Lester Schenker: Man of the Year
My paternal grandfather was presented this month with the highest honor of his temple, Man of the Year, at a stately ceremony in Brooklyn, NY. Les Schenker, or Poppa as I know him, was lauded by long-time friends and family, with pleasantries and wisecracks, both of which he was acknowledged to be known for as well.
Lester is a veteran of World War II, having been an airplane mechanic in the (then) Army Air Corps based in Washington, D.C.
A veteran of the screw industry (which ended up being the target of many of his covert roasters), he still at almost 90-years-old volunteers at a local airfield, repairing and restoring historic aircrafts.
The Rex Manor in Brooklyn, NY
They weren’t posing for this photo…
…much.
It’s amazing that sarcasm doesn’t run in my family. No, really. ?
Look how well my unplanned speech held the room’s attention.
Well now I have “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds stuck in my head.
Apparently my facial hair was a highlight of the event. Just ask my grandmother.
Mrs. Lotte Bloom (center) seen here with my parents is a survivor of the Holocaust, a friend as close as family, and one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. You can hear more of her story here.
Congratulations!