Tributes

These paragraphs and pages were contributed by family, friends, and other people who interacted with Naftali over the course of his life.  The tributes reveal how others saw and appreciated Naftali.  It is fascinating how these descriptions do not seem to fit with the sad details of the biography.  Instead, they bring out the vibrancy and generosity that characterized Mr. Laks.

• Rivka Balan and family (Naftali's Niece, daughter of his sister Bertha in Haifa)

• Oron family (Israeli cousins)

• Corinne Cohen (friend from Elizabeth)

Mr.

Laks is in my heart and soul every Friday as I remember our pre-Shabbos calls. I will forever hear his voice and remember our visits and phone calls and remember the delicious food he would cook for us. I miss him.  

Renee Unterman, nurse at JFS, Elizabeth

He clearly represents the last link to "old family".  It was an honor for me to get to know him over these past 10 or so years.  What a remarkable man, a pioneer and ultimate survivor in so many ways.  To think he was raised a century ago in such basic surroundings, which he could recall precisely.  And then the terrible mid-century years, then a new life in Palestine and America for many decades, and lastly such a loving home in Passaic.  He always seemed willing and able to learn more.  I so much enjoyed our conversations.  How fortunate that Jane, Stephanie, and I could visit last May when we were back East. 

David Lakes (a cousin)

Dear David,

I learned yesterday from Doron about the passing of your father.  I am so sorry.  He was one the kindest and most generous people I have ever known.  He made a huge difference in Doron’s and my own life, when our father had the stroke in 1986.  It is not an exaggeration to say that, had he not stepped up to help our mother in the store at that moment, we would have had a very hard time finishing graduate school and getting to the lives we have now.  He really was a hero for us.

   May his memory be for blessing.

Best wishes,

    Herb

To you and to your husband, i want to say that your father in law/father was a most remarkable person. i learned so much from him from my many visits. he was so proud of his family and spoke of everyone's accomplishments.  he was a shining example of a Jew with rock solid bitachon/emunah in Hashem. he had so much worldly knowledge and amazing insights into all facets of life, and a good sense of humor. he had an upbeat personality (his life history did not make him bitter). he was appreciative of everything that anyone ever did for him. he always knew what was going on in the neighborhood even if he did not get out much in the later years.

he knew where to find the best bargains for different food items and would travel from store to store to get the best buy...he also was a good cook, and shared with me his recipes for homemade applesauce, chicken with onions, roasted sweet potatoes, etc. and he would sometimes give me applesauce to take home.

may you and your husband's dedication to your father in law/father be a big zechus for you for arichas yamim and all good things, bezras Hashem.

Hamakom yenachem eschem b'soch shaar aveilei tzion v'Yerushalayim.

may your father in law/father's neshama have an aliyah in Gan Eden.

— Dasi (and Howie) Goldsmith

Stephanie Dickstein, Chaplain:

 Your father was a very special person.  He shared parts of the story of his life, we learned Torah together and considered the world as it is now.  When I knew him, I was struck by his kindness to others and his ability to support his friends.  For example, although most of the clients I served whom he knew were in the JFS survivor program, he arranged for me to see someone he knew from Elizabeth who was not a survivor and had not previously been referred to me by JFS staff.  I will always remember him with fondness.  I also value the opportunity to see your Boston family when I go to the playground and school to visit my own grandchildren and to know that Mr. Lak's legacy continues.  

I know that the memory of both of your parents will be a blessing.

Hamakom Yenachem etchem b'toch shaar avlei tzion v'yerushalayim.

Stephanie Dickstein MSW
Jewish Learning and Spiritual Care

From Jessica Savitt (formerly of Elizabeth, NJ)

 Dear Chana and David,

This morning I saw the notice that Naftali passed away, and I wanted to send my condolences.  Your father was an incredibly special man and I was honored to know him. BH, his mind was extremely sharp, even at a very old age, and it was a pleasure to converse with him. Every time I spoke with him his love for Eretz Yisrael was so obvious! He suffered a lot in his young years, but he was among the chalutzim who helped build up and protect our State. I'm 100% sure that he and Eva and those he lost in the Shoa are enjoying their just rewards in shamayim with Hashem! 

המקום ינחם אתכם עם שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים 

כל טוב,

Jessica Savitt