By: Herschel Prengler
Burlington, VT
When I met Shmuel at his granddaughters wedding (Chani) in Burlington Vermont, his character, of love, genuineness, totally unpretentious tolerant nature was immediately apparent. These qualities were confirmed on subsequent meetings, at two more weddings of his Raskin grandaughters.
He had the humility to approach me first and introduce himself in a totally modest manner, which was very refreshing, and comforting. As i am writing this I am having difficulty seeing cause my eyes are watering. Not sure if more needs to be said about our relationship. We were inseparable at two or three subsequent Pesachs at the Raskins in Burlington. He introduced me to a woman by handing me her card at his 90th birthday Party in Toms River, NJ hoping to make a shiduch for me. I spent a few nights in his house on president street following the party. Unfortunately it was our last time to be together.
The mold he came from was of another generation, which I am totally familiar with as I am Yiddish from Poland. Molds like that are rare now and may never be found again. I pray that they may be reconstituted, Like praying for Moshiach. Knowing him has been a light which will never be diminished in my life.
