family has such cherished memories of your dear father. At so many of our

family gatherings, we often share the love for the Harry Kraft.

It is our pleasure and honor to be able to join you and your family at the Shabbat

Service honoring the beloved memory of our dear friend. We thank you so very

much for having us share this special Shabbat with you.

Sincerely and with Love,

Evelyn and Max Garber z”l

April 23, 2000

Dear Friends:

I am responding to your request for reflections and memories of your late

beloved father, Harry Kraft on the occasion of his twenty-fifth Yahrzeit. I came to

Congregation Kehillath Israel as an assistant rabbi during the last week of August,

1955. My wife Shoshana and I had just been married for several weeks and came

to Brookline, MA just after our honeymoon. On our first Saturday at the

synagogue, I delivered the sermon on the Sidrah Nitzvim-Vayelech. After the

sermon a handsome, gray haired man followed by his two sons, Avram and

Robert, came up to me and complimented me on the wonderful sermon and said

people had not heard anything like this at Kehillath Israel for some time. Harry

invited my wife and I to his home for kiddush where we met Sarah, Elizabeth and

the sixth member of the family, Moshe Lieberman. Thus began a wonderful

relationship that lasted for many years. Moshe Lieberman was instrumental in

enabling my wife, Shoshanah to finish her thesis at Herzliyah Hebrew Teachers

College in New York and in getting me started on a doctoral program at Brandeis

University which eventually enabled me to enter the academic world. Harry

introduced me to Mr. Solmon Eudovich and like Harry, I began to study Talmud

with this saintly, scholarly man. During my stay at Kehillath Israel, Harry Kraft

became president of the congregation. At that time I believe he was one of the

few presidents of Conservative synagogues in this country who was an observant

and learned Jew filled with Jewish charisma. To hear Harry serve as Ba’al Tefillah

at the early service on festivals and Sabbaths was to be witness to a soul

elevating experience that touched one to the very depths of one’s being. When

my father, an orthodox rabbi from Chicago who was also taught Talmud at the

Hebrew Theological College in Chicago, came to visit us in Brookline and was

introduced to Harry, Sarah, Moshe and the family it was like a long awaited

homecoming.

During Harry’s tenure as president of Kehillath Israel, the senior rabbi left for

another position and there was a movement to make me the senior rabbi. But

there was also significant opposition because of my youth and lack of seniority in

the rabbinate. When one of the members of Kehillath Israel said to my father: “Your

son is wonderful but he looks so very young,” my father replied: “Don’t worry, if he

stays here, he will age very quickly.” During this very difficult time for my wife and

myself, Harry, Sarah and Moshe Lieberman were very supportive and encouraging

and offered invaluable advice. When I finally left Kehillath Israel for Congregation

Beth Jacob in Norwich, Connecticut, Harry led a delegation of members from

Kehillath Israel to my installation and gave a glowing address.

In the ensuing years when I returned to a small congregation in Cambridge and

finished my Ph.D. work at Brandeis and then founded the Judaic Studies Program at

Boston University, Harry and I were in touch with one another. We would often get

together to visit Moshe Lieberman who was by then not well and a resident of the

Senior Citizens Home in Brookline. Harry kept me abreast of the family, and I had

the privilege of officiating as the rabbi at Avram and Kerana’s wedding. It was

during this period that my sister Naomi visited Boston, was introduced to Harry,

Sarah and family and developed a close friendship with Elizabeth and later Peter

that has lasted to the present day.

Harry passed away in the same year that my father also passed on. I think of them

both as exemplifying the finest ideals of the Jewish tradition, deep commitment to

Jewish learning and observance, a sensitivity and a love of people, Jews and non-

Jews, from all walks of life and a very high standard of ethics and morality. This is a

wonderful legacy for a family to honor and to celebrate. May the Almighty grant all

of you much good health and happiness and may the memories of Harry, Sarah

and Moshe always be a blessing to you. With warmest wishes,

Joseph P. Schultz

Oppenstein Brothers Distinguished Professor of Judaic Studies Emeritus,

University of Missouri-Kansas City

Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies, Naropa University, Boulder, CO

Some of my most treasured childhood memories are of the children’s services at

K.I., for I was one of Harry Kraft’s kids. Harry Kraft did more than lead the

children’s services. Knowing that we would walk in and be greeted by his

beaming smile was often our motivation for attending. He taught us, but he also

cared about each of us. We simply did not want to disappoint him.

Through Harry Kraft we learned to daven, while also learning the importance of

the kehillah. We learned not just how to participate in the services, but that to

do so is a treat. Everyone received an aliyah the week of his/her birthday. Of

course there was no gender discrimination.

Each child left those services well prepared to take an active role in the Junior

Congregation. For many of us our early shul experiences with Harry Kraft were

the groundwork for believing that women could and should participate in all

aspects of the service.

My other strong memories are of his deep pride in his children, Avram, Bobby,

and Liz: His joy at their accomplishments, marriages, and of course, his

grandchildren. He loved being able to show off his grandchildren at K.I.

I especially remember one Succot. I was walking to the succah and saw him with

his hand firmly clamped on a young boy’s shoulder. He pivoted the child to

introduce him to various people. His eyes never left the boy’s face as he basked

in the presence of the child.

Martha Auerbach

I first met Harry and Sarah Kraft shortly after they were married. My husband, Earl, and Harry

knew each other. Harry and Sarah invited us to their apartment. I was immediately impressed

with his caring and ability to put people at ease.

Later, our son Lee, and Avram Kraft were friends in U.S.Y. Harry was always available to help the

boys and go on trips with them. He had a natural talent with children and young people. Every

child who met him loved him.

Edna Auerbach

May 5, 2000

Dear Elizabeth, Bobby, and Avi,

I cannot be with you on May 20th, so I am sending my thoughts.

When I was growing up, I went to Saturday morning services at Kehillath Israel.

In my early teens I was friendly with Elizabeth and many times I used to go over

to your home after Shabbat lunch.

I remember your father as stately man, tall and handsome especially when he was

President of the congregation. He looked so grand on the bimah with his top

hat and tails.

But it was his soft and gentlemanly nature that has remained most in my memory

all these years. The atmosphere in your home was filled with a warmth,

cohesiveness, love, and respect that permeated whenever your father was

around.

He would go into his beautiful library with floor to ceiling walls of sacred leather-

bound religious books behind glass, and read about the particular partiah of the

week. And from time to time he would explain what he was reading and be very

patient with Elizabeth and me.

As a child, I thought he was one of the nicest persons in Kehillath Israel (aside

from my grandfather, John Brightman, who was also a President). His good

memory will always stay with me.

Linda Friedman

As someone fortunate enough to be Harry Kraft’s daughter-in-law, I too have

powerful imprints of Dad Kraft. I was a young 19 when Avram and I married and

was immediately drawn to my new Dad. I didn’t realize until I met Avram and his

family that my own parents loved me but were not physically demonstrative. I felt

this incredible acceptance by my new Dad that I had truly become his new

daughter. Every time he would see me, whether walking in the door to say hello,

or passing by him in the hall when visiting on 30 Powell Street, he would give me a

big hug and kiss me on both cheeks. Initially it felt a little awkward, but, boy did I

quickly grow to love it, and how I miss his loving warmth every day. To be

embraced by Harry Kraft was to be embraced by love itself. When we make

Havdalah, to this day, I can feel his presence as he would look my way and bow to

me with a big smile when he sang “Yom Koranu”. I treasured that moment. When

so many of the following letters spoke of still being able to clearly envision Dad at

certain times in their life, I could easily identify. I often can still see him and as

others commented, feel his warm touch.

Of the many wonderful memories I have of Dad, one of the most powerful were

the Shabbatot when we were house guests. He would come home from work

Friday afternoon tired from a hard work week and dressed in his regular work

attire. He would hurriedly go to his room where he took a long bath and readied

himself to take on the Shabbat he loved so much. When he reappeared, he had

truly taken on another persona. He looked rested, relaxed, and totally regal in the

blue velvet smoking jacket which Mum had bought for him on a trip to London.

His excitement as he prepared for Shabbat gave the experience of a new meaning

for me. And Mum would put out a feast for the Shabbat in the setting of a

beautiful home she lovingly prepared. Listening to the zmirot around the Kraft

table was a sensory treat, Mum always telling Dad, “Sweet, you, Avram, Robert, and

Elizabeth should make a record.” One of her many wise ideas, this one

unfortunately was never realized.

I miss you Dad, and only pray you have some awareness of how very much you

were loved and how much your love meant and impacted on so many of us. I feel

very lucky that I feel your presence daily in one of your many legacies, and that is

being married to your first born, Avram. For me and our children he embodies the

very best you were; that “Best” that you so beautifully passed on to each of your

three children. We bow to You, on this special Yahrzeit and remind you, that you

are as missed and loved today as 25 years ago.

B’ahava, Kerana

April 18, 2000

Dear Avram and Kerana,

I have many warm and very precious memories of your beloved father. As a youngster in the

religious school of Kehillath Israel, I remember him as a very tall, dignified yet warm individual with

a wonderful resounding voice and a head of magnificent white hair. I remember the “Chazzanim

Group” which he established and my participating in it. Unfortunately I was blessed with a voice

that does not cooperate in producing appropriate notes! I remember how he nevertheless

encouraged me, welcomed me, and once in a while encouraged me to sing with my lips but not

with my voice! He left a very strong impression on me, he represented the warmth and joy that I

found throughout my teenage years at Congregation Kehillath Israel, and he undoubtedly played a

prominent role in my decision to enter the Rabbinate. I would very much appreciate receiving a

copy of the booklet that the Kraft family will be producing if it is available for distribution.

Although many, many years have passed since my wonderful childhood years at KI, those years and

your father remain a very strong and powerful memory and I deeply appreciate the contribution

that his personality made to my life. I hope that you will hear many such wonderful tributes to

your father for he certainly deserves them.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Stanley L. Asekoff

April 12, 2000

It is with great pleasure that I write to reflect on and remember a wonderful

Shabbat visit to the Kraft household in 1956, when I was a sophomore at Columbia

College and Avram was a freshman. We came to Boston to spend Shabbat with

the Kraft household, and it was an extraordinary experience being in a home

where Torah was the center of it.

We had the opportunity to attend Shabbat services followed by lunch, and to

study together with Harry Kraft, a man of great knowledge, wisdom, caring, and

intelligence. It was a privilege and has always remained a wonderful example to

be throughout these many years. May his memory continue to be a blessing for

one and all.

Thank you.

All the Best … Bernie Pucker

Harry Kraft was a remarkable, inspiring man. As a child who attended KI Hebrew school and

Sabbath services I knew Harry. He always had a warm smile on his face, a kind and encouraging

word for everyone. Harry was most accepting of each person and his individual, unique learning

style. His smile was accepting, contagious, and heartwarming.

Harry loved life; he loved and appreciated Judaism and wanted to share his knowledge of and love

for Judaism with the children whom he loved and valued just as much. As children we could feel

his love and appreciation especially during Sabbath Services or Hebrew lessons. Harry always had a

twinkle in his eyes. I can still hear his soft deep voice sharing and explaining a difficult to

understand part of the Sabbath Service, a Jewish ritual, a biblical story. He delighted in sharing his

vast knowledge of Judaism and the holidays. Harry Kraft was an important part of our Jewish life

and upbringing. He greatly contributed to us as human beings, to our lives, and to our feelings

about ourselves and what it meant to be Jewish and live a Jewish life. We’ll always remember Harry

Kraft as the beautiful, loving man that he was. We feel most blessed to have been able to have

Harry Kraft in our lives.

Marilyn Sargon Brier

and Rosalind Sargon

May 7, 2000

I met Harry Kraft about fifty years ago when I became active in the Associated

Synagogues of Massachusetts, which later became the Synagogue Council of

Massachusetts. As the Financial Secretary I was involved in all the meetings of the

Board. Harry Kraft as the leader and President impressed me with his quiet, calm,

sensitive approach to all the problems that confronted the organization in its

attempt to find a harmonious way for Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox

congregations to work together.

Harry Kraft’s knowledge of, and familiarity with Jewish law, ritual and customs,

made him the person we all looked to for guidance. His wisdom in matters that

could easily have resulted in conflict, helped to create an atmosphere of

cooperation and resolution.

With a reputation of being one of the most knowledgeable laymen in the city, he

had the admiration of everyone who had the good fortune to come in contact with

him. He was a man of unquestionable integrity, honesty, truthfulness, sincerity, and

courage to stand up for his value system.

In the twenty five years that I knew and worked with him, I found Harry Kraft to be

a sweet, kind, and gentle human being, will always be remembered with fondness

by those whose lives he touched.

Mervin D. Gray

Rabbi Shamai Kanter

Our family became members of K.I. when I was six. The move from Roxbury took me away from

daily contact with a large number of close relatives, which made me quite unhappy. Exposure to

the Jr. Congregation at K.I. was the high point of my week. The service was under the direction of

Maurice Lieberman, the Hebrew school principal, a portly man with a gravelly voice, a good sense

of humor, and the force of personality to control about 200 unruly kids. Some time after I’d

arrived as a regular attendant (I guess in 1937), Mr. Lieberman introduced his “helper,” known as

“Mr. Kraft” (it was many years before I learned his first name).

My first impression of Harry Kraft was that he resembled Cary Grant: tall, handsome, with a

dazzling smile. He also had a good singing voice, and many marvelous melodies for the prayers.

But it was his joy in davening that was infectious, and attracted many of us to sing along and to

copy his singing leadership. Harry radiated a love of G-d that was precious, and a joy in Judaism

that was important as a model for kids in a time when the Jewish community of Boston (like the

rest of the Jewish world) was attacked and despised from without and riddled with self-hatred and

shame from within (remember, those were the days of Father Coughlin on the radio every Sunday

afternoon at 4:00 p.m., and German-American bund rallies at Madison Square Garden).

So I was enthusiastic about “Mr. Kraft,” so enthusiastic that I believe on one occasion of expression

my admiration my father was even jealous (but it was only decades later that I realized this).

I’m not sure when Harry began to daven for the high holy days in the small hall in the school

building. My dad directed the ushers for services in the Epstein auditorium, so that was our place

to be, but I can recall one Yom Kippur, when I was a seminary student, taking a short break to

peek in on him during the afternoon. The hall was not air conditioned. It was a warm day. Harry

was wrapped in his large silk tallit, his face flushed. His features expressed total sincerity and

dedication. I was totally reassured that things were as they should be at K.I.

I realize that there was a great deal more to be said about him, and terms of his leadership in the

congregation, in the Associated Synagogues and CJP, but these childhood images were extremely

important to me, and important to my life’s path.

May 11, 2000

Grampy passed away when I was nine. What does a nine year old daughter remember?

… his smile that reached out and made you smile …. his sweet, sweet voice when he spoke or sang

… his warmth … his patience … his goodness … his love …

…holding my hand as I walked on the “big” rocks by the ocean in Maine … Saturday morning

children services at shul, with Grampy leading the singing of “Mizmor Shir L’yom Hashabbos” …

receiving candy fruit slices from him afterwards as a Shabbos treat … Saturday afternoons, Grampy

reading my favorite story, The Pet in the Met, before my brother Adam and I took napes (in twin

beds that our father and his younger brother, Uncle Robbie used when they were younger)…

When I considered that 25 years have passed since I was nine, I marvel that my memories of my

grandfather are so strong. I believe the memories are fueled by a feeling that his essence lives on

in each member of the family. I experience his presence most powerfully in my father, Avram.

When we sing together on Shabbat or holidays, our voices seem to comingle with my memory of

my grandfather’s singing.

This is the blessing. One man’s impact … a ripple effect… that passes through generations. I am

so grateful that our paths cross directly those first nine years. His spirit lives on in me and his

children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, of this I am sure.

Rachel Elizabeth Kraft

May 3, 2000

Dear Avram and Kerana:

Mrs. Rabb and I have been away and have just returned to read your note asking

for reflections or memories with regard to your father on the 25th anniversary of

his death. I knew your father quite well having participated with him in community

activities over a period of years. In the early 70’s, I was President of what is now

the Combined Jewish Philanthropies. At a meeting of community federations in

Toronto, Bob and Myra approached me and wanted to know why with all of his

contributions to the community Harry Kraft had not been a Trustee of the

Philanthropies. Their indignation was quite justified, and I agreed with them,

particularly, after the very forceful presentation they had made. Upon our return to

Boston, we set the machinery into motion, and Harry was duly elected as a Trustee

of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies; an act that should have taken place many

years earlier.

Harry passed away shortly thereafter and Bob told me that his appointment as a

Trustee was a very significant event in his life. That comment was very gratifying

to those of us who had leadership responsibilities for the Combined Jewish

Philanthropies. We were pleased that this well-deserved recognition had been

bestowed on Harry during his lifetime.

Those of my generation held Harry in the highest regard: a person of intellect,

profound in his knowledge of his Jewish heritage, and a very strong and effective

influence on the leadership of the Boston Jewish community. This is a heritage of

which you can justifiably be very proud.

Sincerely,

Irving W. Rabb z”l

May 7, 2000

I was at Kehillath Israel Hebrew High School and Junior Congregation from 1966 – 1970. I have very

fond memories of Mister (Harry) Kraft, my teacher and mentor. His love of Judaism was obvious

and infectious. He cared deeply for each of his students. He was an enthusiastic and caring teacher,

and always was sure to involve each student in every class.

He would share details of his personal life with us, usually details about his wife and children, and

always with tremendous pride. Mr. Kraft’s influence was a major reason that I became more

involved and committed to Judaism. I am deeply indebted to his caring and teaching. I will always

thinking of him as my friend.

Jonathan Forman

April 28, 2000

Mr. Kraft, as he was known to me when I was a child, had a profound influence on

my Jewish identity. As I once said to your brother, “Your father taught me how to

daven.” I grew up at KI and attended his Junior Congregation services on a regular

basis. I vividly remember the group of kids, including myself, who used to stand

around the Amud and lead the service. On the few occasions that I have had to

daven Shacharit in my own congregation today, I think of him because it is his

“nusach” that I am chanting. He was a Ba’al Tefilah par excellence.

My family and I always sat in Landers Hall right in front of your sister on the High

Holidays. To this day I can picture the broad smile that he had as he looked over

at his family. I also vividly remember the look on his face on Yom Kippur, 1973

when the news of the Yom Kippur War began to spread.

Your father was a very special man and I think of him often. My father, z”l, used to

drive him into Boston fairly often and treasured his conversations with him. I can

still feel his warmth and his caring and I only hope that my children find someone

in their lives, outside of family, who can have such a profound influence on their

Judaism.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you!!

B’Shalom, Susan Schonberg Creditor

Harry Kraft was one of the strong leaders of Congregation Kehillath Israel for many

years. His outstanding leadership enabled him to safeguard the traditions of the

Congregation and the Jewish People. He was able to accomplish this because he

was universally respected throughout the community by the members of the Board

of Trustees as well as by the wider membership.

During the many years that Harry was active at Kehillath Israel, he took special in-

terest in the children, and made regular visits to the Junior Congregation. He al-

ways held Kehillath Israel in high regard, and I recall that he was a great ally for a

rabbi.

He and his lovely wife Sarah fashioned a loving home in which the traditions of our

People were hallowed with great joy. We remember him very fondly and wish his

children and grandchildren all the very best.

Rabbi Judah Nadich z”l

Harry Kraft – An Unforgettable Human Being

There is a statement in the Talmud which says: “The righteous are called living even

after death.” (Berachot 18) Anybody who had the privilege of knowing Harry Kraft

can attest to the truth of that teaching.

I had the Z’chut of knowing Harry and had the opportunity to see him in action in

his role as one of the outstanding leaders of the Boston Jewish community. He

loved his synagogue Kehillath Israel and was beloved to the entire congregation.

For many years, he taught in its religious school and he led the Junior

Congregation. The children adored him and he inculcated in them a deep love for

God, Torah, and the Jewish people. Many of those youngsters decided to become

rabbis and educators because of Harry’s inspired teaching and magnificent

example. He also served as President of the congregation.

He was also the President of the Associated Synagogues. This important

organization brought together congregations of each denomination and helped to

strengthen and unify the Jewish community of Boston. Among its many

accomplishments, it supervised the Kashrut of synagogues and all the merchans

who were involved in Kashrut.

Harry was a loving husband to Sarah and a devoted father to Avram and Kerana,

Robert and Myra, and Elizabeth and Peter. He transmitted children and

grandchildren a love for Yiddishkeit which continues to guide and motivate their

lives. He taught them the beauty of Torah and the importance of Mitzvot and

Gemilut Hasadim which continue to be an integral part of their lives.

Harry was a Talmid Hacham and he taught not only Jewish sacred texts to his

children and his students. More important, he taught them by his example, by

living according to the highest values of honesty, integrity, and compassion each

day of his life.

Harry’s life was a blessing to each of us who knew him and loved him. His memory

will continue to be a blessing forever.

Rabbi Samuel Chiel z”l

April 28, 2000

I knew Harry way back as he was one of my uncle Arthur Levy’s best friends. All the family loved

him. But there are two stories that I will always remember.

Haim and I had just been married a few months, when he received a telegram from Israel saying

that his father had died. My brother, Jay Rosenfield, took Haim to KI to show him where he could

say Kaddish. Harry was there saying kaddish for his father and when Jay introduced Haim to Harry

and explained that Haim was here without his family, Harry said don’t worry. We will have a min-

ion at your apartment twice a day – and he did. Haim never forgot his kindness to him at that

time and always enjoyed any opportunity he had to be with him and discuss Judaism and Israel.

As I said, Harry was a very dear friend of my Uncle Arthur, and it was his influence that made my

uncle into a very observant Jew. When Arthur died, Rabbi Solovechick made the eulogy and

talked for a very long time. It was a very big honor. But when the Rabbi finished, Harry stood up,

and with a few meaningful and loving words spoke to the grief and sorrow of the family thus

enabling us to grieve for and love Arthur – the father, the husband, the brother, the uncle, the

friend. We were able to say good bye graceful. I have always been grateful for what he did for

the family at that time.

Joan R. Eliachar

May 1, 2000

Dear Kraft Family,

Thank you for including us in Honoring of your beloved Harry Kraft on his 25th

Yahrzeit. We first became aware of his wonderful way of conducting the High

Holiday services in Lander’s Hall at Kehillath Israel when we accompanied my

father-in-law in 1937.

Having been brought up in an Orthodox family, we were able to attend a number

of interesting High Holiday services both in the United States and overseas in such

countries as Germany, China, Vietnam, Iran, etc. and we often commented how it

would have been more pleasant in Lander’s Hall with Harry Kraft. His learned

knowledge and sincerity were apparent to all and his services were always fully

attended.

It certainly was our good fortune and great privilege to participate in his services.

Sincerely,

Doris and Leonard

THE DAY THE RABBI DID NOT COME TO

SATURDAY SERVICES

My bar mitzvah in May of 1949 was to have a number of friends and family from out of town in

attendance. When we arrived at the synagogue that day there was no Rabbi Nadich. We were

told he had an emergency appendectomy. A member of the temple was going to fill in. The

service was beautiful with a wonderful sermon and excellent blessing was given to the bar-mitzvah

boy.

None on the out of town guests knew that it wasn’t the rabbi they had expected to see or hear.

When the out of towners found out it was a member of the congregation they were most

surprised and expressed. They were talking about it for many years.

Who was the fill-in, why it was Harry Kraft as rabbi for the day. So I may be the only boy bar-

mitzvahed by Harry Kraft. It was a meaningful day that I still remember.

Joe Garb

April 16, 2000

I remember so well him singing Ps. 136 but I also remember him singing a simple

tune to mizmor shir liyom hashabbat which I intend to teach our congregation this

weekend. I also remember that he never did hallel for us without making us realize

that Ps. 117 is the “shortest psalm in the book of Psalms.” He said it every time and

I will never forget it.

Rob Dobrusin

I became a member f KI in 1962, shortly thereafter I was introduce to Harry Kraft.

He was a man of stature. When the congregation had early services during the

minor holidays he would daven the sharichs and musaf service. When he would sit

on the bimah he sat upright and his greeting the members with a strong

handshake.

Bernie Becker z”l

The decision to collect and compile some sixty memories in celebration of the

life, lessons, and legacy of Harry Kraft, of blessed memory, is of seminal

importance to both the Kraft family and the extended Kehillath Israel family.

Certainly the occasion of the twenty-fifth yahrzeit of Harry Kraft’s passing invites

such a moving tribute. In light of the recent passing of Sarah Kraft, we dedicate

this collection to her memory as well. Indeed, Harry’s beloved help-mate, Sarah,

made it possible for her husband’s remarkable influence to be felt for

generations of young people and peers throughout the community. Mrs. Kraft

often shared with me her admiration for the level of intensity and commitment

that her Harry brought to the sacred task of Jewish communal leadership.

As one who was not blessed to have known Harry Kraft, I have a strong sense

that the one feature this booklet lacks is that of hyperbole. Everything, every

sentiment, every word, every heartfelt memory captures that which was absolutely

true about Harry Kraft. Indeed, mere words constrain the enormity of the love,

the affection, and the transforming inspiration that Harry Kraft delightfully doled

out for four decades during which his presence enriched and enlarged the vitality

of Jewish life at Kehillath Israel.

If the Sanctification of God’s Name involves conducting one’s life in such a

manner that encourages another to draw closer to Godliness, then the very

essence of the life of Harry Kraft embodied such a Sanctification.

Jacob, our forefather, once said to his children: “May the angel who redeemed

me from all harm bless the children and their descendents with the riches of a

precious legacy.” Harry Kraft was such an angel. May we feel comforted by the

knowledge that Harry and his Sarah now gaze down upon us with gratitude and

satisfaction for all that we celebrate on this occasion, and at many future

meaningful milestones as well.

Rabbi William G. Hamilton

Congregation Kehillath Israel

5 Iyar, Yom HaAtzmaut, 5760

Special Thanks to the Kraft family, all contributors for their

thoughtful memories, and to the Congregation Kehillath Israel

clergy, staff and volunteers

Harry Kraft, a genuine tzadik who embodied that which was best,

noblest and finest in Kehillath Israel, was born in the year of 1909

in Boston, Massachusetts. Given the Hebrew name Aharon ben

Arieh, he was the fourth of 5 children born to Louis (Aryeh Leib) &

Rose (Rachel) Krafchinsky. He attended Boston English High

School, Boston Hebrew Teacher’s College and finished at Boston

University.

In 1935 Harry married Sarah Bryna Webber of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

They had three children, Avram Rachmiel 1938, Robert Kenneth

1941 and Elizabeth Rachel 1944.

Harry was a hard working business man, who owned Crown Dress

and was the Treasurer for the International Forest Corporation.

Most memorable was his devotion to his community, especially at

Congregation Kehillath Israel. His presidential accomplishments

extend to Young Israel 1927, Kehillath Israel 1956-1958 and The

Associated Synagogues of Massachusetts 1959-1969. From 1957

to 1959 he was National Vice President of Mizrachi and from there

established himself as a board member of The Board of Jewish

Education (BJE) and Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP). Most of

all, Harry Kraft was known for expressing his love through his

favorite activities, which included learning, reading, singing, and

teaching children Torah.

Harry passed away on May 2, 1975 21 Iyar 5735 in Boston followed

by his beloved wife, Sarah, 25 years later in 2000.

Harry Kraft z”l - a leader of Congregation Kehillath Israel whose

warmth, gentle kindness, and inspiring menschlichkite are truly

unrivaled in the long and glorious history of our Congregation.

Zecher tzadik livracha— May his memory be for a blessing.

Congregation Kehillath Israel

384 Harvard Street

Brookline, MA 02446

P: 617.277.9155 F: 617.277.2919

www.congki.org