Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Yael Splansky

Remembering Barry Silver z”l

Our Past President Barry Silver hoped to be called to the Torah one last time tomorrow.  He planned to share the Aliyah with his son Josh.  He planned to wear what he called “his Bar Mitzvah tallis,” because this Shabbat Chayei Sarah was his Bar Mitzvah portion so many years ago.

You see, Barry’s father died just before Barry’s Bar Mitzvah day.  Instead of proudly taking his place on the bimah of the sanctuary he loved, instead of joyfully celebrating with congregation and family, young Barry sat shiva for his father.  Months later Rabbi Plaut arranged for Barry to read Chayei Sarah even though the Torah cycle was by then set to another book altogether.  And a generation later, Josh read from Chayei Sarah on his own Bar Mitzvah day to honour the grandfather he never knew.  L’Dor vaDor.

When I spoke with Barry two days ago he told me how sorry he was that he wouldn’t be able to have that final Aliyah with Josh.  I assured him that an even greater Aliyah, an even greater ascent was awaiting him.  Barry died early this morning with his son Josh at his side.

Parashat Chayei Sarah begins with the death of Sarah and ends with the death of Abraham.  But in between are the chapters which tell of the establishment of the next generation.  This is why the name of the entire portion is “The Life of Sarah.”  How Sarah lived and died gives way to the next generation.

Not long ago, Barry told me he hoped he’d get to be the President of Holy Blossom Temple in Heaven.  He loved our congregation, as we loved him.  Barry’s life and his death were so intertwined into the story of Holy Blossom.  He took pride in seeing how a strong future was beginning to reveal itself.

Let’s honour our Past President Barry Silver, alav haShalom, as he brought honour to our congregation.

Interment at Holy Blossom Memorial Park: November 15, 2020, at 12:00 pm.   While the number of participants at the cemetery is restricted, all may join for the funeral service via Zoom.  Please follow this link to Benjamin’s website. may Barry’s memory be a blessing to Gail, Josh and Jordana, and a blessing to what Barry fondly called “his second home,” Holy Blossom.

Shabbat Shalom.