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Remembering Alvin Platt
03/03/1935 – 06/17/2021
03/03/1935 – 06/17/2021
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ALVIN PLATT
He stood head-and-shoulders above the “fray”,
Loved his work, loved to play…
and wrote sonnets in the spirit of Shakespeare.
With great service to the community, he fostered unity,
and his voice rang out loud & clear!
A romantic at heart, he appreciated great art,
Loved to harmonize the songs he would write.
Was a fundraising GENIUS, a visionary with keenness,
and passionately debated what he felt was right.
We’ll remember him as a scholar, never a follower,
Our patriarch & one-of-a-kind…
Loving husband & brother – unlike any other –
and whose mark is indelible in our minds.
RIP
I miss Al’s devotion to and love for me over 50 years; I am comforted by remembering his dear smile and the many times we laughed riotously at some silly event or inane joke. Those who met Al never forgot him. He was a caring person who always offered thoughtful and intelligent advice. Those who know Al were very fortunate.
My wife Barbara and I met Al and family firstly when we were neighbors living across the street from them. Then later Al and I became drinking buddies- we shared an afternoon coffee break almost on a weekly basis for many years, nearly until the last moments of his life. We spent many hours together and shared life experiences on a very intimate basis. I could count on Al to bring a fresh perspective to currant events, politics, and people. I was impressed by his intellect, and could count on him to discuss practically any subject under the sun.There were no taboos.
I will miss him very much, and remember Al as compassionate, generous, and a good friend..
Robert Pollak
We will remember your jokes.. your smile… your voice..
I can still hear your voice…
Thank you for being a part of my life.. I am forever grateful for you and Barbara came to support me on my bible college graduation ceremony. That was very special to me..
Thank you..
till we meet again…
love,
Matt, Linda and Benjamin Ketz
Some poetry Alvin wrote:
ON DEATH
Life its distance mounts before us—staggering
The time we have—the time we’ve spent
Remembering the vividness
(and fragility) of youth
So brief—so swiftly passed.
For what we’ve tasted—
Shared—has been so good—
The fond remembrance—the caring—
A glance—a touch—
We say—can ne’er be lost.
But seemingly—now-it’s gone—
Replaced by guilt and emptiness.
Unfulfillment–dreams that do not wash—
Dissolving—fading—gone—
In death.
How do we the inexplicable explain?
The anguish—torment—
Another loved one’s pain?
We take their lives—
Embrace them—share them—
As best we know—
Knowing that—though frail and faulting—
We Loved as
Best we can—
More Poetry:
PASSING OVER
From slavery to freedom fled these men;
The young, the old, the guileless people fled,
Oppression fanned, they broke their fetters then
And by their leader Moses were they led.
The promise of a better place and life—
(But many tested freedom’s virtues first):
“Who will I curse when there is no more strife,
And I am master?” the Hebrews’ voices burst.
Oh, come with me, oh, come with me, he cried,
And the tired children of the slaves obeyed.
“Your hopes and dreams are not to be denied.”
And with their leader 40 years they stayed.
If men can fight and shape their destiny,
Will all men, God, some day be fetter-free?
ATONEMENT SONNET
The Call—above the sound of falling leaves
Is Heard—and all come forth to Praise His Name;
The Lord is One—all goodness He perceives
His Wonders—all rejoice, now ours to claim!
“Forgive Iniquities”—the throngs recite
And break the vows ill-kept throughout the year;
“Beseech Thee” cry the Congregations’ might
As one they bow to expiate their fear.
The innocent and guilty share again
The need to sanctify His Holy Name,
Unique—its way our generations span:
Commitment—Jews must learn again to claim
Can we but hope that all who pray to Him
Atone, Atone—in Deeds that will not dim?
TO MY LOVE
How is it that a man be so blind,
As one, who toils and gains the world of wealth
Eludes these years – true love – oh, still to find –
Until his eyes – the warmth of you doth felt.
Whose heart now plays a great song than mine?
Whose lips can claim the thirst that fills my soul?
Who fullness do I press to me but thine?
What joys and secrets now do we enthrall?
But wait – the night doth beckons to the day,
For here between us stays a great abyss;
Can Love – our Love the upper hand here play?
Or will the “common tasks” blow all amiss?
I cannot say – but wish above it all,
Our faith and love unbinding will not fall . . .
Al’s interactions with others always made them feel special. He cared what you thought and shared his wise thoughts and feelings with you. Al was always knowledgeable about what was happening in the world and had strong opinions about fairness and equality. He never knew a stranger. His warmth and genuineness was a gift to all who worked or socialized with him. He has left a void in the life of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will long be missed.
I was saddened to read of Al’s passing in J. today. My connection with Al is in the long ago past at North Shore Congregation Israel where I taught in the religious school from 1965-68. Working with Sander Mussman, a life-long friend, Al became part of my orbit and over the subsequent years we have had occasional contact. I remember Al’s warmth, sincerity, his smile, and his passion for the Jewish world. His work was more than work for him.
One memory comes to mind was a Sunday morning and Al was upset because the senior rabbi was profoundly upset that someone (the child of a teacher) was wearing Tefillin in the sanctuary and praying there. I can almost see Al’s face wandering between laughter at the absurdity of the complaint and being upset that the rabbi could complain about that. I would probably say that that moment was one of bonding for us.
I think I spoke to him once after I moved to CA – perhaps when I was visiting Sander…anyway, the years go by and knowing Al was one of the building blocks of my life.
I am currently the Rabbi at B’nai Israel Jewish Center in Petaluma, CA and have been here for 16 years.
To all who mourn his loss…Hamakom Y’Nachem – May you find comfort.
Ted
Such comfort and a smile in your generous sharing of your memories. Al is unforgettable.
Thank you so much for bringing him back for a moment
Barbara
During Al’s time with the JCF, I fondly remember his guidance, wisdom and humor during our talks in his office. There is one nugget that was both humorous and true that I recall and that I think was the cornerstone of his success as a Jewish community executive. He was telling me about the duties of any Jewish community professional and said sometimes that it involves having a community leader show up for an “important meeting” with him only to spend the time sharing “You know, Al, when I have dairy, it really doesn’t agree with me” and his job was to listen thoughtfully and respectfully.
May his memory be a blessing.
When I drive through an intersection and an oncoming car is waiting to turn left, I can’t help but remember that
Dad would regularly give the horn a little “BEEP-BEEP” to warn the other driver when he went through a yellow light.
I used to think that was just for show, but now I know it was a smart thing to do!
There are many memories I have of Dad and another one that stands out in my mind is that after Saturday school
at N.S.C.I., I would often wait for him to finish up some work so I could ride home with him. If I ever needed to find him,
all I had to do was listen for his unmistakable, booming voice which echoed throughout the massive temple building
with all of its marble and glass and I would follow the sound like a beacon until I located him.
He would drive me home in that yellow International Harvester Scout truck with the huge snow plow on the front, Dad
wearing his floppy, brown tweed hat and big winter coat, honking the horn twice as was customary when he pulled into
the driveway to announce that he was home (he had a lot of fun with that horn!).
Dad – I know you are with us in spirit so, “BEEP-BEEP” back to you!!
Al was such a sweet and kind man and a wonderful boss. It was an honor and a pleasure to work with him. I was saddened to hear of his passing. Please know I have many warm and fond memories of our time together at the Federation. He will be missed. Barbara and family, I wish you much comfort. Maddy Chaleff
Maddy
I appreciate your kind words. I hope all is well with you.
Barbara
Dear Al,. I really miss you every day. 8/23/22… Love. Barbara