Many of their friends were there also. They all spoke of the kindness of Jerry and Ellie, especially Ellie, and how much they've done for the Jewish community, individually and the community as a whole.

The grandchildren wrote a very clever poem about how boy and girl met in New York, how they came to California, how they worked together to establish a business, and some funny details of their life together. Both Ellie and Jerry had to weigh in with some funny stories that told even more about the incidents related in the grandchildrens' poem.

There was lots of good food, lots of good cheer, and too many people for our small dining area in the winter. When the weather is nice, tables are set up outdoors under the trees, and there's plenty of room.

I had a nice treat before the service. As I walked into the sanctuary, I saw a friend who has moved his permanent residence to Israel. He's back for only a short time, but we had time for a really good visit before the service started. A really nice man, and our congregation is poorer for his having moved.

I had to leave the the luncheon before all the festivities were over, and probably missed out on dessert. I have a problem with crowds, and even though I was sitting at a table at the edge of the crowd, I was still getting unsettled. I was able to wish Ellie many more years of happiness before I left. She's a nice lady.

It was a good day.

Shalom