By: Meryl Butler
Whiting, NJ
I have heard all my life that a journey begins with a thousand steps. I do believe that is true, but there are many steps that are taken even before we begin journeying. Someone has to light the flame to light the way for the journey, and that tells the tale of Zayde Popack.
I did not know Rabbi Popack well but I had the privilege of speaking with him on a few occasions. But there was one occasion that we spoke for a concentrated time, it was on New Hampshire Avenue the first home of Chabad of Toms River. It was Mendal’s bris and Rabbi Popack was getting some fresh air and I came outside to go to my car for something, we began a very lengthy conversation about Judaism and G-d and my journey. He was so encouraging, and told me it was an honor to know me since my journey was and still is a very profound experience returning to Judaism. I remember him saying to me Miriam don’t look back, go forward and let no one discourage you, keep your eyes on G-d and you will be fine, he also thanked me for being such a good friend to Chabad. It was a warm day and I remember feeling uplifted by his countenance and his intensity about what he was saying to me. He was sincere.
I began my journey back to Judaism through Chabad of Toms River and who do you think ultimately was responsible for my finding Chabad of Toms River? It was Zayde Popack, who made the way for Chanie his granddaughter and Rabbi Gourarie to begin their lofty mission of bringing Judaism to every Jew that walks through Chabad house. I was just about the first Jew they came in contact with and remarkable things have happened in eight years for me. I have become a better person, a better Jew and I am on the way to a more observant life that is what Zayde Popack put into motion. Imagine this man gave the tools for all this to take place knowing that this mission was ordained by G-d and to follow the very teaching of the great Rebbe. What a faithful man Rabbi Popack was.
Because of him I worship in a most beautiful Chabad House now also located in Toms River, it is my house it is the place I call out to G-d in, it is the place that I see love for every Jew. It is the place where I see Rabbi Popack’s great grand children enjoying life and growing to becoming great people doing great things in Judaism. It is a place of peace for me, learning for me, a haven in which I can be the best person possible.
My gratitude and gratefulness can never rival the good that this man brought to just one corner of his life in this world and his mission. He made it possible for this Jew to return to the most magnificent religion which has the greatest understanding of our great G-d. I would have missed all this if not for him. And recently I now at 65 had a Bat Mitzvah in my beautiful Chabad House, it was remarkable and so meaningful and all sorts of wonders and miracles happened at the Bat Mitzvah, men wrapped tiffilin that had not done so in at least 15 years and men who never wrapped tiffilin did. Rabbi Popack I know you are singing songs with our forefathers and for sure you are at the right hand of G-d. Many thanks to Chabad and the Popack family and the Feldman’s because he produced children that carry his mission and legacy and are marching forward to accomplish what their father did.
