Daniel Katzen

As a matter of fact, Bill, two other memories came right after I sent
that to you.  At the moment I can only remember one.   It was walking
into the Israel's home on a beautiful, warm, June Shabbat morning, back
in the days when we met in homes.  It was about 9:35 AM, in the days
(pre-kid) when I tried to get to shul as early as possible, as I love
the Psukei d'Zimrah (PDZ).  I was feeling late (10 mins.) but hoped they
hadn't yet started, due to presummer lethargy.  I forgot that Dick
Israel was the usual PDZer, and, true to form, was davening, alone, in
their living room, back to the door, in shorts and sandals.  (His
philosophy on starting on time is discussed in his 1989 Rosh Hashanah
drash.)  When I later asked Dick about beginning alone, he replied in
typical fashion, "If we don't start on time, we'll be here all day."
When I asked how he could be sure a minyan would come, he said "If I
start on time, G-d will provide."

By the way, i was very moved by the 9-or-so drashot about Dick at the
funeral service.  I thought it would be a wonderful way to spread these
memories by posting the drashot on the minyan's webpage for all to refer
to.  Any ideas about how to encourage that idea?

If my almost-fifty brain kicks in and I remember the other one, I'll
re-email you.  I feel very connected to any attempts at preserving the
Israelisms we all grew so accustomed to.  What a great gift he was.


Thanks for doing this.

Danny