As the Cohen family understands the legacy bestowed upon them by patriarch Sonny Cohen who passed away earlier this year, the Cohen siblings organized a fundraising gala honoring the memory of their father and all the men of their Little Rock congregation in Little Rock this past Father's Day. Perry, one of Sonny's sons, spearheaded the sit down hearty dinner for the 80 attendees continuing his Dad's kitchen presence for a synagogue function. Warm words were shared by congregational leaders and piano music was played by mishpocha (extended family). "Happy Feet" an original song was quite apropos for the podiatrist who served both his civic and religious communities for over 60 years.
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| Quinton and Marshall Cohen |
He has held our hands, touched our hearts and given us advice.
He has given us head slaps, looks over the top of his glasses, and stern warning of what was going to happen when our mom got ahold of us.
He has taught us how to ride a bike, how to watch sports and show sportsmanship, we have taught him the rules of soccer and how to use the cool features on the TV remote.
Most importantly he has given us his NAME.
It is with mixed feelings when we are asked “are you Jerry Cohen’s boy”… such as
Fear when there are blue lights in the rearview mirror,
Pride when we are in a class and the teacher says they expect great things.
It is with great pride that we carry the name of our father and grandfather.
This name is not without dings, mistakes or tarnish. It has held through the years.
It has appeared on boards of directors, office plaques and certificates.
It has been passed down generation to generation and given to us to carry on.
As we age we have learned that all we have to pass on to our children is or name so we must guard and protect it.
Cohen… the high priest important, but more important is the integrity of the men that have carried this name before me.
Happy Father’s Day to the Cohen men and the men of the synagogue."
"Growing up the men of the synagogue were always present. From Saturday mornings
To Men’s club picnics,
From the Jewish food fest to the Purim carnival, the Men of the synagogue have been a constant presence in our lives.
So today in honor of our Grandfather, and all of the other great men who have served as our role models as we have grown up,
We have decided to share all of the things the Men of the synagogue have taught us over the years.
The men of the synagogue taught us how to sit in services quietly,
And how to sneak out of services quietly,
They taught us how to always pay attention,
Especially during the Rabbis sermon.
They taught us how to sing all of the songs,
And they taught us how to always be perfectly on key.
They taught us how to properly do an egg toss,
And how to properly smoke a cigar,
They taught us what a community really is,
And showed us that it often involves some shouting,
They taught us how to always helpful,
And how to hide when we didn’t want to be.
They taught us how to read Hebrew,
Or at least pretend to.
They taught us how to fight through the tough times,
And to enjoy through the good ones,
They taught us what it means to always be there for a community,
And they taught us that this community is more than just friends,
It’s a family.
So as we celebrate the memory of our grandfather,
And think back to the many lessons we have learned over the years,
We both agreed,
That the most important lesson the synagogue taught us over the years is,
What it is to be a mensch."
As Leaine, Sonny's wife, said to me afterwards, "Sonny would have loved to have been present to hear their words." Personally I know he knew he was leaving a legacy. Sonny's children's efforts helped raise over $20,000 for their congregation.
May we always remember to Honor our Fathers.
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| Matriarch Leaine Cohen surrounded by her grandchildren Top row grandsons L to R: Matt, Charlie, William, Marshall and Quinton Bottom row granddaughters Lto R: Elizabeth and Becky (photo courtesy of David Lewis) |
What a great tribute.
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