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