Judah Daniel, Judah and Daniel Westport

Dear Friends,

Its been a while since I wrote last.  As this year Judah would have turned fifty, I thought I would add a few more Judah stories.

Five years ago, I started a library program in Westport, in honor of my parents Gert and Abe Wolf.
They loved the library and loved reading.  While the program is formally in their name, Judah's name is also on a plaque on the outside of the library door.  He too spent time, borrowed books and as you all know that he loved learning.  The library also commemorated his memory by planting a tree on the library lawn.  They did that for my mother as well.

Each first grade student is given a library card at their first visit to the Library.  The school and the library choose a local author, illustrator to read their work to the children.  Each child is presented with this book inscribed by the author to keep.

After a few years, I was asking the librarians if this program had any impact.  She said, "yes, their are two brothers who have become avid readers, coming frequently with their mom to check out books. Their names are Judah and Daniel." 

This summer I was watching the town's July fourth parade from the library lawn, when some one called out Judah.  I turned and stared at this nine year old boy, whose name was Judah.  Finally I introduced my self to him and met his mom.  Daniel was not there .  After a cry and explanation of of events I asked her why she chose the names Judah and Daniel for her sons.

Daniel is the first born, and she liked his character as portrayed in the bible story.  And when she was pregnant with her second son she asked Daniel to chose between Joel and Judah.  Judah won out.
She is a religious Christian, and felt our connection was from another source.

What ever the source is, it is wonderful to have Judah stories.

Love to all his friends who are turning 50, and of course to all of you.

Judah, in our backyard.

My favorite photo

Judah's yarzheit is August 14th, English date is Sept 3,rd.
Ten Years.

Children of the Canyon

Tuesday night I had the pleassure of hearing David Kukoff read from his newly published novel Children of the Canyon.  David and Judah were friends since elementary school.  Seated in the audience were Mike W. and another friend of Judah's.    Two weeks ago Kim Cooper, Richard Schave's wife gave a reading of her new work as well.  It is wonderful to see the successes of Judah's friends.

I am sure he is swelling with pride for all of you.  I am filled with gratitude  pleasure and of course longing when I meet up with you and hear from you.  I alsways hear one more Judah story.  This evening I heard the full story of the Del Capri Hotel.   Judah didn't singe his eyebrows lighting the oven to heat a pizza!

I also heard from Dr. Steve Forman, Judah's bone marrow  and stem cell doctor.  I had written to him, and i am taking the liberty to quote from his response.  "I was very happy and very moved to read your note concerning the donation to our program in Judah's memory.  I recall well is words to both of us that should continue to do good work in this world...It was so coincidental that your letter arrived the same week I ran into Tony Koerner (Judah's mentor at Huntington Memorial Hospital).....We talked a lot about Judah.  I still have vivid memories of Judah, especially some of the words that wee said about him at the memoial at Huntington that I attended when they even quoted his application.  So, like you I think of him often, remember him fondly..Judah is likely still looking from my shoulder and he remains a presence in both my professional and personal lie...
Its such a wonderful testimony that Judah was so well liked and is so well remembered.


Please add Judah stories.  If you read the blog and I know that Mike W does, just leave a note.  It encourages me to continue writing. Keep me informed of events in your lives, work, family, hopes and dreams.

Martha 

A Judah Story

The Westport library is a beautiful old mansion with rolling lawns, a clock tower that chimes every half hour.  It was the place that my parents loved.  My father has two paintings hanging on the walls.  Judah also took pleasure in visiting the library.  We donated money for trees to honor my mother's memory, and later a tree to honor Judah's memory.

In talking to a board member about the use the school children made of the library a comment was made that most of the town's children do not have library cards and don't read much.  To remedy this situation we began a program where by each first grader would visit the library receive a book that was theirs to keep and a library card.  The program is entering its third year.  I asked if there was any impact.  The librarian said yes, there were two children who now come frequently and enjoy the library.  The names of the boys are , you won't believe this, Judah and Daniel.  I did not have a chance to meet these boys, but its such a fitting legacy for Judah's name.

Yes, Judah's yarzheit birthday and English anniversary of his passing make August, Sept very rough.  The days are brightened by Judah stories.

 

A Photo of Judah

Just a simple Photo 

self portrait 

Eight Year Yarzheit

Hi everyone,

Today is the Yarzheit, the eight year .Benji and I went to the cemetery.  I visit frequently but mostly I visit Judah in my heart.  Its a daily, no hourly missing.  I just looked at photos of his hospitalizations, and I realized that most of the photos are of you his friends when you came to visit.  Judah loved you all, and when he was to sick to talk on the phone, we would read all your e mails and cards that you sent.  I remember the visits, from across the country, and from Los Angeles,  Your outpouring of love was instrumental in keeping his spirit up.  I know he knew you were there even when he couldn't respond.

Your love also kept us, Alissa , Benji and me going.  I miss you all.

Passover 2013


So many thoughts, so many repeat .  Its fhard to vocalize all lthe emotions one feels about the grief of losing Judah.  Some of the Rabbi's say, just use a niggun a melody, because music can express what words can't.  I wish I could find a niggun to capture Judah, his spirit, and his warmth. 

I still run into people who knew him, and remember him.  People that  were not part of his close circle, which always seemed enormous, but people who knew him thru a brother, or another friend.  He always made an impact.  Eli mentioned that he wants to add to the blog from time to time and it won't allow it.  Its open to all , if you can't see a posting them just e mail to me.

I can tell from the stats that many are still reading the blog.  Its a tribute to Judah.   This year as always we will not his absence of presence and his presence of absence.  The glass for Elija is for Judah and Seymour, and all the others who have passed and who we miss.

May this season be filled with warm and loving memories, and may the telling  be filled with rich stories of all those people as well as the traditional story of Passover.