KJ To Our Dear Rabbi Lookstein Tribute Journal

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TO OUR DEAR RABBI LOOKSTEIN . . .

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This book is not just the celebration of a birthday, of a wonderful man who is

90 years young; it is the celebration of tens of thousands of people who have been touched by the remarkable life and career of Rabbi Haskel Lookstein. As ± ų±ÆÆĜØ åÚƚϱƋŅųØ ÏŅĵĵƚĹĜƋƼ Ĭå±ÚåųØ ±ÏƋĜƴĜŸƋØ ±ĹÚ Æ±±Ĭ ƋåĀĬĬ±ĘØ ±ÆÆĜ XŅŅĩŸƋåĜĹ has inspired so many. He has changed the lives of people around the world, in the United States, Israel, the Former Soviet Union and elsewhere. He has made a profound impact on people from all walks of life, from presidents and prime ĵĜĹĜŸƋåųŸ ƋŅ ĩĜĹÚåųč±ųƋåĹ ŸƋƚÚåĹƋŸØ üųŅĵ ĀűĹÏĜ±Ĭ Ĭå±ÚåųŸ ƋŅ ƋĘå ĜĹÚĜčåĹƋţ The summer before I joined KJ, I visited Israel. I was walking on Ben Yehuda Street, and stopped into a shop to browse. Making small talk with the shopkeeper, he asked me about my work. I explained that I was a rabbi in Montreal, but moving to New York in the Fall. When he heard that I was coming to KJ, the shopkeeper became very animated. He explained that his store was still open only because Ņü ±ÆÆĜ XŅŅĩŸƋåĜĹ ±ĹÚ ƋĘå åýŅųƋŸ Ęå ĵ±Úå ŅĹ ÆåʱĬü Ņü FŸų±åĬĜ ÆƚŸĜĹåŸŸåŸ ÚƚųĜĹč the intifada. The shopkeeper was deeply emotional, and asked me to thank Rabbi Lookstein on his behalf. I walked out of the shop incredibly proud to be Rabbi Lookstein's colleague and part of the KJ family. From the very beginning, it has been an enormous zechut, privilege, for me to work alongside him. I still stand in amazement on a daily basis as I watch him at work, worrying about the community and every individual within it. May God bless Rabbi Lookstein with joy, blessing and happiness, ad meah v'esrim. Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz


Lookstein family photo


Dear Daddy, We don't know how public this journal is so we don't know who will see that we - at least the 4 original Lookstein siblings - still call you Daddy. But it's ok. We are not embarrassed. Yes, to all 8 of us, often you are larger than life. But most of the time you really are just our Daddy, and we are thankful to God for so many decades of being yours and Mommy's (yes, "Mommy") children.

ʪʮʠ ʺʸʥʺ ʹʥʨʩʺ ʬʠʥ ʪʩʡʠ ʸʱʥʮ ʩʰʡ ʲʮʹ ʧ ʠ ʩʬʹʮ We continue to learn so much from both you and mommy, and your teachings will stay with us, our children, and grandchildren for the rest of our years. Love, Mindy & Jay, Debbie & Shelley, Shira & Larry, Josh & Georgie


Lookstein family photo


× × Dear Grandpa, × Mazel Tov on your milestone birthday and this incredible honor! × We are so proud of your years of service to KJ and your unwavering commitment to growing a warm and welcoming community, built on the values of chesed, embracing every Jew, devotion to both America and Medinat Yisrael, and meaningful worship of God. We feel truly fortunate to have so many opportunities to sit in the KJ pews and learn from your actions and lessons. You and Grandma continue to inspire us to be devoted Jews and demonstrate menschlichkeit every day. × We look forward to continuing to celebrate your achievements and follow in your lead for many more years to come.× × Love, Your Grandchildren



Thanksgiving Looms Does a people whose every morning begins with Modeh Ani, thanking God each morning for restoring our souls upon awakening, really need another day set aside for giving thanks? The short answer is Yes. Just as one cannot expect to maintain the same spiritual high achieved at the conclusion of Yom Kippur, it is likewise diǗcult to consistently maintain the gratitude due God for our very lives. It’s hard. To help us along, we have many holidays: the shalosh regalim, Chanukah, and Purim, to name a few, that help us home in on the miracles and wonders that God has performed for us over the millennia on our behalf. Isn’t that enough? The short answer is No. We are on the cusp of gathering as a community to wish our beloved rabbi emeritus, Haskel Lookstein, a happy 90th birthday. Many memorable events date back to 1932. Amelia Earhart, was the Ǚrst woman to ǚy solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Elizabeth Taylor and Johnny Cash were born. Buck Rogers made his radio debut. Radio City Music Hall opened. Herbert Hoover was President of the United States. But the event that most aǖected our spiritual and communal lives was the birth of Rabbi Lookstein. Twenty-six years later, when he assumed our pulpit, continuing a rabbinic tradition unusual in Jewish American history, there may have been some in the congregation who wondered about the seriousness of the young rabbi after watching him grow up in the congregation. It did not take him long to dispel any concerns in that regard. Over time, his political, spiritual, and communal activism inspired generations. His stance on Soviet Jewry, Israel advocacy, civil rights, conversions, pre-nuptial agreements, shalom bayit, his commitment to the Ramaz School, and oh, so much more. He championed causes before they were causes, taking a page from the leadership playbook of Israeli army oǗcers, leading by example. Kadima, achorai (Go forward, after me), was his leadership style. Leading from the front, demonstrating how to be a Jew: inspiring, motivating, encouraging generations to be better, more knowledgeable, Jews - caring not just for members of our community but other communities, Jews and non-Jews, worldwide. Going the extra mile whether sharing our joys or our tears. In a space as small as this page, it is impossible to include all the reasons for which we should be grateful, all the ways that we have beneǙtted from Rabbi Lookstein’s scholarship, his sensitivity and goodness, his guidance and leadership. But what better way to demonstrate our thanks and happiness than with an evening dedicated to Thanksgiving, a birthday celebration of our love and esteem for the man we have been privileged to call our rabbi for the past 63 years and to recite his favorite bracha in this moment of communal happiness:

ʡʩʨʮʤʥ ʡʥʨʤ ʭʬʥʲʤ ʪʬʮ ʥʰʩʤʬ ʠ ʤ ʤʺʠ ʪʥʸʡ Blessed are You, oh Lord, our God, King of the universe, who is good and bestows good.


KJ Archives Photo Credit: Ritz Studio


× × Congratulations to Rabbi Haskel Lookstein on his 90th×birthday. × For a life of devoted service to×the Jewish community. × May you continue to be healthy and strong enjoying your life with Audrey and your extraordinary family! × Bob & Diane Abrams Rachel & Rabbi Ian Pear Becky & Dan Greenwald ×


× To the man I call the Rabbi's Rabbi-Mazels×on this milestone! You are truly the best of the best--there in×good times and bad with always the right words×and loving support. Thank you for being YOU and I am sending you so much love always!

× (Now you just need to wear the Marlins jersey×more often :))

× Ari Ackerman


× × × All my very best wishes for a wonderful 90th birthday! × Alvin Adler


× × In Honor of Rabbi Lookstein on reaching this special×milestone -- until 120! × Marilyn & Greg Adler Samantha, Daniel, Melissa,×and Mark ×



KJ Archives


To Rabbi Lookstein on the occasion of your 90th×Birthday What a milestone to mark in a special celebration like the annual KJ Dinner,× a shul that is so much more than a building. You have influenced and built a community that values your wisdom and leadership and how fully you show up for everyone. Your energy has inspired our family and we are so grateful for you. The way you approach everything is to meet each moment with your special gifts on full display. From Harrison's pandemic Bar Mitzvah to our father's passing, you met each lifecycle event with support that we truly cherish. × We wish you the happiest of birthdays in good health! × With love, Jennifer, Daniel, and Harrison Agus ×


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Mazel Tov on this KJ Birthday Celebration Tribute 2021! You have been present in the lives of our Agus family for so many decades, as we so admire΄ and respect your scholarship and leadership, especially at KJ, Ramaz, and YU.× Your outstanding menslichkeit;× your much appreciated contribution to Jewish Music, as΄ reflected in making your Yom Noraim Nigunim available to all;× your noteworthy commitment΄ to Modern Orthodoxy;× your love of sports, especially, the Mets; and your love of the Jewish΄ people and the Land of Israel are all exemplary.× Please God, may you, and Audrey always by your side, continue to enjoy the phenomenal΄ nachat from all your beautiful loving family that Hashem has gifted you. May your cherished΄ children, grandchildren and great grandchildren be able to continue on the path they have΄ forged, following the traditions of your own parents and grandparents who would be so proud of your legacy.× I wish you and Audrey the zchut to be able to share many future celebrations, together, in΄ good health and with much joy. In friendship and with great appreciation and admiration, Marcelle΄A͟​͟΄ Agus


‫ אשר־יצא לפניהם ואשר יבא לפניהם ואשר יוציאם ואשר יביאם‬:‫×איש על־העדה‬ × Rabbi Lookstein, Over multiple generations, you have influenced us and our extended family in more ways than you will ever know. What we do know is that we are but a small dot in the circle of influence you continue to have locally and globally. We are so grateful to be a dot! Thank you for the impact that your guidance, comfort, teaching, and outlook has had upon our lives. On this milestone birthday, we are sending you our very best wishes and prayers for good health, happiness, and fulfillment. And we hope that you will continue to shine as a beacon of light and inspiration, with Audrey by your side, for many more years to come, ‫ עמו"ש‬. With love, Nicole & Raanan Agus Gabi & Elie, Alex & Elianna, and Elan


‫×‬ ‫×‬ ‫×‬ ‫מזל טוב וברכה לרבינו היקר‬ ‫‪ʩʿʰ ʯʩʩʨʹʷʥʬ ʬʠʷʦʧʩ‬‬ ‫שיזכה לעלות מחיל אל חיל‬ ‫×‬ ‫×‬ ‫‪Edie & Bob Allen‬‬


Welcome to our 90s !! From Gene: In the 1950s I played ball at the Y with "a guy" named Haskel. A few years later we moved to the neighborhood and we joined KJ. The surprise about joining KJ? I finally learned that your last name was Lookstein. From Dede: When we were new in town, of course I joined the KJ Sisterhood. When the Sisterhood was in need of a president, dear Rabbi Haskel "volunteered"΄ me. The best part of being volunteered by you? It was being mentored by your΄ wonderful mother, Gertrude Lookstein. From our family: Years ago, KJ grew enough to begin our first High Holidays "auxiliary" service. Rabbi Haskel asked for volunteers and we signed up. The best part of being part of the auxiliary service? It's been the intimate group΄ davening we have shared with you for so many years. And the best part of it all, Rabbi Haskel? We have known you for your entire career ~΄ as a junior rabbi, senior rabbi, rabbi emeritus, and always a friend. We thank you and wish you Mazel Tov! Dede & Gene Alpert


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, We have cherished our time together with you over the past 60 years! We have enjoyed our journey with you, beginning with Audrey as Barry's 2nd grade teacher all the way to you being the rabbi at Michael and Sarah's wedding in Westhampton Beach.× We have been honored to be a part of your life and are looking forward to many more years together. You are truly an incredible rabbi, mentor, friend, and tennis partner.× Wishing you a very healthy and happy birthday! The Apfelbaum Family


Happy 90th Birthday Rabbi Lookstein, our teacher, our friend, and×our comforter. Thank you for your caring and concern at both the happy times and×the times of sorrow. From 85th Street to Pesach Missions to CitiField.

ʧʮʹ ΄ʺʣʬʥʤ΄ʭʥʩ ʤʦʤ΄ʯʮʦʬ΄ʥʰʲʩʢʤʥ΄ʥʰʮʩʩʷʥ΄ʥʰʩʩʧʤʹ΄ʪʥʸʡ΅ Rabbi,× you have made us a better community and a better Klal Yisrael. Thank you. Suzy , Michael, Mia, and Sydney Appelbaum


KJ Archives July 1939


Our family scoreboard is a tribute to Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, 4 children, (1 rabbi, 1 lay΄leader at WDS and 2 teachers in΄Jewish Day School, Yavneh, and RPRY) and 10 grandchildren in Jewish Day School. What more΄ needs to be said than that we love him and the community that he created. We wish him and Audrey many more years of health and happiness. Sandy & Robert April


Rabbi Looksteiǹ​̀ Mazel Tov on this milestone event. What a privilege to be counted as part of΄ the community that you lead. Carmit & Georges×Archibald


Mazel Tov!! Shira & Josh Arcus



Dear Rabbi Lookstein (and Audrey): With appreciation for the leadership, advice and comfort which you have provided to me, to Barbara, to my parents, to Barbara's parents, to my sister and brothers and to my children and grandchildren (and to the Jewish world) over the past 60 years. You have garnered our respect and our love. You continue to amaze. Happy Birthday. Until 120. B'Ahava to both of you. Harvey Arfa


Rabbi LooksteinYou have been our teacher, mentor, and a beloved friend. You have celebrated with our family on every major occasion. You΄ have given us strength in times of sorrow. You have inspired us to΄ learn and develop in our Jewish knowledge. We pray God will bless you with many more years to share with΄ your family, friends, and community. You are deeply loved.΄Happy 90th birthday! Julie & Jonathan Art


We are deeply grateful Rabbi Lookstein for all you have done for the community over so many years! Jeffrey & Corinne×Ascherman



Dear Rabbi Lookstein, We always considered it an honor and×privilege to have you as our rabbi, guide, mentor, and friend. You have a brilliant mind and a heart of gold.× May you continue to do good deeds and inspire others at least, ad meah v'esrim + With love and appreciation, Sara Babich, Emily and Samantha


‫לרב לוקשטיין‪:‬‬ ‫מפורסם בעמנו‪ ,‬יקר למשפחתנו‪.‬‬ ‫‪Leah & Michael Bandler and family‬‬


Dear Rabbi, Thirty-two years ago, Louise and I met in your office as candidates for KJ membership. It was truly the first day of the rest of our lives, as KJ and Ramaz became central to our and our children's lives to this day.× Thank you very much for your leadership, guidance, and partnership, we are forever grateful. May you celebrate this milestone birthday and all future birthdays until 120 in good health in the presence of your family, friends, and community.× May all your prayers continue to be received favorably. Chazak U-Baruch× Louise & Sid Banon


KJ Archives


Happy Birthday, Rabbi Lookstein, We are honored to celebrate this special birthday with you. We are fortunate to have enjoyed a long relationship with you. From meeting at our cousin's Bat Mitzvah trip to Israel long before I entered Ramaz, to starting at the Yeshivah in×6th×grade and graduating high school, to being our Mesader Kedushin at our wedding, Craig and I have treasured your teachings and advice. You are an inspiration to the community and your impact on Judaism has extended far beyond×KJ×and New York City. We wish you continued good health and happiness, surrounded by your family and community. May you go from strength to strength, to 120! Fondly, Stephanie & Craig Basman×


Rabbi Lookstein, you have been a great×teacher at Ramaz and a strong leader of KJ for×many years. You made quite an impression on me as my×Chumash teacher in high school. You first introduced me to Ramban's commentary×on the Torah and made his words come alive×for me. Madeline and I wish you many more years in×good health. Samuel & Madeline Bavli


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, We are so excited to share the beautiful simcha of your 90th×birthday with you, Audrey, and your entire family. You have been such a wonderful, important, special part of our lives, even before you married us. You were there for our wedding, our daughter Eliana's baby naming, our son Adam's bris, and please God may you be with us for many more smachot. The entire KJ and Ramaz community is so fortunate to have you in our lives, and we are so grateful for your leadership, spiritual guidance, chesed, and general wisdom and guidance.× With all our love, Sara Rubenstein & Yariv Ben-Ari


Photo Credit: Bryan Thomas for the New York Times


B"H It is tempting when commemorating our relationship with Rabbi Lookstein to confine΄ our expressions to personal experiences. Although perhaps interesting on a personal΄ level, it does not do justice to the rabbi in acknowledging and celebrating a lifelong΄ commitment to values we all cherish and wish to emulate. Rabbinic influence starts΄ at an individual level, grows to a congregational level, sometimes includes municipal΄ influence and sometimes regional and national significance and in the rarest of΄ occasions includes global influence and impact. Some of the enduring images of΄ Rabbi Lookstein include his person and persona at the forefront of advocating for΄ Soviet Jewry, advocating and demonstrating for Civil Rights, speaking out in times of΄ stress, like 9ͥ11, encouraging faith and trust and inclusion, spearheading a truly΄ sensible approach to managing COVID risk. These are large issues that require an΄ advocate and spokesperson of unusual stature, intellect and empathy. How fortunate΄ we all have been to stand beside such a man, such a friend, such a leader, such a΄ rabbi and someone who represents us on the world stage and, beyond all that is a΄ Mets fan and tennis player. With admiration,× Ada & Mitch Benerofe


Rabbi LooksteinBest wishes on your birthday! We thank you for your×continued leadership, guidance, and inspiration. Beth & Marc Bengualid


× In honor of Rabbi Haskel Lookstein for his×unflagging commitment, dedication, and×steadfast devotion in teaching Torah and for×everything that he does each and every day on×behalf of Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael. It is such a Z'chut for you to be a very×special part of our lives. × Yasher Koach! Karen & Mark E. Benson


Happy Birthday Rabbi Lookstein Thank you for the knowledge, leadership, and spirit you and Audrey bring to the KJ and Ramaz community every day. The Bergman Family Lisa, Barry, Aaron, and Andrew


Dearest Rabbi LooksteinWishing you a wonderful birthday and celebration. Thank you for a lifetime of kindness and koach in helping all of us. We love you and Mrs. Lookstein and are grateful to the entire family. Beth & Ronnie Bernard



Dearest Audrey and Haskel, You have been our devoted friends,×inspiration,΄ and mentors for more than×55 years. May you, together, share many×more years of΄ robust health, nachas, peace, and harmony΄ with your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. With abiding love and admiration, Brenda & Albert H. Bernstein


Mazel Tov to Rabbi Lookstein and the entire family on this well-deserved tribute. We are grateful for your decades of leadership. Vera Bernstein


× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, × Mazel Tov on your milestone birthday.× We are so blessed to have you as our rabbi and friend.× Wishing you a very happy birthday.×× May you keep going from strength to strength and using your favorite Bracha: ‫!עד מאה ועשרים כעשרים‬ × With love and admiration,× Chaim Dovid, Batya, Annaelle and Remi Berson


KJ Archives


× Dear Rabbi Lookstein and Audrey, Please×accept our appreciation and gratitude for creating such a divinely magnificent community in which to live, raise our family, and make lifelong friendships. × May you both enjoy many more years of good×health, happiness, and nachas from your×wonderful family and friends. × Mazel Tov! Nava & Dan Bettinger and family


KJ Archives


There once was a Rabbi named Lookstein… Rabbi Lookstein is known as a titan And though his beard does continue to whiten In his ninetieth year, he remains without peer And his grip on the Torah does tighten Our Rav’s an extraordinary fellow At this age, he has no plans to mellow He’s still on the courts, wearing cute tennis shorts And he serves like a much younger fellow To the Mets he has long been devoted And when their record, at times, has eroded He doesn’t get blue, he just remains ever true And by Yankee fans he will not be goaded! Rabbi Lookstein is part of our lives And on his watch, KJ has thrived At our starts and our endings, his love is unbending From his guidance such strength we derive So a happy birthday to you, sir And by now you have had quite a few, sir But each year’s a blessing, and you have us confessing: Our love only grows with each new year Happy Birthday Rabbi Lookstein! We owe you an order of Chicken a la King! xoxo Riva Alper & Joe Bierman and family



Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Happy Birthday to you! There once was a counselor at Massad Bet, for whom the camp was a zone of "no-fret". To understand her only "no- fret" exception, the following detail warrants a mention; All staǖ were expected to speak Hebrew only, I know it is shocking, but believe my story. One day, while escorting her campers to SWIM, the counselor was caught uttering English, by HIM. There he was, wearing swim trunks and hat, with a look on his face that could scare a cat. The campers laughed as the counselor looked down, his expression of horror morphed into a frown. Alas, a big smile appeared with a twinkle in his eye, He must have known that she was about to cry. Said he; .ʭʬʥʲʤ ʳʥʱ ʠʬ ʠʥʤ ʤʸʷʹ ʤʮ ,ʭʬʥʫʬ ʤʸʥʷ ʤʦ ,ʩʢʠʣʺ ʬʠ With deep aǖection, admiration, and gratitude, Taryn & David


Mazel Tov to you dear×Rabbi Lookstein on the occasion of your×90th birthday. Rabbi, leader, teacher, mentor, advisor, comforter, cheerleader, neighbor, FRIEND. You wear at least 90 hats and have proven your devotion to our family and our community 90 million ways. And what stands out beyond all other traits is the honor you show to every person you encounter. With endless patience and undivided attention you have been able to honor all those who sought your help regardless of whether their issues were great or small, communal or personal, petty or grand. As we learn in Pirkei Avot, that is why you are so honored and so loved by so many. With much love,× The Boyarsky Family


× When my parents moved our family into Manhattan over 50 years ago, there was no question but that we would join Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun. Later, when I was looking for my first job out of college, I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to teach middle school at Ramaz. Soon thereafter, Andy married me and, naturally, he had no choice but to join the KJ community. In truth, he'd be the first to acknowledge that he is a happier and better man for it. × Throughout this time, each and every member of our family has benefitted from the learning, wisdom, commitment, and kindness of Rabbi Haskel Lookstein - our Rav Chesed, dear friend, and inspired leader. Rabbi Haskel's strength, insight and emunah provides us with a firm and confident foundation. We know we can depend on him to support us through hardship, to celebrate with us in times of joy, and to maintain balance. We take pride in following his lead in pursuing justice, practicing serious Judaism, supporting Zionism, and remaining responsible American citizens.× × Rabbi Lookstein: we express our sincere appreciation to you, Audrey, and your wonderful family. May you all go from strength to strength. × The Mandelker-Braiterman Family



× ×

‫ וקנה לך חבר‬,‫×עשה לך רב‬

×‫ו‬:‫פרקי אבות א‬ Make for yourself a mentor and acquire yourself a friend.... you have inspired us to grow as people and as Jews. We would like to thank you for the many years of leadership in the Ramaz-KJ community and to the Jewish community throughout the world. You have been a tremendous role model and influencer in our lives from the moment you officiated at our wedding, to the birth of our children, their bar mitzvahs and weddings, and now the births of our grandchildren. You have always been available during the difficult times in our lives, and for that we cannot thank you enough. Your practical, thoughtful and sincere guidance is so appreciated. Ruthie & Ray Brenner and family


× × × Happy birthday to my dearest friend and rabbi, Rabbi Haskel Lookstein. × Thank you for your outstanding friendship and×unparalleled dedication to our beloved KJ×community and to Klal Yisrael. × Wishing you many more years of good health and×nachas together with your wonderful×wife Audrey. × With much respect and deepest appreciation, Devora Brickman


× × × "There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable inaction." --John F. Kennedy × Happy birthday to Rabbi Lookstein, a man of vision and action. × Judy Abel & Michael Brill ×


KJ Archives


× × × × In Honor of Rabbi Haskel Lookstein Happy 90th Birthday× × With gratitude for your love, compassion, kindness, and caring. Thank you for being by our family's side for many generations. You have shared and guided us through our good and difficult times. Your outlook on life and excellent values have been our role model. × May the years ahead be filled with happiness and good health. × Fran, Steven, Alan, and Daniel Brown Remember Benjy always! ×


× × × Rabbi LooksteinWe wish you a special Mazel Tov on this×momentous occasion. × We hope you have many more years of good health, happiness, and much nachat from your×wonderful family. × Norma Nussbaum Bruckner & Dr.×Howard Bruckner ×


Rabbi LooksteinMazel Tov, Ad Meah V'esrim in good health with lots of nachat and smachot. Meier Brueckheimer


× × × Best wishes for health, happiness, and nachas from children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and hopefully great great grandchildren to Rabbi and Rebbetzin Lookstein. × I've been fortunate to have been associated with the Lookstein family during all my years at KJ. × Elias Buchwald


To ourÍdear Rabbi Lookstein, KJ, Ramaz, and the entire Jewish community is very blessed to have΄you as their leader, role model, and inspiration. May your wisdom and kindness continue to guide us for 120 years! We are particularly thrilled to count you and Audrey, now, as "Mishpacha" too! May you go from strength×to strength! With love and admiration, Laurie & Eli Bryk


KJ Archives/Attar Photographers


× × × Rabbi Lookstein, We wanted to wish you Mazel Tov on this milestone birthday.× We are so fortunate to have had you at the helm of KJ and Ramaz for so many years. We have all benefited from your wise×counsel. You have built an incredible Modern Orthodox community on the Upper East Side. You have been a strong leader and the person to whom we could always turn.×Thank you for your generosity, selflessness, and for being a role model for us all. × Wishing×you a happy 90th birthday! × Best, Jennifer & Saul Burian


× Mazel Tov, Dear Rabbi Lookstein! × Thank you for being such a wonderful inspiration for the entire community. × Alexandra & Vitor Cepelowicz ×


× × Thank you Rabbi Lookstein. Mazel Tov on your 90th birthday. × It is a privilege to attend services at Kehilath Jeshurun, and×for my daughter Jacqueline, to have received a Ramaz×School education. × I pray HaShem continues to bless you with health and happiness. × May your esteemed, revered presence live forever within Kehilath×Jeshurun and the Jewish community at large. × Sincerely, Veronica Chachoua Jacqueline and Rachel


Happy birthday Rabbi Lookstein! Thank΄you for all you do for our community. May Hashem΄ bless you with good health for many years to come. Sincerely, Elliot Chasin


× × × RabbiÍLookstein ʠ͢ʨʩʬʹ Wishing the quintessential a very happy birthday. × May Hashem bless you with× good health and the ʷʥʦʩʧ to continue all your exceptional efforts on behalf of ‫כלל ישראל‬. × May we as a community continue to learn from you ‫עד ביאת הגואל‬. × ‫יום הולדת שמח‬ Ellen R. Cherrick × × ×



× × × Mazel Tov Rabbi × Lookstein! Thank you for the many years of leading and inspiring the families×of your community. May Hashem bless you and Audrey × with good health and continued nachas from your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. May you continue to inspire Klal Yisrael until 120. × Sheila & Jeremy Chess × Ahuva, Joshua, Ephraim Heshel, Leora, Hadassah & Pesha Levine


ʡʥʨ ʬʦʮ to Rabbi Lookstein ʠʿʨʩʬˇ on this joyous milestone! We are grateful for all you and Audrey have done for us – Remember this milestone that we celebrated together?

May you and Audrey celebrate many more joyous milestones together in good health ʹʿʥʮʲ and may you continue to be a source of inspiration to the KJ/Ramaz community and ʬʠʸʹʩ ʬʬʫ for many years to come. Warmly, Deborah & Jim Cleeman


× × × In honor of Rabbi Lookstein who has been a teacher, mentor, and beloved rabbi of our community. × We are delighted to celebrate you as a nonagenarian!!! × Mazel Tov Iris & Ilan Cohen


Lookstein family photo


× × × Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Rabbi Lookstein! Thank you for helping to create an incredible community and second home for our family. We are ×grateful for your dedication, kindness, and wisdom. × With appreciation, Lisa & Richard Cohen


× × Rabbi Lookstein, You are the greatest pulpit rabbi of your generation. But most importantly, you are a mensch and you taught us all×Menschlechkiet. You are a beacon for the entire community and we cherish×everything you have done for our family, our community, and for Klal Yisrael. × The Eisman/Cohen Family


× Rabbi Haskel Lookstein A True Giant Among×Men, in All Times × What do we say about our dear Friend, Rabbi, Teacher, and Leader? × We feel blessed by the Almighty to have you and hope that the Almighty continues to bless×you and Mrs. Lookstein. × HAPPY BIRTHDAY! × With deepest gratitude, respect, and love, Sherry, Neil, and Beckie ×



× × × Happy birthday Rabbi Lookstein on this×meaningful occasion. × Thanks so much for your leadership of KJ-Ramaz these so many past challenging years. Most importantly thanks for helping instill in our children a love for their fellow Jews,×Judaism, and Israel. × Please God, may we all celebrate many more of×your birthdays. × Carole & Seymour Cohen



× × × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, ×× You have been an integral and important part of our lives since 1973. You welcomed us to KJ with a Shabbat dinner at your home. You were present at the Bris of our son, Harlan, his Bar Mitzvah, and the Bat Mitzvah of our daughter, Lauren. We were honored that you officiated at Harlan's wedding in Pennsylvania and that you were involved in Lauren's wedding as well. We very much appreciate that you have been there for us and our family during happy times and sad.× × We are thrilled to be able to wish you a very Happy Birthday and many, many more healthy and happy ones for you with Audrey. × Sincerely, Hollace & Steve Cohen ×


× × Dear Rabbi, Over a quarter of a century has past since you and Audrey welcomed us into the KJ family. We've shared so many occasions, really too many to count, that have enriched both our lives including special memories of Pesach with you and Audrey in Israel and in Prague. God willing we will continue to enjoy many happy times together in the years ahead. Fondly, Ruth & Moshe Corson ×


× × × Rabbi LooksteinMazel Tov and thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for our family and for the Jewish people. × Love, Joshua, Rachel, James, Jackie, Georgia, and×Bobby Crane ×


× × Special wishes on your 90th birthday for a year of good health and happiness with Audrey and ‫כל המשפחה‬. × I was honored and enjoyed your ‫ נביא‬class in 7th grade on ‫שמואל א‬. (Secret - every time I see you, I think you'll make me recite ‫תפילת חנה‬.) × The Baal Shem Tov says when you have a birthday, you recite a ‫ תהלים‬that corresponds to your birthday plus 1.× ‫תהלים צ"א‬- "‫"ארך ימים אשביעהו ואראהו בישועתי‬ × Vivian Creizman


× × × × Dear Rabbi Haskel, I, as well as the community at large, have long valued your leadership not only of KJ but also in terms of the important Jewish issues for which you have given voice. × On a more personal level, I truly value yours and Audrey's friendship. × With love and admiration, Sharon Dane


KJ Archives


× × Rabbi LooksteinWhat comes to my mind right away is how magnificent and melodious you sound whenever you sing or daven. × You have held all of us together in good times and in bad times. × Not only are you a great, memorable and creative rabbi but you also bring with you a very special and extraordinary family! × Marvin Davenport


× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, It is indeed a great honor and privilege for me to be a participant in the celebration×of your milestone birthday. Mazel Tov and×congratulations to you, Audrey, and to your×entire family. The relationship my family and I have×had with you goes back over 60 years when my brother, Marvin and I entered×the first grade at Ramaz. When we moved to the Eastside from×Washington Heights in 1964, my mother, of blessed memory, immediately got involved with KJ where she became very active in the Sisterhood and the "Am HaSefer " group, while my father, of blessed memory, joined the Men's Club. Thank you for your continual support,×compassion, and spiritual guidance. Enjoy your special day and may×you be blessed with many more. Steven Davenport



KJ Archives Photo Credit: Gideon Lewin


× × × Happy 90th birthday to Rabbi Lookstein × To many years of good health and happiness... to 120! × Jeremy Deutsch & Lisa Sopher-Deutsch ×


KJ Archives Photo Credit: Yeshiva University


Dearest Rabbi Lookstein, (Yes, another note from us) From the bottom of our hearts, Mazel Tov on this spectacular event to honor you, our spectacular rabbi! × We have been the recipients of your wonderful, inspiring, and most sincere leadership for over 43 years. What can we add to our many notes? Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun would never been as successful without you. The Upper East Side would never have been as vibrant an Orthodox community without you. × You have enhanced every simcha, and you always have just the right words at sadder times. ×Your sensitivity knows no bounds! And your Ne'ilah....you know how we feel! × We are thrilled to schep nachas from you and Audrey, and we are so sorry we will have to be with you virtually! (Save us some of your best hugs.) × With love from your greatest fans, Rita & Fred


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Dear Haskel,

Hooray! Ageless and Appreciated! Spirited and Spiritual! Kauses Kvelling in Kongregants! Energetic and Enthusiastic! Leader beloved and admired by all! Mazel Tov, dear Haskel and Audrey! L’Chaim ‘til 120! With warmest congratulations, Elisabeth and Alan Doft (“El-Al”)


× Dear Rabbi Lookstein, You have been there for all the important×occasions in my life. Camp Massad as a first time camper, my bat mitzvah, my high school×graduation, my wedding, the bris of each of my sons, and last but definitely×not least, our new grandson Eddie's bris. Not only have you been there for all these milestones but you have offered me support, guidance, inspiration, and spiritual leadership for over 50 years! Thank you, thank you for your tremendous friendship. × May you and your wonderful wife continue to enjoy each other in×good health. × Debbie & Michael Doppelt


× Rabbi Lookstein Mazel Tov on reaching this significant milestone. × Ahd Me'ah V'esrim! × Monita & Charles Edelsburg ×


× × × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, My family and I wish×you and Audrey good health and nachat from×your wonderful family and from all your×incredible communal endeavors, for 120 years. × With respect and gratitude, Roz Eisenberg ×



ʬʠʷʦʧʩ ʡʸʤ ʥʰʩʡʸʥ ʥʰʩʸʥʮ ʣʥʡʫʬ ʬʠʸʹʩ ʬʬʫʬ ʲʩʩʱʮʥ ʸʦʥʲʤ ʯʥʸʥʹʩ ʺʬʩʤʷ ʬʹ ʩʹʠʸ ʡʸʫ ʯʤʩʫ ʯʥʰʧʥ ʭʥʧʸ ʪʬʮʤ ʩʰʴʬ ʭʩʬʬʴʺʮʹ ʯʫʩʤ ʺʥʠʥ ʺʥʠ ʬʫ ʬʲ ʷʩʩʣʮʤ ʠʸʥʷ ʬʲʡ ʺʥʧʡʹʺʡ ʬʬʥʤʮ ʪʬʮ ʩʰʴʬ ʡʸʲ ʬʥʷ ʭʲ ʤʡʩʺʤ ʩʰʴʬ ʸʡʥʲʥ ʡʬʤ ʺʠ ʸʸʥʲʮʤ ʣʧʥʩʮ ʯʹʸʣ ʯʡʥʮʫʥ ʡʤʠʺʮ ʭʩʮʹ ʭʹʡ ʲʮʥʹʤʥ ʺʡʹʷ ʯʦʥʠʥ ʧʥʺʴ ʡʬ ʭʲ ʯʫʥʮ ʣʩʮʺ ʺʡʸʷʮ ʯʩʮʩ ʣʩ ʭʲ ʣʧʩ ʣʩʮʺ ʭʩʠʡʤ ʭʩʮʥʺʩʥ ʺʥʰʮʬʠ ʬʹ ʭʸʲʶʡ ʳʺʺʹʮʤ ʭʩʩʥʡʹ ʯʥʩʣʴʬʥ ʭʩʩʰʲ ʺʱʰʸʴʬ ʤʸʦʲ ʺʡʥʺʫʥ ʭʩʸʹʲʥ ʤʠʮʬ ʪʸʣʡ ʭʩʲʹʺ ʬʩʢʬ ʡʸʷʺʤʡʥ ʭʩʰʹʥ ʭʩʮʩ ʺʥʫʩʸʠ ʯʩʩʨʹʷʥʬ ʡʸʬ ʭʩʬʧʠʮ !ʡʥʨ ʬʦʮ Shlomit & Chaim Edelstein Shira & Daniel Edelstein and family Elizabeth & Ariel Edelstein and family


KJ Archives Photo Credit: Yeshiva University


× × To our dear Rabbi, We feel fortunate to have you and Audrey as our leaders in every way and enriching our lives. Sandy loved the two of you, your children, and parents. You were all a great influence in his life -- everything he did was for the LOOKSTEIN family. Love you, The Eisenstat Family


Rabbi Lookstein, The leadership and vision you have provided to the Jewish community is remarkable. Your wisdom and guidance has inspired so many of us to continue to learn and grow. Thank you for all that you continue to do for the Jewish people. Thank you, Stacie Glick and Shaan Elbaum


× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, We wish you a happy birthday. This milestone is truly a communal Simcha. We thank you for letting us benefit from your wisdom for so many years. We are grateful for your timeless dedication to KJ making this house of worship a pillar of modern Orthodoxy. You have done so much for so many. We wish you and Audrey good health×and happiness. × Cindy & Stuart Ellman


KJ Archives


× × Rabbi Lookstein, Mazel Tov on this momentous milestone and achievement! We are honored to celebrate together with you! × James & Kimberly Englund× ×


× × The story of KJ is a history of families. As a third generation member of one of them, I have felt a very personal connection to Rabbi Haskel, who was in about the same position in the Lookstein family, albeit a decade older than I. So, his 90th birthday sends out wider celebratory waves into the KJ community and calls for thanks to Hashem for granting Rabbi Haskel the Koach to have rendered the service he has and for us in the community to have been blessed to benefit from it. × One cannot count on 120 years of life nor aspire to carry out taryag mitzvot in the time granted to us, but we can wish Rabbi Haskel a Yashir Koach for both the past and for whatever further opportunities await him to fill his world and ours with his special ruach and verve, so fully displayed in the past on the basketball court and the bimah. × Behatzlacha! × Aaron Etra


× × Rabbi Lookstein Thank you for all good×memories and best wishes for×the future. × × Lionel Etra ×


KJ Archives


× × Rabbi Lookstein, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We are so happy to continue×celebrating many generations of Looksteins and Etras×together. × With love, admiration, and friendship, The Etra Famiy ×


KJ Archives Photo Credit: Isaac Berez


× × As a suburban kid newly arrived at Ramaz for high school, I joked that if Rabbi Bakst was Darth Vader - the scary second-in-command dressed in all black - then Rabbi Lookstein must have been the Emperor - the rarely seen, and even scarier, ultimate power behind the throne. I also could not comprehend why so many of my classmates cared so deeply about KJ.

× Nearly a decade after high school, when Rebecca and I were engaged and planning to move to the East Side once we married, we asked Rabbi Lookstein to perform our wedding. When we met with him in advance, we gained an entirely different view of him:× caring, thoughtful, understanding of where we were each coming from and perceptive about how to follow in Aharon's footsteps of bringing us closer to Torah through kindness. Needless to say, we also gained an entirely different view of KJ.

× Over the years since we've joined the community, we've been touched by Rabbi Lookstein's thoughtfulness and kindness, dropping a kind word in just the right tone at just the right time.××

× Olam Chesed Yibaneh - you may not be the Emperor, but you truly have built an empire.××

× Mazel Tov! Evan Farber



× ‫×רבי חנינא ורבי מרינוס תרויהון אמרין בשם אבא נהוראי בשעה שהיה אדם אומר דבר‬ ‫מתוקן לפני ר' טרפון היה אומר כפתור ופרח‬ Midrash Raba Bereshit, 91 × As Rabbi Tarfon said above - This is truly the hour that all is Mitukan. We wish Rabbi Lookstein Kaftor v'Perach. × Happy Birthday Rabbi Lookstein! × We are so grateful to you for your influence on our family. You continue to inspire us every day. × May Hashem grant you continued good health and happiness, together with Audrey and your wonderful family. × Rabbi, every day is a privilege and an honor. × Dina & Jacques Farhi Simon '98, Lilach, and Daniel Farhi Talia '01, Josh, Jacob, and Gabriel Sadres


× We recall how you welcomed us to this community some 27+ years ago, how you visited us with our newborn twins (Jared and Talia). You are the epitome of a communal rabbi, ministering to the sick, the grieving, and×the joyous. What a pleasure to witness your 90th birthday! × May you continue to enjoy good health and the warmth and comfort of this community! × Much love, The Feingold Family


aijņĮƵŜĈ Rav Lookstein,΄our younger contemporary,΄ upon his 90th×birthday Carole & Arnold Feldman


KJ Archives


Happy birthday, Rabbi Lookstein. You have always told us, "If something's worth doing, it's worth doing right."× Well, Rabbi, you've done it right. We are profoundly grateful for your leadership, guidance, mentorship, advice, caring, support, teaching, and friendship. We pray that God may bless you and Audrey with good health, happiness, fulfillment, and nachas from your family and the community you built and shepherded. And may He grant you both many more years of doing things right. With love, deep respect, and admiration, Rachel, Roy, Charlotte, and Millie Feldman


In Honor of× Rabbi Lookstein As a Ramaz and×KJ family, we have been inspired by the life×you have led and the lessons you have taught×us all. We have seen your devotion to Torah and to×your family and community, and we have always×felt your warm and generous spirit extended to×each of us personally. × May God grant you many years of health, peace, and the ability to continue to inspire. × Happy Birthday and Mazel Tov! × Chaiki, Ziel, Jordan, Adam, and Leila Feldman


× × We sincerely thank Rabbi Haskel Lookstein who has continued to meaningfully touch×the lives of us all. We remain grateful for your guidance and for your leadership. Miriam & Eric


× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Celebrating life with×you is a blessing. May you continue to have blessings of health, family, prosperity and all good. It is wonderful that you are forever active in this remarkable community that you built. Continue to thrive and let us continue to be treated to your special davening. × David Fields


Mazel Tov Rabbi Lookstein on×this very special milestone. Sylvia & Bert Fisher


KJ Archives


× × "Just as a person is commanded to honor and revere his father, so he is under an obligation to honor and revere his teacher, even to a greater extent than his father, for his father gave him life in this world, while his teacher who instructs him in wisdom secures for him life in the world to come." -Maimonides, Mishneh Torah 5:1 × Rabbi Lookstein - you have been our leader, mentor, advisor, officiator, and, of course, our teacher, for more than four decades. During that time, you have modeled a love of Yiddishkeit, Torah, Mitzvot, Israel, and Chesed, among many other admirable pursuits, and have set the standard for how one's life should be lived. We have learned so much from you over the years but most importantly, how to be a mensch, which is ultimately what being human is all about. × Wishing you much love, health, and happiness on this amazing milestone in your life and continued nachat from your amazing family. × With love, Nicole, Jeff, Gabe, Jack, and Matthew Fisher


KJ Archives


Rabbi Lookstein Best wishes for many more years in good×health and happiness. Mazel Tov! Janie & Robert Fisher


KJ Archives


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, It is with great gratitude that we join with KJ to celebrate on the occasion of your 90th birthday. You are the reason we moved into this community 17 years ago to be part of the KJ world. We have not been disappointed. On the contrary, we have been elevated by your leadership to a place that we didn't think we could get to. We pray that Hashem grant you and Mrs. Lookstein many more years of good health and strength so that you can continue to do what you do so well!!! Josh & Lynne Fishman


To Our Dear Rabbi Lookstein ...


Ruthi and I are both very fond of Rabbi Lookstein and admire him immensely! I will never forget several occasions in which I witnessed a man who has the priority of putting his school, shul and most importantly his students first. I remember vividly the phone call from the Rabbi's secretary for a meeting on July 13, 2011, to discuss a major fund-raising project for Ramaz. I woke up early Tuesday morning, July 12, and was horrified to see the KJ Shul was smoldering from a major fire, and our Rabbi Lookstein being interviewed by the several TV news channels with the commotion of fire trucks and hoses all around 85th×street. Needless to say, I then presumed that my meeting would be postponed for several days if not weeks. I called the Rabbi's office and told them that I would be very understanding if they needed to reschedule my face to face with the Rabbi. Five minutes later, I receive a phone call from none other than Rabbi Lookstein himself saying, "Rafi, of course we will have our meeting as scheduled!" Wow. I realized that here is a man who is so dedicated to building up the community for his congregants and students that nothing can stop him. You fall down, but dust yourself and keep on marching forward. Kol hakavod. I have many other stories of how my daughters were so inspired by the rabbi including many from their Bat Mitzvah celebrations that I was very honored that Audrey and the Rabbi attended. With all our heart and soul we wish the Rabbi and Audrey chaim tovim filled with good health and nachat. Ruthi & Rafi Fouzailoff Sheli, Orli, and Talia


Lookstein family photo


Happy 90th Rabbi Lookstein and many many more until 120! You have served as inspiration on so many levels to the community and to us personally for the forty years we have been members of KJ. You have always been there for all of us whether in celebratory times or in difficult times. May you continue to inspire us for many years to come. With great fondness, Martine & Leo Fox and family



We are grateful to live in the Ramaz/KJ×community where our three children can attend×the preeminent Modern Orthodox Yeshiva Day×School and be part of a vibrant shul/school×environment that reinforces the importance of×Orthodox Judaism. We thank you, Rabbi Lookstein, for building×this towering empire. May you continue to lead this great×congregation ad meah v'esrim shana. With unending appreciation, Gabriella & David Fridman Morrie, Flora, and Mila


Rabbi Lookstein, you are one of a kind. You are so much more than a great leader in our community and in world Jewry. You are caring, sensitive, devoted, dedicated, loyal, steadfast in your views and principles, and you continuously give selflessly of yourself. Our family will always be grateful to you as the recipients of these beautiful qualities. We are so thankful to have you, Rabbi Lookstein, as our rabbi, our teacher, our friend, and our neighbor. With utmost respect and admiration, we are privileged to celebrate your achievements. May God grant you, your wonderful wife, Audrey,×and your beautiful family, good health and many continued years to lead your people with joy. Anne & Natalio Fridman and family


With gratitude to Hashem we are overjoyed at the opportunity to send our very best wishes×to Rabbi Haskel Lookstein and Audrey Lookstein on the occasion of the celebration of our Rebbe's 90th Birthday. May you continue to be×a model of leadership, teaching, davening, and×menschlichkeit for many years to come. Marylène & Alan Friedman


KJ Archives Photo Credit: Gertz Bros.


In honor of Audrey and Rabbi LooksteinTo a wonderful couple, terrific parents, an×amazing rabbi, my teacher in high school and×until today! We have been so enriched by our relationship with you for all these decades. You remain our beloved Rabbi and Rabbanit, who give so much of yourselves to all of us. ‫השיר לא תם הוא רק מתחיל!× בע״ה‬ With love, kavod, and beyididut, Mark×& Rosie Friedman


Rabbi Lookstein, I congratulate you on this×special birthday and wish you×more years of good health, joy,×and nachas. Shirley Friedman


Dear Rabbi Lookstein and Audrey, Our stories together are numerous and all filled with a big smile. We especially remember you playing basketball in the Middle School gym at Josh's One Family Fund basketball tournament, dancing with Natalie at her bar mitzvah, and your lovely notes to Natalie and Josh when they brought the money from their lemonade stands to the KJ office. We will always remember the shiva call you made in Del Rey Beach when Barry's father passed away - that was a turning point for us - we knew then how much our family could grow, learn, and take the right actions with you as our spiritual leader. We thank you for all you have generously given to us. PS Audrey, I still have the brown NorthFace coat and every time I pull it out to wear - I think of you. Lots of love and may you be blessed with much joy on this BIG birthday. Debra & Barry Frohlinger


KJ Archives Photo Credit: Isaac Berez


In honor of Rabbi Lookstein Ad Meah keEsrim!

‫ עד‬100 ‫ כ‬20

With our admiration, Ronalee & Russell


Rabbi Lookstein, We are so blessed to celebrate this incredible milestone with you, your family, and the community. Through your invaluable guidance, leadership, and care, the CKJ community has thrived and provided a meaningful, warm, and learned environment for all of us. The lessons and fundamental values gained at CKJ have deeply impacted us and will serve as a solid foundation throughout our lives. One of the three principle teachings in the first Mishnah of the Avot is ‫" העמידו תלמידים הרבה‬raise up many disciples." Through your exemplary leadership, we and our children have not only learned from your classes and teachings, but also your countless acts of Tzedakah. You have taught, modeled, and raised generations and generations of Jewish families and you are an inspiration to us all. The Geller Family×


Mazel Tov to Rabbi Lookstein on this milestone year! I can only take my place in a long line of respect and admiration.× To me, you are the ultimate rabbi, a rabbi I would describe as "tsum Gott und tsum lahyte" - for God and for man. Scholar, leader, and mensch. Wishing you the good health to continue as KJ's - and the Lookstein family's - steady beacon ‫עד מאה ועשרים שנה‬. Rose Gerszberg×


KJ Archives Photo Credit: Yeshiva University


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Thank you for all you have done for our family. ×You have been our rabbi, our principal, our teacher, and our friend. Mazel Tov on your birthday! May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live. Karen & Dr. Allan Gibofsky Jessica & Lewis Gibofsky Esther & Adam Rattner Laura Gibofsky


Dear honorable and esteemed Rabbi Lookstein, Thank you for being our spiritual leader, mentor, educator, and friend throughout the many years that we are honored to know you. Mazel Tov on your birthday! We are thrilled to celebrate with you. We look×forward to celebrating many more, BH! Warmly, Jane & Ishaia Gol Yoni Pasha & Ari


Rabbi Lookstein-Í Happy Birthday!× Thank you for the bright light you shine on our community!× Lorraine & David Gold


KJ Archives


× × × Always exciting to see the rabbi at the daily minyan, not just because of his sartorial elegance but his arrival means that whoever is leading the services, mindful of his presence, will daven slowly and with care. For 120! × Bernard Goldberg


× Tov Mazel Rabbi Lookstein! Ad me'ah v'esrim! Paulette ×Goldberg


Our beloved Rabbi Lookstein, You have always been by our side! For every simcha - for every moment of sorrow your shoulder - your ears are always there. We cherish you as a human being and a great leader, "a΄giant of a man." Now it's our time to toast our "rabbi for all seasons"! Saul & Dale Goldberg and Family΄


Mazel Tov to our esteemed Rabbi Lookstein. You have given us so much; you are our spiritual leader, our×mentor, our teacher and guide. And you wrote the letter that allowed us to make Aliyah! It has been a privilege and an honor to be your students and part×of your flock. May we celebrate many more birthdays with you. (You seem to get younger and more energetic each year!) With×gratitude, admiration, and sincere best wishes, Zella &×Glenn Goldfinger


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Wishing you ‫עד מאה ועשרים שנה‬. And may all the years be healthy and happy and shared with Audrey. You are beloved. Warmly, Naomi & Gerry Goldstein


KJ Archives


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, It is with heartfelt affection and appreciation that we wish×you×a wonderful 90th birthday. You are representative of the best in modern orthodox leadership, a passionate×activist, and the×pastoral leader of a vast and varied synagogue and school.×Remarkably, despite the many demands placed on you, we have been incredibly×fortunate to have you by our family's side for every stage of life. From hospital visits welcoming a baby, the powerful way you speak to a×Bar/Bat-Mitzvah,×the advice and brachot you give at×weddings,×the tremendous comfort you provide mourners, or simply late-night phone calls to discuss issues concerning the community, you manage to find the time to be there. Perhaps you have a secret twin? It is so meaningful to us that our children feel connected to you and look to you as a role model. We are grateful for all you and Audrey have done for us and our family. We wish you many more years of health, happiness, enjoyment of your wonderful family and many more years of your×inspiring and energetic Neilah.× With love, Eric & Yonina Gomberg


Goodstein family photo


Rabbi Lookstein hayakar, Mazel Tov on this milestone birthday! May it be your best birthday,× ever!! You have been an inspiration to me and my loved ones, including my beloved mother Arlene, Z"L, sister Shari, and now to my precious Juliette. Your participation and encouragement during my journey with Juliette has been΄ priceless, and deeply appreciated. I know she misses seeing you in the Ramaz΄ hallways, and will miss taking your Sex Ed course! In all seriousness, may you know good health, joy and nachat for many, many years to come. Warmest wishes, Vivian and Juliette Goodstein


Mazel Tov and warm wishes on this auspicious occasion. Goldie & I. David Gordon and family


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, It's a joy to wish×you Mazel Tov on reaching this×milestone birthday. You have touched and inspired 4 generations of×the Gottesman family. We are grateful to have had and have a rabbi we respect, admire, and love so much. With all our best wishes, Ruth & Sandy Trudy &×Bob Kol HaMishpacha Gottesman


KJ Archives


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, On behalf of all the Grafsteins, allow us to wish you a resounding Mazel Tov on this landmark birthday.× We want to express our profound gratitude for your inspirational leadership, for your tireless and always cheerful service to our community, and for the lessons we have learned from you and Audrey as teachers and role models.× Your impact on New York, Israel and the Jewish people through the challenges of many decades has been extraordinary and will always be remembered. Like Avraham Avinu and Moshe Rabbeinu, you have led through the force of your example and your personal vitality. Most of all, we are humbled by our good fortune in meeting you and are deeply thankful for all you have meant for our entire family.× We look forward to celebrating future smachot with you and hope we can be worthy of all the mitzvot you have performed on our behalf.× Let us take the opportunity to wish you and your entire, wonderful family all the very best. Yours very truly, Rebecca & Larry× Daniel, Edward, and Isaac


× × × Happy birthday Rabbi Lookstein! Our beloved rabbi, teacher and friend! May you enjoy nachat from your beautiful family "ad meah ve'esrim".× × Wendy & Sholem Greenbaum ×


Dear Rabbi, We are so grateful for your advice and wisdom, and feel honored to be an active part of the community that you have built at KJ and Ramaz. Mazel Tov on this milestone birthday! !‫עד מאה כעשרים‬ Carin, Eric, Alexa, Charles, and William Gribetz×



NINE DECADES OF ACHIEVMENT....AMAZING ! Karen & Ira Gronowitz


KJ Archives 1978


Happy Birthday from Georgie (Georgie 1), my children and me. You certainly define the meaning of 'young' when placed after the age of anyone over a certain age. Your unflagging energy can at times exhaust we mere mortals. Your willingness to listen to views that do not match your own (and at times even alter yours slightly) is unmatched. Your constructive criticism is always delivered with a light and often humorous touch. Above all, you remain the kind and caring mentor and rabbi we have depended on for most of our lives. You taught me for my Bar Mitzvah and was a teacher to both of us in× Ramaz. You officiated at our wedding and at the funerals of our parents. You celebrated the births, Bat Mitzvahs, and weddings of our daughters. Most important, you and Audrey have always been there for us. Our families have been linked for generations. We expect to continue to learn from you and be advised by you for many years to come. With all our respect and love, Georgie & Steve Gross


KJ Archives September 1980 Photo Credit: Isaac Berez


Happy birthday Rabbi Lookstein! Wishing you health, joy and happiness on this special day. On this milestone we wish that you continue to radiate your love and wisdom to all those that are lucky enough to come into your life.× Thank you Rabbi for your support, understanding, and guidance. Special thanks for finding the right Sunday to celebrate Samantha's bat mitzvah.×It was an honor to have you officiating on our daughter's special day. Much love and respect, The Grossman Family


Dear Audrey and Rabbi Lookstein, When we met you and Audrey in 1976 it was just 3 years after we emigrated to New York from the USSR and my son, Ilya, was 5 years old. You accepted him to Ramaz and that began a friendship and community that has spanned 45 years. Your Ǚrst gracious act was inviting us to your home for Rosh Hashana. We met Audrey, your children and your father (and for the Ǚrst time we smelled and ate delicious cholent.) You, by your personal example, have inǚuenced us so much, shaped our American life, strengthened our Jewish values To this day, I have never forgotten: How you came to visit Ilya in the hospital when his eyes were hit by hockey puck and his vision was in question. How you helped me with Ilya's Bar Mitzvah which was such a new and special experience for the whole family. How you helped me when my dear mother and father passed away. Also, on the happy side, my dear grandsons, Max and Levitt Grozovsky, each had their Brit Mila at KJ. I count you and Audrey among my blessings and, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you both for embracing us, for your friendship, and your guidance through thick and thin. I wish you to be healthy and active until 120. L'Chaim! Dr. Inna Bakker


To our Rabbi, Leader, Teacher, Visionary, and Friend, You have been the lodestar for so many people for so many years, and mine for 45 years. Happy 90th! I look forward to many more! With utmost respect, Ilya Grozovsky '89×


Lookstein family photo


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, I have been fortunate to pray with you,×work with you, act with you, sing with you, dance with you, cry×with you, laugh with you, learn from you, agree with you,×disagree with you, and share my feelings with you... Your leadership in this community, and the greater Jewish×community, is second to none. And your spousal choice - brilliant.... May you continue to celebrate together with Audrey and your×entire family until 120 - and may your incredible energy×never cease!! Happy 90th Birthday, Lynnette


Rabbi Lookstein, Mazel Tov to you and your family on this wonderful milestone. We are grateful for your years of chesed, wisdom and ahavat Yisrael, and look forward to many more. Nicole & David Gruenstein


Our best wishes to Rabbi Lookstein on this×great milestone. Thank you for all your efforts to provide a modern orthodox community in which our family has thrived and reaped many benefits×over decades. With best wishes for many happy returns, Judy,×Marty, Avi, Leah, Alexandra, Duvi &×Daniella Grumet


KJ Archives Photo Credit: Isaac Berez


Dear Rabbi Lookstein: For our family, our relationship with×you, Rabbi Lookstein, is very personal. As officers of KJ and Ramaz, we had the privilege of working with×you for many years. You officiated at the weddings of our children and grandchildren×as well as the funerals of our parents and at many other×family occasions. You, Rabbi Lookstein, were and are the rabbi and teacher×of thousands. You are looked up to for your wisdom in melding beautiful×philosophy with traditional Judaism. It is our privilege to consider you and Audrey as friends and we×wish you both health and strength to continue for many years×to come. With fondest regards, Rae & Stanley Gurewitsch


× "If your actions inspire others to dream×more, learn more, do more and become more, you×are a leader." (John Quincy Adams)

× × Dear×Rabbi Lookstein, You have been a leader for three generations of our family. × With loving-kindness and wisdom, you have×guided us. × We are immensely grateful. × Gilda Guttman and family


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, The relationship that we share is one of the great privileges of my life -- I am so fortunate to be able to call you my trusted advisor, unwavering champion, and lifelong friend. I am forever grateful for your constant support and for all that you have taught me. Mazel tov on your 90th birthday! May you continue to go from strength to strength until 120 with the incredible optimism, youthful spirit, and joie de vivre with which you have been blessed. Rebecca Guttman Wichs


KJ Archives


In honor of Rabbi Haskel Lookstein and with×gratitude for your friendship, your caring,×your teaching, and your inspiration.× The Gyenes Family


Lookstein family photo


Jill and Jimmy Haber, their children, and grandchildren, wish Rabbi Lookstein a very happy and meaningful birthday. We thank you for being the inspirational and spiritual leader of×KJ. We are blessed as a community to have you in our lives. We look forward to celebrating together your next 30 birthdays (or the arrival of the mashiach, whichever is sooner). I believe it is too much to wish for, even for your 90th birthday, a world championship for the Mets, so we will pray for your continued good health and happiness. All the best.


Our parents Zev and Pearl Hack, alav ha-shalom, adored Haskel and Audrey who have been part of our family's lives for many decades. Together they envisioned and created the rooftop garden atop the Ramaz School. In honor of their memory, with our fondness for the Lookstein Reb and Rebbetzin, a righteous and loving couple, we join Kehilath Jeshurun members in celebrating Haskel's 90th birthday, saying, Bis hundert und tsvantsik! We are on three continents - Rosh Ayin, Israel; Lausanne, Switzerland; Manassas, VA - in other congregations - yet we will be with you in spirit when you rejoice these wonderful Tzadikim. Nadine, Bruce, and Jeff Hack


Mazel Tov Rabbi Lookstein on your×90th birthday. I am honored to have known you for close to 40×years of my life. As a graduate of Ramaz you were instrumental×in my life as a stellar example of modern orthodoxy. You have and continue to be a role model for×your graduates, congregants, and the world×at large. My family and I wish you a long, happy, and×healthy life for many years to come. Jill Haft and family



× × Mazel Tov Rabbi Lookstein! × To all who were fortunate enough to be in your presence you always demonstrated your integrity, ethics, compassion and generosity of soul. Wishing you the very best that life has to offer! You are so entitled to it! × Shirley Harrison


× × Wishing Rabbi Lookstein health, happiness, and to be×surrounded by his wonderful×family and×congregation until 120! × Michael & Helene Hartig ×


× × × Rabbi Lookstein, With gratitude to you as×our role model for a lifetime of ahavat×yisrael, derech eretz, and menschlichkeit. × Mazel Tov, ad me'ah v'esrim, × Laurel×Eve Henschel ×


KJ Archives


Happy 90th birthday to our beloved Camp Massad,΄ Ramaz and KJ rabbi. We wish you and the entire Lookstein family a warm and΄heartfelt Mazel Tov! Michele, Ari, Zach, and Rebecca Hering


KJ Archives


× × × We are blessed to be able to share this×significant milestone in the life of RabbiÍLookstein, our spiritual leader and cousin, who has devoted himself so beautifully and×unfailingly to KJ, his community, Israel, all×Jews in general, and to us and the rest of our wider family personally in many valuable and memorable ways. × May we all be further blessed with his guidance and love, and may God grant him and Audrey good health and much strength in the×years to come. × Kathy & Jonathan Herman


Hirschfeld family photos


Dear Beloved Rabbi Lookstein, We are ever inspired by your faith, your intellect and your wisdom,΄ as well as your profound Menschlichkeit. (Not to mention your΄ athletic prowess.) You are ever an example for our entire family. We wish you and Audrey and your family Mazel Tov and Yesher Koach on your first 9 decades. May you go from strength to strength. Kol Ha Kavod! Here's to Me'ah V'Esrim Sarah & Elie Hirschfeld and family


× × Happy Birthday Rabbi Lookstein. It's an honor to celebrate this occasion. You have inspired several generations of our family and continue to energize and teach us every day. × Suzan & Mitchell Hochberg


B"H Rabbi Lookstein, Mazel Tov on reaching this milestone birthday. Thank you×for your lifetime of service to CKJ and the Jewish community at large, both here and in Medinat Yisrael, where you have always been a respected rabbinic voice. Most important, you have built a modern orthodox synagogue that is welcoming to Jews of all backgrounds. May Hashem give you strength to continue your good work for years to come. Sincerely, Diane H.


KJ Archives


Dear Rabbi LooksteinWishing you a×happy birthday. Thank you for all you have meant to our family through the years. May you have many, many more years in×good health. Vicki, Isaac, Alieza, David, and×Gabriel Hoffman


Thank you, Rabbi Lookstein, for all that you have done for our×community, global Jewry and indeed the United States. We have all benefited from your tireless leadership, your extraordinary vision and, on a more personal level, the breadth of your humanity and kindness. As 30-something-year-olds over 25 years ago, just joining KJ, it×was an intimidating experience. But you made us feel welcome, and we have cherished our association ever since. We are so fortunate to have you as part of our lives. Happy birthday! Rena, Caroline, Jeremy, and Scott Hoffman


It is in the smallest of hours, the quietest of moments, the darkest of circumstances that our dear and cherished rabbi shines most. On this great occasion and great milestone, we can only but offer our profoundest thanks to Rabbi Lookstein for making our lives more wholesome and our Judaism more meaningful. We simply cannot share the moments when the rabbi has offered his great chesed to our family. These have been moments of great challenge, after all. But we only pray that the rabbi's monumental chesed merits him many, many more years of chizuk, mazal, nachas and bracha, not just for him and his family, but perhaps - with Hashem's grace - for the entire KJ community and Klal Yisrael. Mazel Tov! Rabbi, may you only go from strength to strength! With love, Chani, JJ, Aliza, Ava, and Jonah Hornblass


KJ Archives


Dear Rabbi Haskel, Happy Birthday! We stand in awe of your incredible×contributions to family, community, worldwide×Jewry, and humankind. May you continue to bless us all with your and×Audrey's presence... "'til 100, like×20!" Wendy & Sidney Ingber


Happy 90th birthday, Rabbi. You are amazing. You continue to grace us with your wisdom,΄ passion, and kindness. I hope that you and Audrey continue your΄ valued presence in our community in good health for many years. One memory that always stands out in my mind was your΄ remarkable leadership that Shabbat after the trauma of 9-11. Your΄ decision to invite to shul several firefighters from the firehouse΄ down the street which lost× nine×of its members struck exactly the΄ right note, as reflected in the long standing ovation for the΄ firefighters. Your sensitivity at that critical moment was so important΄ for our community. Finally, I treasure the support you have given me over the years. Mazel Tov! Kenny Jacobson


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Wishing our beloved Rabbi a very happy birthday in good health×and happiness. Thank you for your love and support rearing our three children. Ad Me'ah V'esrim! Love, Terry & Michael Jaspan


Jaspan family photo


Dear Rabbi Lookstein: We are grateful to you for having celebrated at our family smachot, beginning with your officiating at our wedding on June 21, 1992, which is also your wedding anniversary. Thus, we must also give thanks and gratitude to Mrs. Lookstein for having dedicated herself to the community.××We have exchanged annual anniversary wishes for 29 years, and b''h this will continue for many more. You were in attendance at the bris for each of our sons, Joshua, Benjamin and Daniel. Your familial participation continued for each son's Bar Mitzvah and Caroline's Bat Mitzvah.×We were very sorry you were unable to attend Joshua's wedding in Cleveland. We are eternally indebted to you for your wise counsel for religious and personal matters. Ronald remembers the day you moved in and came up to his family's apartment wearing your vest with your sleeves rolled up to report that the bathtub water was overflowing down to your apartment-what a way to welcome you! Your astounding devotion to the KJ community has no bounds. Todah rabbah! Yom Huledet Sameach! Ad Meah V'Esrim! With love and gratitude, Michele & Ronald Jaspan Joshua, Sarah, Benjamin, Daniel, Caroline, Ariella, and Adina Jaspan


Our fondest congratulations to Rabbi Haskel May you and Audrey and the two of us continue to share "nachas" as we go from being "young×marrieds" to "old marrieds." Sue & Norman Javitt


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Nearly 8 years ago Henriette and I were confronted with a dilemma. We were either going to live in Manhattan and our children would attend×Ramaz×and our family would become members of the KJ community, or we would need to consider another place to live. The priority for us was to be a part of a robust, modern orthodox environment for our children and to provide our growing×family with the perfect balance and an ideal upbringing.× Between KJ Synagogue and Ramaz School, both of which are suffused with your unique leadership, vision and spirit, we have received so much more than we ever imagined! Isaac, Abraham, Joshua are growing Jewishly, and Henriette and I have sunk deep roots.× Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Henriette & Joseph Jemal


KJ Archives Photo Credit: Isaac Berez


Dear Haskel, Our Schlang genes are strong, but we suspect that a great deal of your successful career, health, and well-being is due to Audrey. We wish you all good things that life has to offer. Mazel Tov on reaching this milestone. Judy, Bob, Suzi, Jonny, Kathy, Steve L., Robbin, Steve S., Laurie, Gail, Dana, Larry, Eliza, Terry,×and Todd


Rabbi Lookstein, Best wishes to you and Audrey on this wonderful celebration of your birthday. You have been a very important presence in our lives and we are grateful for your friendship and support. Happy, happy birthday! Sincerely, Marcel Kahan & Andrea Fastenberg Tamara, Ariella, and Talia Kahan


× × Congratulations Rabbi Lookstein on this wonderful occasion for×you and Audrey and your entire family. You have been an integral part of our family throughout×our lives. For our family, therefore, it is also special that we are able to share this wonderful simcha with you. × May God bless you with continued good health, vibrancy, and length of days that you will be able to continue to minister to your entire flock for many years to come. Mazel Tov! × Bernice & Gilbert Kahn Abigail & Ben, Teddy & Shayna and×their families


KJ Archives. April 1986. First arrival in NYC Photo Credit: Bob Klein


Rabbi, You have been our teacher, leader, and friend for many decades. × Our lives in America would not have been filled with all our blessings had it not been for you, Audrey, and your family. × May you be blessed with only health, happiness, and mazal always and may we all share many more smachot together. × Judy, Hirshel, and family ×


!‫ רבי לוקשטיין‬,‫יום הולדת שמח‬ Thank you for being such an inspiring×leader of both the KJ and broader Jewish community. We love you! Stacey & David Kanbar


× × × × To Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, One of the 20th and 21st centuries' greatest rabbinical leaders! You are an inspiration to us all. Yom Huledet Sameach! Mazel Tov! Rob & Ellen Kapito and family


Photo: Credit Chabad.org


× × To our beloved spiritual leader, community leader, and dear friend: Rabbi Haskel Lookstein All good wishes for a very happy birthday Lots of love from: Evelyn & Greg Katz Marissa, Danny, Sara, and Talia Jamie, Phil, Ella, and Asher


× × × Rabbi Lookstein, First and foremost, thank you for everything you have done for my (Katz) family and for our Jewish education at Ramaz. We would not be in New York if it weren't×for you. Thank you for playing such a key role in each and every milestone in our lives. We are so proud to be a part of the community×you built. We treasure every moment in shul and hearing you daven. × Elaine & Jason Katz


× × Rabbi Lookstein, You have set the bar on what a unique, loving and beloved rabbi can be...should be. No thunder, no fire, gentle, always personal, always with song. Your embrace is generous and endows strength, perspective×and hope. You are ever-present at poignant moments for so many. Without coercion you offer the gift of faith to our community though your actions, words, and phone calls even when there are×no words. How blessed are we to have you, Rabbi Lookstein, as our religious leader, our role model, and our friend. × Mazel Tov on this wonderful birthday celebration! We wish you, and your beloved Audrey, many happy and healthy×returns of this day. × With love, Karin, Joel Katz and family


Photo Credit: Howard R. Katz


Mazel Tov Dear Rabbi Lookstein You are an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for always being there for us. With love from Sharon & Howard


× × Rabbi Lookstein, Happy Birthday! × Thank you for everything! × Stephanie & Bennett Katz ×


× To our dear Rabbi Lookstein, Happy Birthday! × You are our rabbi, father figure, friend, mentor, inspiration, and we love you dearly. × May you, Audrey, and your entire family be blessed with many more years of health, happiness and ease of life. × Love, Vivian & Joshua Kestenbaum


KJ Archives May 1984


× × × To Rabbi Lookstein, Wishing you good health and strength until 120. Many thanks for all you've done for the Jewish community and for each individual person! You are one in a million! Fondly, Ruthie Peyser Kestenbaum


Oren Cohen Photo


Moses, the leader of the Jewish people, was not a king or an emperor.× He was Moshe Rabbeinu, Moshe our teacher. From the very beginning it was the teacher who was most revered by the people of the book. Fast forward to our son Daniel's receipt of his Chumash, learning about the creation of the world by Hashem. Walking to school one day Daniel seemed preoccupied. When asked what was bothering him he responded, " Who created Hashem?" Just ahead was Rabbi Lookstein. I suggested that Daniel ask our rabbi. He ran ahead saying, "Rabbi Lookstein, it's me, Daniel!" Rabbi Lookstein responded, "Good morning. How are you Daniel?"× to which Daniel immediately replied, "Who created Hashem? You know he just didn't pop up one day?" Rabbi Lookstein turned, looked at me with a twinkle in his eye and answered, "We believe Adon olam asher malach....." I stopped and watched as Daniel and his teacher proceeded to school. 3000 years after Moshe, a teacher still remains the most significant leader of our people.

× Happy Birthday, Rabbi Lookstein!× May you and Audrey enjoy many more years of health and happiness× and may we continue to learn from you ‫עד מאה ועשרים‬ Ben, Barbara, and Daniel Klapper


× × ‫לא־כהתה עינו ולא־נס לחה‬ His eyes had not×dimmed, nor his natural force abated (Deuteronomy 34:7) × To our Mechutan, Mazel Tov on this special milestone. We×look forward to sharing many more milestones together with you, Audrey, and our family. × Cillia & Leslie ×


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, At the magnificent milestone of your 90th birthday, we want to express our endless appreciation for all you have done for us, our family, and our community. You are our highest ideal of kindness, commitment, and leadership. With gratitude and admiration, Joanna & Emil Kleinhaus


KJ Archives


× × Dear Rabbi, You have been our rabbi and friend for most of our lives. You were Harry's Bar-Mitzvah teacher in 1958 and married us in 1968. You were involved in every important milestone, including every Bris, Bar and Bat Mitzvah, and wedding of our children, and now the simchas of our grandchildren. Our families have been very close for over fifty years and we have shared so much together.× We wish you a very happy 90th birthday and many more years of health and happiness with Audrey and your beautiful family.× With gratitude and affection, Rosalie & Harry Kleinhaus× ×


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, We have known you and your family practically our whole lives. When Richard was a΄ child, you, Rabbi Lookstein, were (and are) a close friend of his older brother, Larry;΄ and then head counselor at Massad where Richard, Jay z'l, and Larry attended camp.΄ This relationship was further deepened by the Kobrin boys attending Ramaz, and΄ their parents becoming both close friends of Rabbi Joseph and Gertrude Lookstein;΄ as well as becoming important initial supporters of Ramaz. My brother and I both΄ attended Ramaz as well. I left after kindergarten; but my brother had your beautiful΄ future wife as his second grade teacher and stayed through seventh grade. During΄ that time, my parents were involved with Ramaz and were even chairs of the Ramaz΄ Dinner.×Fast forward to our wedding 50 years ago where both you and your father΄ presided. You have always been an integral part of our lives and our children's lives.΄ Your goodness, sincerity, and kindness have always been qualities we could count΄on. We and our whole family wish you a healthy happy 90th birthday and many years ahead with your wonderful wife and family. Gloria & Richard Kobrin


Ad Meah v'Esrim in×good health Ruth & Larry Kobrin


KJ Archives


With Gratitude to Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, for decades of education and guidance of us and our children/grandchildren in Torah and Derech Eretz. Rabbi Lookstein's΄ inspiration and leadership remain unparalleled in furthering our΄ spiritual development individually and as a family. Drs͟ Jenny Shliozberg & Howard Menikoff Drs͟ Anna & Israel Kochin Zachary, Jacob, and Joshua Kochin


KJ Archives


× × × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Happy Birthday! Continued health and strength in helping your community and the Jewish people. × Caren & Sam Kohl and family


KJ Archives


Mazel Tov to Rabbi Lookstein and the entireÍLookstein family. Thank you for your many years of leadership and service to our community. Best, The Kopel Family


KJ Archives


To our dear friend͚ thank you for being you΄ and always being there for us. We wish you the happiest birthday up to 120. With lots of love, The Koppel Family


Rabbi Lookstein, Many will say you are 90 years old. We say that you are 90 years young. May you continue to go from success to success, pursuing your vigorous work on behalf of New York Jewry and K'lal Israel. Ellen & David Korn


Dear Rabbi and Rebbitzen Lookstein, A special happy birthday to Rabbi Lookstein on his 90th birthday celebration. When I used to be in senior Yachad, I used to sleep in your apartment for the annual KJ Yachad shabbaton which my friends and I always look forward to.× Since those days, I moved on up to Rayim Yachad Shabbaton, but the fond memory of staying with you remains.× Like we say in Yachad, you were always beautiful, inside as well as outside. Your How×To Daven As A Baal Tefila×CDs that I bought from KJ some time ago have also helped my improve×at being a better Baal Tefila for the amud.× Have a very special× happy 90th birthday! Sincerely, Bezalel Kosofsky


KJ Archives


× × × In the 90th chapter of Sefer Tehillim the Psalmist states,

‫למנות ימינו כן הודע ונבא לבב חכמה‬ "Teach us to count our days, so that we may obtain a wise heart." Rabbi Lookstein, you have not only lived a life, but modeled a life of making each day count. Through your chesed, your consolation, your guidance, your advice, your jokes, your hospital visits, your countless hours of counselling, you have taught us the importance that each moment is precious, cherished and should be lived to the fullest. This way of living, with purpose and vision, is a catalyst for the second part of the verse. Cherishing and infusing each moment with meaning leads to ‫לבב חכמה‬, wisdom of mind and wisdom of heart. Thank you for giving your heart to this community and to us. We have been the most fortunate beneficiaries of you as our leader, as our guide and as our Rav. Wishing you endless bracha, health, and nachat to continue leading with strength and purpose.

× Rachel, Daniel, Kira, Eitan, Noam & Amiel Kraus


Rabbi Lookstein's compassion, leadership, and wisdom have had an×enormous impact on our family. Thanks to his guidance and support our children received a stellar education at Ramaz, which has now continued with our grandchildren. He strengthened our lineage. There is no greater gift. We wish Rabbi Lookstein many more decades of health, joy, and×deep fulfillment. With admiration and love, Esther Amini & Ira Krawitz


Best wishes to Rabbi Lookstein on this×wonderful occasion. We celebrate with you a lifetime of great contribution to the local and×global communities. Your endeavors have helped make the Jewish world a better place and your help and guidance have changed countless lives. We look forward to many more happy and healthy years with you and your family. Rina & Henry Kressel


Lookstein family photo


Dear Rabbi,× To paraphrase Lulu from the movie×To Sir With Love, "How do you thank someone΄ who has taken you from Brooklyn to Manhattan?" On behalf of the entire Krevat family, Mitch, Randy, Rebecca, Sarah and David, and΄ Julia, thank you for maintaining an incredible community that has, supported us,΄ laughed with us and cried with us.× You took a ragtag duo from Brooklyn (one from the Yeshiva of Flatbush and the other΄ from the Tilden High School Day School) and educated us, inspired us, and brought΄ spirituality, love of Torah, Chesed and a deepened love for Klal Yisrael into our΄home. So sir, how do you thank someone? With all of our love and wishes that we be΄ blessed to celebrate many more simchas with you and Audrey for many years to΄come. We really do love you.


KJ Archives


His fedora neatly placed with his briefcase in hand, Walking on the upper east, stopping to talk more than he planned. A family man, a Mets fan, a listener and adviser too, An inspirer, a Torah scholar, a leader through and through. For decades, he and his children and his beautiful wife Have made KJ and Ramaz such a tremendous part of their life. A great sense of humor, positive and strong, Teaching that the bellman doesn’t answer as soon as something’s wrong. No matter the circumstance, he knows how to keep his cool. Always with a smile, unless there is noise in shul. With us through joyous times, hard times and more, We look forward to Neilah each year on Yom Kippur. Leining Torah and davening with precision and care, Including us all in his heartfelt prayers. 90 years young, and still shining bright, Sharing his wisdom, his heart and his light. Rabbi Lookstein, we hope you feel our admiration and love, To 120, we wish you countless blessings from above. Happy 90th Birthday! With love, Melanie, Andrew, Garrett, Benjamin, and Joshua Kule


× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, We wish you a very×happy 90th! You have been our rabbi for close to 50×years -- hard to believe! We have always appreciated your kindness and×concern for our family. × A hearty Mazel Tov on this special milestone. × Wilma & Stephen


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Happy Birthday in advance! Thank you for taking care of our family over the last 60+ years. You continue to inspire us and we would not be the people we are today without your leadership, mentorship, and guidance. We also want to acknowledge and congratulate Audrey whose support×and assistance contributed significantly to your×many accomplishments. May you both continue to be blessed with good health, long life, and many more accomplishments! With much love and respect, The Kurzweil Family


KJ Archives


Community builder, visionary, activist, mentor, who has and continues to shape the lives of tens of thousands of Jews, while always remaining humble, present, accessible, and caring. Thank you, Rabbi Meyer & Talia Laniado and Family


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, We are grateful to you for your leadership and friendship over the past 45 years. You have been×there for us at all the important milestones in our lives. You have enhanced each of these×occasions with your helpful advice, professionalism, and caring. More importantly you and Audrey are examples of how to lead a Torah true life while still prioritizing derech eretz. Your×leadership has shown us the path to connecting and growing in Judaism. We are confident that your positive impact, through KJ and Ramaz, has reinforced religious life for our family. Last but not least, even though you have thousands of congregants, we always felt that you were OUR rabbi. Every interaction we have had with you and Audrey has been so special and×personal. Wishing you a happy birthday with many more healthy years together with Audrey and with×nachas from your family. With love, Leon & Rhea Landau Dana & Neil Leibowitz Evan & Ilana Landau Joanna & Jordan Lipstadt


May these 90 years be doubled in good health with the powerful and loving manner in which the first 90 years were beautifully done. ×Danièle Gorlin Lassner


Mensch • Rabbi • Mitaken Olam× Inspiration • Leader • Friend • Motivator • Visionary Rock of Strengthו Our Sisters' and Brothers' Keeper× Thank you for being all of the above and for teaching and inspiring four generations of our family.× We are blessed.× May Hashem bless you and Mrs. Lookstein with good health, nachat from your family, students, and friends, and continued strength and wisdom to continue your Godly work to 120+.× With much gratitude, respect, and admiration, Mara & Jamie Lassner


To Our Dear Rabbi Lookstein...


KJ Archives


Mazel Tov Rabbi Lookstein Our family has×been fortunate to have been enriched by you. May you go from strength to strength in all×your endeavors. May God continue to grant you years of good health and nachas. Judith & Pinkas Lebovits and family


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Welcome to "Club 90" We both made it Thanks for all you do for the Lehman family and all of the KJ family. "Bis hundred und twantzig " I will meet you there. Wally & Sheila


× Thrilled we're able to celebrate this milestone with×you, your family, and×our community! × Jane & Reuben Leibowitz



Happy, happy birthday Rabbi Lookstein until 120 years, with all Hashem's blessings. Warm warm regards, Bella Samuels Lesch


KJ Archives


With admiration, reverence, and respect for our rabbi, spiritual×mentor, and moral compass. We thank you Rabbi Lookstein for your×guidance and leadership throughout our married life and as we×raise and educate our children. The word Tzadik, in Hebrew, is also the numerical equivalent of 90, the birthday you are celebrating. In Mishli (Proverbs 10:25), Shlomo Hamelech, King Solomon, states,× "Tzadik Yesohd Olam," "A Tzadik is the foundation of the world." Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Our family has been blessed to have you as×the spiritual foundation of our lives. We will be forever grateful. Jody & Elie Levine Skyler, Jasmine, Caitlin, William, and Jack


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Mazel Tov on this wonderful occasion! You have been important in my life since I first moved to the Upper East Side and started visiting KJ while still a student. I appreciated and enjoyed being invited to your home on Shabbat. You officiated at my wedding, which was very meaningful to me. You were significantly involved with our baby's early life, and your interaction at her Bat Mitzvah continued that connection. Your wisdom and kindness have provided a grounding in my life and been much appreciated. I am very glad for the opportunity to join in celebrating×this milestone! With best wishes, Rochelle Levine


I am active in KJ because of Rabbi Haskel Lookstein. I came to KJ when I moved into×the neighborhood in 1972. Rabbi Lookstein sent me a letter after being told by one of my partners that×I was moving to the neighborhood. He invited me to come to KJ on Shabbos and introduce myself to him. He introduced me to Sandy Eisenstat and Irwin Robins, who invited×us to Shabbos lunch for the next two Shabbotot and I have been here ever since. Another story - I told Rabbi Lookstein I am available to help out. He told me KJ was planning a Hashkama minyan and would I be gabbai - what he believes is his worst decision as KJ rabbi. Asher Levitsky


Happy Birthday, Rabbi Lookstein! From births, brissim, bar mitzvahs, and×weddings - you have been part of so many of×our family's milestones, and we look forward to sharing many more with you! Lee & Michael Lewittes


Rabbi LooksteinWe have known you for over seven decades and have been good×friends for more than six decades. It has been a privilege to share a friendship and to have you as×our rabbi as well. You have been with us through difficult times as a great support, but it is the fun times we all spent together that really×stand out. Thanks for the friendship and best wishes on your×milestone birthday. May you continue to have the good health and vitality that you have been blessed with, and may you continue to enjoy the love from your ever-growing family. Ruth Lewittes


Many of us experience the incredible gift Rabbi Lookstein has for leading from the pulpit, inspiring his congregation with his thought leadership, halakhic stances, and fund raising. Beyond these more "formal" gifts is Rabbi Lookstein's incomparable pastoral skills. When our family was bereft of Sherri's beloved mother, Rabbi Lookstein phoned Sherri within hours of her mom's passing. Reluctantly, and in the throes of personal pain, Sherri took the call. What followed was a heartfelt, personal conversation during which Rabbi Lookstein relayed his own personal stories and forged a 1:1 connection that provided Sherri with tremendous chizzuk during a lifechanging time. We thank and acknowledge Rabbi Lookstein for his care and concern not just to us but the entire KJ / Ramaz community. The Libin Family Sherri, Alexander, Jacob, Noah, and Elliot


"The Torah of his God is in his heart: his steps shall not falter." ×Tehillim 37:31 Mazel Tov and best wishes, Margery & Barry Libin


KJ Archives August 2003


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Mazel Tov on your×90th birthday! We are in awe of your many gifts and grateful for your decades of spiritual leadership of Ramaz and KJ. May Hashem continue to bless you with many more years of good health×and strength. With our best wishes, Dr. Andrea Thau, John×Lieberman, Dr. Evan Lieberman '07, Richard×Lieberman '10


KJ Archives


On behalf of Armand and Jean Lindenbaum and family, we would like to thank you, Rabbi Lookstein, for your unparalleled dedication and service to our community. You are a giant among men and have set the standard for Jewish leadership. You have done so through your authenticity, passion for the Jewish people and Jewish education. Our family owes you a debt of gratitude for providing us with a model of what a rabbi should be. Owing to you, we take great pride in our involvement in the tremendous development of the Ramaz School and our beloved synagogue KJ. May you continue to be blessed with a long life and take pride in not only the achievements of your immediate family, but also those of all the lives you have touched over the years. Jean & Armand Lindenbaum


Rabbi Lookstein, On the occasion of your 90th birthday celebration we remember fondly and with thanks the many years that we have known each other and the many kindnesses and help you have extended to our family. 90 to 120 Edith & Salomon Lipiner


Dear Rabbi, Reaching one's 90th birthday is in and of itself no×small feat. Reaching 90 with grace, dignity, and great accomplishment is an×even greater feat. We are proud to have this opportunity to thank you for all that×you have done to enhance our lives, those of our children, Eva Jenny and Louis, as well as the entire world community. You have contributed to the quality of prayer, education, and personal well being of many. And, you did so with both flair and caring as a stellar representative of modern orthodox Judaism. We look forward to having you continue to contribute as you have×in the past. Keep smiling!! With our love, Deborah Weisfuse & Robert Lipner


KJ Archives


× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Congratulations on your 90th birthday! × On this special occasion we would like to thank you for your invaluable gifts to us: - Leading a synagogue that became not only our place of worship, but also our home and extended family - Teaching each of us, by your example, how to contribute to a community - Inculcating in our family a sense of responsibility for the Jewish and American people. - Sharing our joy at our own smachot and providing strength and comfort during times of challenge - Showing, not telling us, what it means to be a mensch × We wish you many years of continued good health, happiness, and success in all your endeavors. × With much love, Judy & David Lobel Caroline & Jordan Bryk, Alexandra & Jack Gindi, and Andrew Lobel


In honor of Rabbi Lookstein Richard & Julie Lobel


Dear Rabbi,

H aving shepherded “Eddie” through ʥʸʺʩ ʺʹʸʴ- our lives became entwined... The begining of a long beautiful friendship...

A udrey, Audrey, Audrey (in 3’s) ʥʢʰʫ ʸʦʲ "You go together like a horse and carriage."

S umming up a life that commanded attention, without demanding it, in 200 words or less Rabbi, you are short in stature; long in humility. Humility is: "understanding one's worth" You do, and are humble, like ʥʰʡʸ ʤʹʮ (I am not sure about "his" height)

K nowing you for many many years, through thick and thin, has been a great privilege and a great comfort.

E arnestness, devotion to family, faith, community, and above else: sports, represents the core of your existance.

L 'chaim tovim ʭʩʸʹʲʥ ʤʠʮ ʣʲ ʣʥʡʫʤ ʬʫ Ruth & Edward


Lookstein family photo



× × Happy birthday to our lifelong rabbi! A rabbi who is always there for you and your family, not as a rabbi, but as a friend and a family member! There are too many occasions to pinpoint, going back×five generations. But, they are all within every one of us, and you are always×central in our memories. You and Audrey have always, and always will be, so special to×our family! × We wish a very Happy Birthday and many, many more! × Rhonda & Jeffrey Luxenberg Alex & Allie Matthew & Rachel Danny & Tzivia Juliana, Emily, Adam, Asher, Levi, William


× Rabbi Lookstein,Í Happy 90th birthday!! I see you walking all around the city and then I see you at all or every event you've been asked to go to... I've no idea how you do it but you are truly incredible... I've no idea where you get all your energy from but I admire you so much!! × I love our encounters in the street...our brief hellos...and how every time you see me or one of my children you say hello and know all our names... you make everyone feel special and more!! You are humble, helpful, and interested! You have a memory (I wish I had) and a career and status that's in line with the Pope!× You came to Gabriel's Bar Mitzvah in Jerusalem and David's Tefilin...all these times I've seen you, my family and I have felt incredibly blessed!! You have been the pillar of our children's school and Jewish lives and a leader and mentor to all!! May you live 120 years in good health and such happiness!!! Happy Happy Birthday and can't wait to see you around 85th Street soon!! × Emma & Samy Mahfar Gabriel, David, and Chloe


KJ Archives


× Our Dearest×Rabbi Haskel, We wish you a big Mazel Tov on your special birthday!× You have been our mentor, our role model and, most importantly, our very special friend and partner for over 50 years.×Thank God, you have brought incredible happiness to our Shabbatot and Smachot, and have single handedly lifted us up amid our sad and difficult times.× Our gratitude to you and Audrey is immense! × We wish you good health and strength to enjoy your beautiful family (and a little tennis, perhaps) and continue to be exactly who you are! × With all our Love, Gaby,× Rochelle and Eugene,× Susie and Jay,× Aliza and Yankie,× Debbie and Daniel× and the rest of our family


× × × Wishing Rabbi Lookstein Mazel Tov and "Ad×Meah V'esrim." × You, Audrey, and your family×continue to inspire us via your values system×and your actions. We all benefit by your leadership, example,×and commitment to each member of the×KJ/Ramaz community. × May this birthday milestone bring you continued good health. × With love and admiration, Rebecca and×Max Mannis


It's difficult to summarize one's relationship with his rabbi that spans over 40 years.× I joined the congregation in 1975 and΄ when I first met Haskel and his dad, Rabbi Joseph Lookstein,× I was terrified and awed. They both exuded intelligence and΄ strength, and it was a humbling experience to speak to them. Gradually, I got to know the person that I address as Rabbi΄ Lookstein and of course, he turned out to be not only the brilliant speaker that he is but a wonderfully warm, kind and΄ caring× person that we know him to be. At this point in my life, he has officiated at the bar and bat mitzvahs of my three΄ wonderful children, the passing of my father and first wife, Joan Licht Mantel, the marriage of two of my children and of΄ course my marriage to my extraordinary wife, Vida Shahery Mantel. His consoling me at the sad events and his joy at the΄ happy events will always be on my mind. Simply put, I would not have made it through as I did without his compassion΄ and understanding and simply just being there.× Everyone knows that before a funeral, Rabbi Lookstein would come to΄ your home and in a gentle but most professional manner ask you to describe details of the loved one that you lost. He΄ took notes but it did not look like he was working hard at it. He would be done within thirty minutes. And then on the day΄ of the funeral, he gave a magnificent͚ wellͲcrafted and intimate speech; it seemed as if he had known the person his whole΄life! ×What an unbelievable skill. Of course, he did the same for every bar and bat mitzvah in the synagogue. I would smile΄in anticipation of what he would say knowing that he would get to the essence of the child. Of course, he would ask each΄child what their favorite course or activity was. I'll never forget the one Shabbat when he told all present that the young΄man whose bar mitzvah it was told the rabbi that his favorite class was recess. There was a lot of laughter but the rabbi΄went on to state that that he repeated the question three times hoping to get a different response but͚ alas, it was the΄same each time - recess. Sometimes, things are better left unsaid but, boy, was it funny! ×So we salute probably the΄ greatest pulpit rabbi of our time, and we are all fortunate to have had him there when we really needed him. With love and respect, Arthur Mantel


× Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Happy 90th birthday! Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for our×family, our community, and the broader Jewish world. Your impact on our lives cannot be measured. Your steady hand, guidance, and leadership have been instrumental in teaching us how to live meaningful Jewish lives and how to pass on our Jewish values to future generations. You have enriched our lives, and we know you have done the same×for countless others. We are all so lucky to have you in our lives. We wish you continued good health and happiness for many years×to come. × Fondly, Jacqueline & Jeffrey Marcus and Family


× × In honor of Rabbi Lookstein May you continue to go from×strength to strength ad×m'eah v'esrim × Vivian×& David Mark


Lookstein family photo


With tremendous gratitude to RabbiÍLooksteinÍ for making our large community× into a small hometown.× Together with Mrs. Lookstein you have× set the standard for kindness, menschlichkeit×and chesed, finding the time to care for each of us. × May you be blessed with the×strength to× continue changing the world and may you have continued nachas× from your beautiful family. Caroline & Morris Massel Rebecca, Alex, and Michael


× × × Mazel Tov and very happy×birthday wishes to RabbiÍHaskel Lookstein × Marilyn Meltzer ×


× × Mazel Tov to Rabbi Haskel Lookstein on this×milestone birthday. × We are so grateful for all that you do for the community as a mentor, leader, and friend. × You are an inspiration to us all! × Michael Meltzer & Monte Albers de Leon ×


Photo Credit: Howard R. Katz


× × × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Our heartfelt wishes×to you for a very happy and healthy 90 years×young birthday! × There are no words to describe our gratitude to you for your spiritual guidance and leadership throughout the years. × May Hashem grant you many happy and healthy ones to come till 120! × With love and admiration, Paula & David×Menche and family


× × × Mazel Tov,×Rabbi Lookstein! Thank you for everything, × The Messer Family ×


× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, May you continue to be a guidance and an example of a righteous life to all of us for many years to come. × Daniel & Noemi Messing


Lookstein family photo


× × Mazel Tov on this milestone birthday. × We wish you many more years of good health and happiness together with Audrey and your extended family. × We are privileged to call you our rabbi and×our friend. × With much love, Dr. Fred & Mindy Miller ×


‫בס"ד‬ Rabbi Lookstein, ʹ"ʥʮʲ,× With deepest appreciation and gratitude,× we honor your leadership, compassion, devotion, and wisdom. ‫מחיל לחיל‬ × Debra & Ira Miller ×


× × × We are so appreciative for all that you have done for our family. Wishing you a very happy birthday. × Diane & Russell Miller


KJ Archives


× Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Mazel Tov on this×milestone birthday! We are grateful for your dedicated leadership of our community, and for the wisdom, kindness and guidance you have shown our family over the past 25 years. × Wishing you many years of health and happiness. × With our deepest appreciation, Victor Mintz &×Elizabeth Wallach Mintz Sophie '12, Orly×'15, and Kyla '18


Mittler Efron family photos

KJ Archives


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, It would not be a celebration without you! ×We are so fortunate and grateful to have you as our rabbi, mentor, leader, and role model for so many years - 3 generations. We wish you a happy birthday! ʤʰʹ΄ʭʩʸʹʲʥ΄ʤʠʮ΄ʣʲ With all of our love, The Mittlers and the Efrons΄


× × We rejoice with you, Audrey, and the entire×family in celebration of your×special birthday. × Your commitment, exemplary leadership, and accomplishments at KJ, RAMAZ, and for the world Jewish community has been extraordinary. Kol HaKavod and Mazel Tov! × With affection and friendship, Leah & Barrie Modlin


× × × Happy Birthday! We are honored to celebrate with you. Thank you for all you do for our family×and community. We appreciate you always making sure to be there to celebrate smachot and provide comfort during more challenging times. × Wishing you much health and happiness. × Wendy & Adam Modlin and Family Richard×& Stacey Klass and Family Marlene Kreinen


KJ Archives


× × × Rabbi LooksteinAt all stages of our lives, you have been our rabbi, our teacher, and our friend. × We wish you the happiest of birthdays. × Susan & Michael Mukasey ×


KJ Archives


× × Dear Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, × Thank you for all of the amazing×things you have done that I have been fortunate enough to×personally witness throughout the 33 years we worked together at Kehilath Jeshurun. × I am one of the countless number of people whose lives you have touched and impacted in a positive way.× There are no words to express my gratitude and appreciation for all that you have done except to say - KOL HA-KAVOD! × I thank you for being such a wonderful inspiration to us all. Yom Huledet Sameach! × Hattie Murphy and family


Happiest 90th Birthday wishes to our dearest Rabbi Emeritus and friend. Here's to×continuing strength, health, happiness and blessings for you and Audrey, surrounded by your loving children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, our KJ community and×K'lal Yisrael.΄ What a heritage! We are so fortunate and grateful to have you×in our lives.΄ "Onward to 100 and feeling like 20!" Ruth &×David Musher


× × Our relationship with Rabbi Lookstein goes back 68 years starting in Massad. Two years my counselor in Deganya. Bar Mitzvah lessons and Sunday-morning learning and gym at Ramaz through the years. We are now pleased to seal the cycle by joining the KJ family and renew our relationship. We are so looking forward. × Harriet & Josh Muss


Nahmias family photo


× × × You shared our first Simcha! May you be blessed to share many more! × Happy Birthday × Liz & Rami


× Dearest Rabbi Lookstein, It is a great honor to have met, and I would like to wish you×a Happy Birthday!!! May you and your family be blessed with a long life filled with an abundance of health, happiness, wealth, peace, and love... You are one of the most inspiring rabbis and×men I have ever met!!! Thank you for everything you do every day to bolster faith and love for Judaism. × Mazel Tov, Philip Nassimi


× Dear Rabbi Lookstein, You are a part of my history, my present, and my anticipated future. A photograph of your beloved father z'l with my beloved grandfather z'l hangs in your office. You taught my late brother, Sonny, for his Bar Mitzvah. I have known you for more than 60 years. My years at Ramaz School and at Massad summer Camp shaped me and continue to nourish me.×I cherish my numerous Passovers in Jerusalem and the meaningful Seders you lead. I continue to be moved by the inspiring Ne'ila service you chant at the conclusion of Yom Kippur. I admire your wisdom and approach to important issues in Judaism, your inclusive attitude towards all Jews, and your ability to inspire our community members to action when necessary.

× I also feel that human beings need more than friends and family to thrive - they need a community. I am grateful to you for establishing a community where I feel at home. Congratulations to you and to Audrey on the occasion of your 90th birthday. I look forward to future Passovers in Jerusalem, future inspiring Ne'ila services, and future milestones.

× All best wishes, Elana Unterman Newman


× × × On this great occasion we wish Rabbi Lookstein a very happy birthday ‫עד מאה ועשרים שנה‬ We look forward to hearing your inspirational divrei Torah and davening for years to come. A very happy 90th × Elliot & Gabriella Newman and family ×


× × Rabbi Lookstein,Í Mazel Tov on your 90th Birthday! It is an honor and privilege to celebrate this milestone with you and your family.× × Rabbi Lookstein, you have always lead by example - with dignity, integrity, passion and compassion. Every member of our family has been touched by this leadership, as well as your wisdom. You have guided us through both tragedy and triumph, and for that, we are eternally grateful: you have celebrated with us; you have grieved with us; you have comforted us; you have taught us, and you have set an example for us.× × With admiration and gratitude, we thank you for these blessings and wish you many more happy, healthy, and prosperous years ahead.× × Judy & Donald Olenick


KJ Archives


× × × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Mazel Tov to you and the whole Lookstein family on such a momentous occasion! × We cherish the values you have instilled in this community and are proud to be able to celebrate together. With warm regards from The Olidort family


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Nina, Aaron, and I wish you a hearty Mazel Tov on your 90th birthday and as my΄ mother would always sing, "...and many more." You have been my rabbi for my entire life. I recall your early days as KJ rabbi with΄ your father, olav hashalom. You officiated at my summertime bar mitzvah, my΄ wedding, Aaron's bar mitzvah, and my parents' funerals.× You have always treated me and my parents with warmth, friendship, and sincerity.΄ Our interactions with you always made us feel welcomed and at home in the shul. I΄ value your wisdom, learning, and teachings. I feel privileged that ours is a΄ relationship where gentle teasing is part of the equation. You lead by example, with thoughtfulness, dignity and kindness. We wish you and Audrey many more years of health, happiness and nachas. Abram & Nina Orwasher


× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein: There's no stopping someone who will stop at nothing. Your life embodies that thought. Throughout your storied existence you have devoted yourself to the community, dedicated yourself to its continued growth, and sacrificed yourself for its betterment. × You have tirelessly and incessantly striven to achieve an unparalleled level of excellence not usually sought, and less frequently attained, by a yeshiva. To have the distinction of being the Number 1 Jewish school in the state is impressive; to have done so without ever thinking it could be otherwise, is divine. Thank you for demanding of yourself what Ramaz demands of its students - excellence. The desire to make its students the best possible versions of themselves, at all times fully aware and proud of their Jewish heritage, roots, and obligations. × On behalf of ourselves and our two daughters who are privileged to attend this fine Yeshivat Ramaz that you helped to create and perpetuate, THANK YOU. × Rebecca & Terry Oved


× × Congratulations Rabbi! × We are thrilled to be a part of this milestone birthday celebration of yours. × Your leadership is an inspiration to us all. × Wishing you only the best on your birthday, We hope to celebrate many more birthdays with you, and the rest of the congregation. × Arielle & Natan Packin


× × × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, We wish you a very×happy entry into nonagenarianism. × May you celebrate many more birthdays in good health, so that you can continue to inspire×Jewry around the world. × Judy & Joe Packin ×


KJ Archives


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, We are privileged to witness you taking Kehilath Jeshurun from one of the Upper Eastside's orthodox synagogues to one of the leading modern orthodox communities worldwide. The Perl family is profoundly grateful for your leadership that created this extraordinary community. × Your vision for Ramaz and Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun brought together like minded families who care deeply about Jewish life, Torah, and Israel. We are committed to your vision for future generations. × Mazel Tov on your 90th Birthday× × Berndt, Gail, Spencer, and Michael Perl Sandra and Isaac Ohebshalom× ×


Congratulations on 90 years of a well-lived life. Welcome to the×nonagenarian caucus. Ralph & Carol Perlberger


× × × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, With great×appreciation for your characteristic warmth,×sensitivity, and thoughtful leadership. × Wishing you, Audrey, and your beautiful×family Kol Brachot Tovot always. × Roni & Bob Pick ×


Mazel Tov Rabbi Lookstein on your 90th Birthday. × We wish you good health and happiness. Our best wishes, Elisa & Alan Pines


× × × B"H Dear Rabbi Lookstein, You have inspired us with your life long dedication to the UNITY of Am Yisrael. Thank you for all you have taught us by word and by action. You have enriched our lives immeasurably. × Happy Birthday Ad Meah V'Esrim! × With admiration and love, Barbara & Terry Plasse


KJ Archives


× × × We are so happy to be celebrating this milestone birthday with you. × We're grateful for the impact you had on three generations of our family. × Here's to many more years! × Robert & Judy Podell ×


× × "Our true acquisitions lie only what we have given of ourselves" "We gain only as we give and it defines us"

× RabbiYou have given so much of yourself and may God grant you and Audrey long life and the ability to continue to give. × Bonnie & Isaac Pollak


With fond happy 90th birthday wishes to΄ Rabbi Lookstein, ʤʰʮʮ΄ʸʥʱʩ΄ʠʬ΄ʯʩʷʦʩ΄ʩʫ΄ʭʢ΄͚ʥʫʸʣ΄ʩʴͲʬʲ΄ʸʲʰʬ΄ʪʰʧ . ʥ͙ʡʫ΄ʩʬʹʮ 120 ʣʲ Helen Sax Potaznik and family


KJ Archives


× × Happy Birthday Rabbi Lookstein! Wishing you all the best! May Hashem grant you many more very happy×birthdays and celebrations! × I hope we are all lucky enough to celebrate with you and to benefit from your strength, wisdom, and leadership for many more years×to come. × You are truly one of a kind. × Aviva Preminger


× Happy birthday, Rabbi Lookstein! × Thank you for all you have done and continue×to do for our family and the wider×KJ/Ramaz community. × May you continue to be a source of leadership and inspiration, and may Hashem grant you many more years of good health and nachas. × Dina & Douglas Propp and family ×


× × × To our beloved Rabbi Lookstein, × You have been a rock for our family and for so many others - a pillar of strength×in times of sorrow. We have been fortunate×to share so many smachot×with you× and your×dear family too. You are an exemplary role model for all. May you×continue×to go from strength to strength for 120+ years.× × With love, Gail Propp and family


× × Mazel Tov Rabbi Lookstein! × It was an honor to grow up in a community×infused with the warmth and wisdom of×your leadership. × We are so thankful to raise our son in the KJ and Ramaz community and hope we will share in×many more simchas together. × Happy Birthday × Sincerely, Andrew, Miri, and×Charlie Radin ×


× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein,Í × I am eternally grateful to you for your support and guidance in so many matters concerning myself and my family members over the 60+ years that we have been members of the KJ community. Your spiritual leadership, insightful and scholarly sermons, kindness, compassion and Chazzanut will always be a source of strength and inspiration for my life. Your Chesed has truly altered the course of my life, and the lives of my family members, in innumerable ways.× × With deepest respect and gratitude,× × Judy Ranells×


KJ Archives


× × × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, On the occasion of your 90th birthday we wish you the blessing of continued good health and vitality. Your wise and constant leadership, your friendship, and your Torah knowledge continue to inspire and guide us. × "To 120 years!" together with your beautiful Audrey. × With love and admiration, Sandra & Sam Rapoport


Rattner Gibofsky family photo


Rabbi LooksteinThank you for inspiring us to live a life of Torah.×΄ Wishing you a Happy Birthday! Esther & Adam Rattner


× Rabbi Lookstein, With deepest gratitude for your leadership not just in our community, but throughout the entire world. On a personal level, we feel so fortunate to have felt your presence in our family's most important life moments. We are so thankful to you and wish you many more healthy and happy years. × Love, Eric, Kim, Parker, and Reid Rechtschaffen ×


Wishing you a happy and healthy΄ 90th birthday! May you live until 120! Shari & Jeff×Reisner


Lookstein family photo


× × Happy Birthday × Rabbi Haskel Lookstein is a true leader. He has the confidence to stand alone and make tough decisions. He has the compassion to listen to the needs of others. Through the years, he has guided the congregation and The Ramaz School to their greatness. × Rabbi, may you be blessed with all good things to come. × Eleanore×Reznik



× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Mazel Tov on your 90th birthday! You are an extraordinary man that leads an exemplary, and equally extraordinary, and authentic life. We are blessed and honored to have you be the leader of our community. Thank you for being so graciously accessible and guiding us with such heart and wisdom through the years. We are so grateful. We wish you and Mrs. Lookstein great health and happiness until 120. Love, Michael & Rochelle Ring and family and David & Auralee Ring and family


× × × Mazal Tov Rabbi Lookstein! Thank you for everything you have done for our family, for our community, and for Klal Yisrael.× × With deep admiration and respect, Harry & Rebecca Ritter ×


Rabbi Haskel Lookstein will always hold a very special place in my heart. He officiated at my wedding 38 years ago and he eulogized my dear parents when they each passed away.

He and my dear mother, Ami Texon, had a relationship defined by mutual admiration and respect. He admired my mother's Jewish ancestry as΄both the daughter and niece of two great Ƃabbis and Zionists. Rabbi Lookstein recommended that my mother become the first woman΄ trustee of KJ, which in 1976, was groundbreaking for an OƂthodox shul.

When my mother passed away in 2009 Rabbi Lookstein was in Florida. I called him personally and reached him on the tennis court and I told΄ him that my mother had passed. He literally dropped everything and arranged to return on the next morning's flight to perform her eulogy. I΄ will forever be grateful to him for giving her the Kavod she deserved, to be eulogized by someone who knew and respected her.

When Rabbi Lookstein officiated at my own wedding he also did something groundbreaking. He did not insist that my then fiancé, who was΄ raised in a non-observant home, wear a kippah. He always maintained that menshlichkeit was more important than custom and he knew that I΄ was marrying a real mensch and× that in time, as a Ramaz graduate, I would× create a traditional Jewish home for my family. This is but a small΄ example of his wisdom, his insight, and his leadership.

Rabbi, I wish you continued good health and happiness and may you continue to be an inspiration to us all. Mazel Tov and Kol Hakavod on this very special milestone.

Sylvia Texon Rogers '76


Rohr family photo


× × × × Dear Rabbi Lookstein,Í Lechaim! Ad meah ve'shmonim (inflation!) - with God's help, always in good health and with a happy heart! With endless admiration, affection and gratitude, Pamela & George Rohr ×


Rabbi LooksteinThe consummate mensch, mentor, and friend. Always in our hearts, The Rosners


Dearest Rabbi Lookstein, On this occasion, addressing you by your Ǚrst name seems insuǗciently respectful, although admittedly, the temptation to do so is great. As fourth generation at KJ and at almost 79 myself, I have known only Looksteins to majestically occupy the KJ pulpit. I have been married by both Looksteins and know KJ as "Lookstein's Shul" notwithstanding that I know for certain that most everyone in the house knows of it similarly, regardless of their tenure there. The warmth, power, humor, and intelligence of your Father was striking and as some wise sage once said, "The apple didn't fall far from Joe's tree." Indeed, the most remarkable facet of your inheritance is that it is undiminished to this day. In fact, that you are able and willing to continue to practice it is, in and of itself, exceedingly admirable. However, most noteworthy is that the entire KJ community and the world at large (not just the Jewish world) has beneǙted from your perseverance and your love of your continued adventure. It is not work to you, it is service in the service of Judaism and all mankind and at 90, you deserve much more than a birthday party, although I do look forward to your blowing out 90 candles. With love and admiration, and with Laurel joining in my sentiments, I am with great aǖection, Larry


× × × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Mazel Tov on this auspicious milestone!× We are most grateful for your years of inspired leadership and for the community you have nurtured at KJ and Ramaz.× It has enriched our lives in countless ways and we wish you many more years of good health and happiness. × Respectfully, Jeff & Jennifer Roth


× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Words cannot describe how much you mean to us and how grateful we are for your special friendship. May your birthday be filled with all good things, and may God continue to bless you with good health and much happiness. Happy 90th Birthday! Fondly, Florence, Bob, Stanley, and Daniel ×


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, For our family you have always been there during the΄ happiest times and the saddest; and during the times of΄ everyday life we always knew that you would be there΄ should we need your counsel. You are a wonderful rabbi and a unique person.΄ Happy Birthday and many more years of a vibrant life! Warmest wishes to you and all the family͚ Sandy Rothschild


Mazel Tov Rabbi Lookstein! With tremendous hakarah for your decades of tireless service to the΄ KJ community and to the broader global Jewish community. We recognize you and thank you for your myriad contributions.΄ May you and your wonderful family continue to enjoy many more΄ years of good health as you go mi'chayil el chayil͟ Molly & Joel Rubenstein


Rabbi Lookstein dancing with Mr. Met at Julius Rubinstein’s bar-mitzvah at Citi Field


× × × × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, From officiating our children's bar/bat mitzvah celebrations to travelling with you on a Poland mission, and of course, learning from you as a Ramaz employee, the Rubinsteins are honored to have you as our spiritual and religious leader. × You have been there for our family in both good and challenging times and we are forever grateful for your wisdom and compassion. × We wish you only good health, peace, and happiness on your birthday... and every day. × Esther & Kenny×Rubinstein


When I lost my father, I was initially hesitant about leading the weekday services. Rabbi Lookstein helped guide me toward doing it 'the right way'. I listened to his tape. Whenever I Ǚnished he would have some advice. It usually went something like this: "Steven, that was very good, but..." “Too slow, too fast, and the transition…” It was always done with support and compassion and I thank you. While I have always enjoyed every time Rabbi Lookstein davens, the highlight of every year for me has been the way he leads Slichot on the Eve of Yom Kippur. It literally transports you to a diǖerent level of feeling for the coming day. -Steven Rudolph The most surprising thing that happened when in the hospital after giving birth to our Ǚrst child was receiving a visit from Rabbi Lookstein. A man with such great stature, with so many responsibilities, took the time out of his busy day to visit a new mother who had been part of the KJ community for only two years. I learned the importance of bikur cholim, and will never forget this gesture of chesed. -Naomi Ickovitz Wishing you and Mrs. Lookstein many more years of good health, happiness and much nachas. Naomi & Steven


× × Mazel Tov! You are a hero in every sense of the word.× We can vividly recall your physical and emotional presence in a very much needed time in our lives. Your support is unbelievable. × We love you! × Love, Gaby & Saul Safdieh Natalie, Abie, and Bella


Lookstein family photo


Dear Audrey, Dear Rabbi Lookstein, You have been an inspiration to the entire Sanders family since I first met the rabbi October 5, 1980 on the bimah at KJ. Dearest Rabbi, Susan and I regret not being able to attend your 90th birthday celebration. We will be overseas at that time. Our thoughts are with you and Audrey. Love, Susan & Martin


× × Dear Rabbi, Happy Birthday!!! × xo The Sands Family ×


× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Wishing you a very healthy and happy 90th Birthday. We look forward to celebrating this wonderful milestone with you, Mrs. Lookstein, and your beautiful family. Love, Nicole & Marco Sardar Raymond and Addie


Rabbi Lookstein, All we can say is "Wow!" Many thanks for your stewardship of KJ and Ramaz, for welcoming us into both communities, and for being a stalwart leader. Since we joined the KJ community over 30 years ago, you have officiated for our family at bat mitzvahs and weddings΄ in your ineffable style for which we are most appreciative. Mazel Tov, Mabrook͚​͚ and Best Wishes, Evelyn & Salomon Sassoon Nina, Danielle, and Lily


͢How to Daven as a Ba'al Tefilah͢ captures so much more than its not-quite Grammy-winning΄ melody. It captures the respect for tradition and attention to detail and definition that my uncle΄ taught me and so many others over much of his lifetime and most of mine. Beginning with΄ teaching me "first part" for father and son minyan 65 years ago, to learning cantillations from΄ his 33 RPM vinyl record, to learning the high holiday nusach from his cassettes, when I daven΄ or lein I hear my uncle. More importantly, ×when I daven or lein, I feel my uncle.×Mah anu, meh΄ chayeinu×that he says more than sings in Neilah, is what I hear in my daily morning prayers. When I daven Mincha, I picture him and my grandfather in October 1962 ducking out of the΄ room where we were watching the Giants vs. Dodgers in game 3 of the playoff, because even΄ though the game that would decide the National League pennant was a cliffhanger, "it was΄ time for mincha͟" I recall more vividly the two Rabbis Lookstein praying, than who was actually΄ responsible for the Giants winning the pennant. Rabbi Lookstein's legacy as he nears the turn on his 90th×year is surely far-ranging. For me, I΄ experience his legacy every time I pick up a prayerbook and every time I think about the΄ prayers that are in it. Steve


Lookstein family photo


× × Dear Rabbi, Our family has been immeasurably affected by your guidance, class, example, and wisdom. × We look forward to many more years of your leadership. × Thank you! × Phil Schatten, Cheryl Fishbein, and family ×


× The Scheinberg Family extends its best wishes×to Rabbi Haskel Lookstein for a×wonderful birthday. May you go from strength to strength and enjoy×this coming year and many years to come (to×120!) in good health and happiness. × Thank you for always being there for×our family. × Stacy & Ronald Scheinberg Melissa, Carly×(& Daniel), and Danielle


Dear Rabbi Lookstein, It is with great pleasure that we extend very best wishes to you on your upcoming special birthday. As a profound and great leader of our Jewish faith you are respected and admired by all who are fortunate to know you. Congratulations and much affection, Miquette & Mort


× Dear Rabbi Lookstein, In honor of this momentous occasion, we pay tribute to you for your inspired leadership, your standards of excellence and your unparalleled devotion to ‫מדינת ישראל‬ × ‫כן נהגת עמך לעשות לך שם תפארת‬ ‫יד‬,‫ישעיהו סג‬ Renée & Avie Schreiber ×


We remain in awe at Rabbi Lookstein's energy and nonstop devotion to KJ and to Ramaz, and to his seemingly infinite ability to give personal attention to all΄ members of the community. This has been the case going back to tennis-playing΄ days with Rabbi Bernstein at Camp Massad, through Lu's Upper School education,΄ on to Michael's parents move to the Upper East Side 30 years ago, and especially our΄ daughters' (Ilana '10, and Talia '13) education from K through 12.× Based on recent calls (inquiring about our family, and much appreciated) Rabbi΄ Lookstein sounds like he is in his 50s...an inspiration for us looking ahead, and a happy sign for many more years of vigorous activity and engagement by Rabbi΄Haskel Lookstein! Lu Steinberg (Ramaz US '79) and Michael Schulder


KJ Archives


× × × Happy Birthday Rabbi Lookstein! Your spiritual leadership has been a constant presence in the lives of the Stein and Schwab families. I know my father truly valued his longtime friendship with you, and I have many fond memories of Shabbat meals in your home. × Wishing you Mazel Tov on this milestone birthday. × Ellice, Brad, Jacob, and Benjamin


KJ Archives


× It is with joy in our hearts that we pay tribute to our Rabbi, our mentor, and our special friend. × Janie & Bob× ×


Andrea B. Schwartz photo


× × To my esteemed rabbi and teacher, Rabbi Haskel Lookstein. There is an oft-quoted saying of theosophical origin that aptly describes our relationship: "When the student is ready, the teacher appears." What is not said is that the teacher will be an extraordinary person and scholar who, despite the rigors of maintaining a busy schedule at the age of 90, will warmly and lovingly extend himself to a "beginner" like me, and provide continued guidance as I make my way toward living the greatest Torah life possible. × What an incredible gift Hashem has given me. Thank you for your time, our talks and your friendly greetings, smiles and nods at shul that assure me, notwithstanding my relatively short time at KJ, I am a part of the community. × May this year and those to come bring you×continued good health, nachas, simchas and many more opportunities to teach, to grow and to be loved by us at KJ and beyond. × With gratitude and respect, Andrea B. Schwartz


× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Wishing you the happiest of birthdays! × May you be blessed with good health, happiness and much nachat from your family and community ‫עמו״ש‬. × With deepest respect, Anne & Sam Catie & Jeremy, Risa & Joseph, Rebecca & Zev, Daniella


× × ‫עשה לך רב וקנה לך חבר‬ We have accomplished both since joining KJ. We have come to feel very close to you, which×is how everyone in shul feels. × You and Audrey welcomed us to the community with sincerity and simcha. × We thank you for your words of Torah and for×your continual inspiration. Your tfilot have given us a greater feeling×for Neilah and Slichot. × We thank you both and look forward for many×more years of inspiration. × Debbie & Billy Schwartz P. S. Debbie says×you still owe her a tennis game


KJ Archives


× × Dearest Rabbi, We love you so very much! May all your wishes come true on this wonderful birthday celebration! × With love, admiration, and devotion, Yours×always, Leana, Bernard, and Nes Schwartz ×


× Dear Great Uncle and Great Great Uncle Haskel, × Mazel Tov on reaching this very exciting birthday milestone. With you, the word "great" is an understatement. You have been there for our family for nearly every important milestone, enhancing each one with your presence. That we are also fortunate to live in the school and shul communities you have built is an added "great" blessing for which we are very grateful. × Wishing you continued health, happiness and greatness until 120. Love,× Erica, Rob, Gabby, Caroline, Sophie, Lily, Barry, and Eliana× ×


× × × Rabbi LooksteinThank you for the many years of love and guidance. We wish you every bit of happiness and good health as you celebrate this wonderful occasion. Happy 90th Birthday!!!! We look forward to celebrating many more together! × With love always, Robin, Lanny, and Adam


KJ Archives


Rabbi Lookstein,Í You have led our community, our synagogue, our school.× You are our rabbi, our teacher, our mentor.× And we are so grateful.×

× Wishing you Mazel Tov and a very Happy Birthday! Ad me'ah v'esrim!

× Fondly,× Abbe, Michael, Brayden, and Kate Serphos

×


× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, We salute you on this milestone birthday of 90. You have shown tremendous leadership and vision over the course of your illustrious career. × Over 20 years ago we uprooted our large and growing family from the suburbs to become a part of the KJ/Ramaz family. We were seeking exactly what you were offering in terms of religious hashkafa and educational values. We never turned back and are thankful for the results you inspired in our five children.× × Sanctioning and nurturing the KJ Sephardic minyan is an example to all Jews who have been taught the notion of achdut. × May you continue to impact the lives of your community and enjoy good health alongside your wonderful family.× × Happy birthday! × Alissa & Howie Shams ×


× × × Rabbi Lookstein, Thank you for so many years of your inspiring and guiding words of Torah. × May Hashem bless you with continued strength and good health so you can continue leading us in the ways of Torah and learning. × Carla Shapiro


KJ Archives Photo Credit: Yeshiva University


Rabbi Lookstein, We have been blessed to be on life’s journey together. We share so many memories. I met the Rabbi at age sixteen when my family moved into the KJ community. I met Audrey years earlier when she slept over in my house with her good friend, my cousin. I remember the excitement when you received your smicha from RIETS. We remember when you became Assistant Rabbi of KJ and Max J. Etra and Phil Goldsmith gave you a watch to keep your wonderful and informative sermons short and sweet. We remember how very proud your parents were of your accomplishments. You stood under our chuppah. You have always held our hand during many of life’s challenges and have been with us to share in our smachot. You have given us wise pastoral guidance. We wheeled our baby carriages together. You educated our children. Irwin spent much time with you at parlor meetings, board meetings, and executive board meetings. We enjoyed sharing Pesach together with our families in Israel. We have been involved in many of the same charities starting with my father, Sam Schreiber, and your father, Rabbi Joseph H. Lookstein, at Bar Ilan University. You are Irwin’s current chevruta. You have always been our Morah D’Asra. In our generation you serve as the Yochanan ben Zakai. You gave the community the courage to buy a lulav and esrog both for shul and home. You collected the budget for the shul and supervised the spending of it in a quiet and digniǙed manner. You are the leader responsible for the growth and educational inspiration for Ramaz. You were the leader responsible for reuniting Russian Jewry back to K’lal Israel. You learned Yiddush in order to accomplish this. When Rav Soloveitchik came to speak at KJ, he said to you—"I respect your father, but you I love." For all the special moments we have shared together, your presence in our lives has left us enriched. We feel privileged to call you Rabbi and Friend. Ruth & Irwin Shapiro


× × × Our thanks to you are overabundant. Your wise counsel, presence and leadership have been guideposts for all of us. Your words, life, and actions are an inspiration to us. ‫עד מאה ועשרים שנה‬ × The Shay Family


× × × Who knew? Who, in the summer of 1950, knew that a Madrich Tzair in Mayer Moskowitz's bunk at Machane Massad Aleph would meet up with tennis counselor Haskel Lookstein? Who knew that, while meeting casually with Audrey and now Rabbi Haskel over the next 40 years, our paths would so firmly intersect when we joined KJ in 1991?×Who knew that in addition to being our Rabbi, he and Audrey became our very cherished friends? Well, we didn't know then, but we certainly know now! × Mazel Tov, Rabbi Haskel as you approach this milestone with so many of the strengths of people half your age. × B'Ahava!× Judy & Isaac


Lookstein family photo


× × × Mazel Tov Rabbi Lookstein! With gratitude, respect, and appreciation for your many decades of leadership. × Sharon Shorofsky Mack & Alex Mack and family


× × Mazal Tov to Rabbi Lookstein and his family. × Toby & Allan Silvera


× There really is no one but "the one and only Rabbi Lookstein" A leader of leaders! A father of fathers! A man of integrity and values! A rabbi for the times, both in sickness and in health! My family is relatively new to the community, and therefore our interactions with Rabbi Lookstein do not carry gift of time!× In the brief 15 years we have had the privilege to be synagogue members at KJ, we have grown more and more attached to the community. Rabbi Lookstein's joyful calls of Mazel Tovs after each child always meant a great deal.× But it was Rabbi Lookstein's daily calls while my father was in the hospital that will remain with me. I am forever grateful for all of his help and all of his leadership! × The Silvera Family


× × × × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Mazel Tov on your 90th×birthday, and beyond. × Very best wishes, The Ramaz Upper School,×Silverman Family Class of 2021 and Class of×2024 ×


× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, × When Donna and I joined the KJ family exactly 50 years ago, we had no idea how impactful that step would be. Thanks to your leadership and Audrey's encouragement, we were welcomed into an embracing community of then young families who inspired us to grow Jewishly and to assume responsibilities as lay leaders. Our two boys attended Ramaz School, the crown jewel of our community that I was privileged to serve as Chairman of the Board. While assimilation decimated our extended families back in our home state of Maine, all 8 of our grandchildren from Leonard and Daniel graduated Yeshiva Day Schools, and all 8 are today following in the traditions of our ancestors. Our Jewish legacy is assured because of you and Audrey, and we are grateful.× × May we be blessed to celebrate many more milestone birthdays together, in good health. × Mazel Tov! × Donna & Arthur Silverman


KJ Archives


× "My spirit which is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, will not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your children, nor from the mouth of your children's children." -Isaiah 59:21 Audrey & Rabbi Lookstein, thank you for imparting your spirit to our family. We have grown from your example, and are inspired by your neshamot. Adrian & Lenny Silverman Ariana & Jonathan Rebecca Gabriel Benjamin


× × × Sharing in the joy of this celebration of your life work and achievements. Biz 120!! × Mazel Tov to the entire family and community. × Adina Cimet & Mike Singer


× × × With much gratitude for the decades of leadership, wisdom, inspiration, and friendship. × Mazel Tov on this significant milestone and may you continue to go from strength to strength. × William Slochowsky and family


× × × × !!!‫יום הולדת שמח‬ Looking forward to spending many more joyous occasions with you and the KJ/Ramaz Family!! × Karen & Gabriel Slotnick


× × Congratulations to Rabbi Haskel & Mrs. Audrey Lookstein and Happy Birthday to Rabbi Lookstein!!! × Lee & Lisa Snow


Lookstein family photo


× × Thank you Rabbi Lookstein for your many years of leading our Kehilah with warmth, kindness×and wisdom. × May you go from strength to strength. × Donna Lippman and Barry Spector ×


× × × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Mazel Tov on this milestone and well-deserved honor. × Yashar koach! × Phyllis & Mark Speiser ×


× × Happy Birthday! × May all your wishes be granted. × Thank you for accepting me into your community where I feel at home. × Georgina Sara Spiegel ×


KJ Archives


× × × Mazel Tov on this milestone birthday! Thank you for being our rabbi, our friend, and inspiration. The Spielfogel Family



× × Mazel Tov to Rabbi Lookstein for his many years of firm but gentle stewardship and leadership of KJ (and Ramaz); and looking forward to many more years of meaningful contributions. × Rori Cassirer and Sandy Srulowitz


Lookstein family photo


× × × My dear Rabbi, I join with what I know is an×enormous circle of people around the world in×wishing you a heartfelt Mazel Tov on your×90th birthday. × I'm so grateful for all you have been and,×with God's help, will continue to be in my×life and that of so many others. × With deep affection for you and Audrey and×your beautiful family, my warmest×wishes always, Rhea Stein


KJ Archives


× × Rabbi Lookstein, May HaShem grant you continued health and happiness together with Audrey and may we all continue to be inspired by your legacy in this truly special community. Rabbi Chaim & Lisa Steinmetz and Family


× × Rabbi Lookstein, we celebrate your inspiration and humanity with gratitude×and joy, having enabled so many "baalei teshuvah"×to embrace their heritage. Yasher Koach! × × Affectionately, × Roberta & Curt Stetson ×


× × Rabbi Lookstein, × Diana & Bradley Stoler wish you the happiest of birthdays and×many more. × We are eternally grateful for the warm and inviting community that you cultivated, and we×look forward to raising our young family in the values and traditions of KJ and Ramaz. × Thank you. ×


Happy birthday to our beloved rabbi, teacher, advisor, confidant, and cherished friend. We are deeply grateful for the many experiences we've shared and especially for your caring embrace of our family. Surie & Bob


Mazel Tov Rabbi Lookstein on turning 90! Thanks for you tireless efforts leading and helping our community throughout the years. Happy Birthday! The Sultan Family


KJ Archives


× × Dear Rabbi× Through the years, knowing you are there for me in times of need always provides me with great comfort and security. × On another note, whenever×I think×of you, I always picture you as you sat on the bimah in shul on the last×day of Pesach in 1999.× You had a grandchild×on each knee and you were looking up at Audrey with the biggest grin as you pointed×to them.× You personified sheer bliss!×× × May you and your beloved Audrey continue in good health and happiness for many years to come. × L'Chaim! Laurie T. ×


× × Thank you Rabbi Lookstein for always being there during our important life moments and connecting with the emotions that we were feeling. Whether they have been happy moments like the birth of a child, a siddur celebration, or a comforting phone call when we were mourning a loss, you have always been there for our family. × Tali, Adam, Alexandra, Ariel, and Eli Tantleff


× × It is with gratitude to Hashem that we join as a community to celebrate with Rabbi Lookstein on this milestone birthday.

× We have been blessed to have Rabbi Haskel Lookstein as a friend, teacher, and spiritual leader to the Tanz family for over 50 years! He has rejoiced with us during simchas and comforted us in times of sorrow and, please God, will continue to do so for many years to come.

× Carla & Steven Tanz


KJ Archives


× × Dear Rabbi, × Happy 90th×Birthday!× × It seems like just yesterday, that we celebrated your birthday with a cake at Sarah's Bat Mitzvah. That was 40 years ago! Before that and since then, you have been a wonderful Rabbi and friend. How special that I now have the privilege to celebrate with you once again. × Looking forward to next year's birthday celebration. × Judy Tanz ×


× × × Happy birthday! × Thank you Rabbi & Audrey Lookstein for your×continued friendship. × With much love, Kahane & Taragin Family ×


× × To Rabbi Lookstein Our Favorite "Teacher, Preacher, and Leader" × You and Audrey have enhanced our lives with warm friendship, community, education, and menschlichkeit.× We wish you and ×Audrey good health and much happiness together with your beautiful family on this wonderful××milestone birthday×‫עד×מאה×ועשרים×שנה‬. × Adele & Ron Tauber Danny '91, Miriam ×'97, Michael '01, ×and Lisa '03


Rabbi Lookstein, Mazel Tov on this milestone in your life. May you and your family have many more years of good΄ health and continued service to the congregation. You have been a great spiritual leader of the΄ congregation and Yeshivat Ramaz. On a personal level you have always given me guidance,΄ support, and understanding. ʼnʼn΄ƖĮĎ΄ĀĎƊƖ͜​͜​͜​͜ Respectfully, Murray Teitelbaum


We salute you Rabbi Lookstein! × 90 years and going strong! × You are an INSPIRATION - spiritually, emotionally, and physically! × Thank you for your devoted leadership and impactful influence in our lives - we are forever grateful! × May Hashem continue to bless you, Audrey, and all your wonderful family with good health and much happiness. × Happy birthday with love, Lisa, Mark, Cayla, and Joshua Todes


KJ Archives


× Happy birthday, Rabbi Lookstein! × When we gave birth to our first son not long after joining KJ, we were blown away that you called us in the hospital and offered to visit; now that we know you, we are not surprised. × Our community is blessed to have you. Looking forward to many more years of your wisdom and kindness, ad meah v'esrim. × With gratitude and respect, Hannah & Scott Topiel


× × Congratulations on your 90th birthday! × May you and your family enjoy good health and happiness for many years to come. × Sincerely, Milton Trauring


Mazel Tov to our dear uncle, Rabbi Haskel Lookstein! You serve as a role model to our entire family in every possible way. With all our love and admiration, Lizzy & Josh Trump


× × × To Rabbi Lookstein With admiration for your×wisdom, respect for your humility, and×gratitude for playing an integral part in the×milestones of our family's lives for almost fifty years. × ‫לך מחיל לחיל‬ × Alan & Shera×Aranoff Tuchman ×


× × × Haskel, You have consistently been a pillar×in our lives, and an unsurpassable devoted and×committed uncle. We have benefited in so many ways from your×wisdom and love. Always always there for us in hard times, good×times, and just family gathering times. We love you for who you are and what you are. When we say "you should live to 120" we×could not mean or hope for it more. × Love, Judy & Mark


KJ Archives


× Happiest Birthday to our dear Rabbi Lookstein! You have been an unbelievable constant in the life of our family spanning decades, generations and pivotal life moments. Be it welcoming our family into the neighborhood and KJ, setting the tone for our wedding as its officiant, and that of Nancy and David's, participating in our children's smachot, and, especially, being very present (driving yourself!) for each of our parents at their most poignant life stages. You have always made yourself available and accessible. Knowing that you are graciously at the other end of the phone when we call is an inexplicable comfort! You are appropriate, loving and lovely, generous, intelligent and insightful, with a keen sensitivity to people and events around you. We are forever grateful and honored to have the blessing of you in our lives and to be able to call you our dear friend. × Happy Birthday, in the best of health, surrounded by loved ones! × Love, The Uvegis Clarissa, Harry, Gabriella, and Hugo


× × × × Mazel Tov to a great leader, friend, and rabbi - the best rabbi any community could have. × × Phyllis & Jonathan Wagner and family


× × All our best wishes to Judaism's preeminent rabbi of our generation, and my old cantillation teacher. × Just as Hashem blessed Avraham with everything (Genesis: 24:1) He has blessed our beloved rabbi with everything, and has also blessed all of us with Rabbi Lookstein and Audrey's presence all these wonderful years. Debbie & Ray Ward ×


× × × Mazel Tov and happy birthday, Rabbi Lookstein! × May you continue to lead and inspire. × Bettina & Spencer Waxman and Family ×


× × In honor of Rabbi Looksteins's 90th birthday: I can best describe Rabbi Lookstein as being a true Renaissance man whose professional and personal qualities are too many×to enumerate. His involvement with all Jewish causes, his selflessness, and his personal×connection to so many of his congregants make him a beloved leader to so many of us. I feel fortunate to be included among his friends as well. Fondly and with true appreciation×for the person who you are, Grace Weil ×


× × × Mazel Tov, Rabbi Lookstein! Thank you for always inspiring our family and the entire community. With great respect and admiration, Ariel & Josh Weiner Ilan, Yael, and Meirav


× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Mazel Tov on this wonderful occasion of your 90th birthday! May you continue in good health together with your dear wife Audrey, for many, many more years to come! ‫עד מאה ועשרים‬ Your dedication to this community has had no bounds. My family has personally benefited from your presence over the years in good times and bad. We always know that you will be there when needed and that has given us great comfort.× Thank you so much for all you do! Gaby, Steven, Matthew, and Adiel Weinreich


× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Thank you for your many×years of dedication and devotion to KJ and our entire community. We feel truly grateful to have you as the pillar of our community. We wish you many years of health, bracha,×and hatzlacha. × Mazel Tov! × With much appreciation and gratitude, Adam & Jodi Weinstein and family


× × × Rabbi Lookstein, Thank you for the wisdom, guidance and×leadership which has benefitted generations of×our community, and for the strong voice×supporting Jews everywhere. × Barbara & Jerry Weiss ×


KJ Archives


× × Wishing you a Happy 90th Birthday! × "May you go from strength to strength." × Roselyn Weitzner


× × × Rabbi Lookstein: It is an honor to share some words of gratitude on this wonderful milestone in your life. I consider myself blessed to have been the beneficiary of your mentorship and guidance over the years. You have taught me - and so many other rabbis - what it means to be a learned scholar, effective speaker and a devoted pastor to our respective Kehilot. You have supported me in my outreach work at MJE and continue to give me much needed chizuk and inspiration. × I cherish our relationship and wish you and Mrs. Lookstein good health and welldeserved nachas from your beautiful family and from the extraordinary legacy you have built together.× × Mazel Tov! Rabbi Mark & Jill Wildes Manhattan Jewish Experience ×


× × Dear Rabbi Lookstein, Your davening exquisitely touches my heart. Every syllable reverberates with meaning, love, sincerity, and devotion. Thank you for illuminating the beauty of prayer. Thank you, too, for elucidating the lessons of the weekly parsha, and for making KJ feel so much like a family. × I am profoundly grateful to you for inspiring me to learn more, for the example you set by your social consciousness, and for your wisdom. × Happy 90th!!! × Marian Williams


Wilner family photo


× Thank you, Rabbi Lookstein, for teaching, guiding, and leading our family l'dor v'dor. × You have been our religious and spiritual guide, infusing us with pride in living orthodox Jewish lives in a complex modern world. When we think of menschlichkeit, we think of you. When we think of chesed, we think of you. When challenges abound, we look to you for guidance and inspiration. You taught us that a Jew celebrates life's joyful moments with genuine simcha and always with hakarat hatov. You remind us that even in our darkest hour, a Jew does not despair. How lucky are we that you have drawn us into your wide circle of love.× × Nothing makes us happier than to see our children follow in our footsteps, which are really your footsteps over which we have tread. You were there with us under our chuppah as we took those nascent steps building our bayit ne'eman b'Yisrael. To know that you did the same for Gabi and Chaim, Jake and Leeza, and Dani and Gabe fills us with enormous gratitude to you and Audrey, who is always there by your side filling our world with blessing.× × Happy 90th birthday!× × Judy & Phil Wilner


× × With Admiration to Rabbi Haskel Lookstein "A leader who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way."×-John Maxwell Mazel Tov on the occasion of your 90th birthday. Rita Woldenberg and family


× × Thank you for your leadership and friendship which have been very meaningful to me.× × You have made me feel warm and welcome within the KJ community.× × Mazel Tov! Leonore Wolff ×


× × × × The kindness×Rav Chesed×has shown us and many others has changed lives. As a rabbi and human being you are unique. You have been a force for good in the Jewish community of New York and beyond; a leader in the struggle for Soviet Jewry, including your groundbreaking trip to the USSR; author of××Were We Our Brothers Keepers?; a strong voice for the Jewish conscience on human rights, and so much more. × It has been a blessing to know you. × Michael & Helene Wolff


× × × × It is our privilege to join in this tribute and to thank you, Rabbi Haskel and Audrey Lookstein, for your enormous×contributions to our communities and our country and our world and to Israel and to the Jewish people throughout the world. You are the role models for us all in your extraordinary melding of Yiddishkeit, Menschlichkeit, and Tikkun Olam and kindness×and empathy.

× You have been role models for us for so many decades as you×have taught and demonstrated for us and our children the values×that are the foundation of our lives.

× We thank you deeply.

× Jacob & Cindy Worenklein



× × × Happy SPECIAL Birthday to Rabbi Haskel Lookstein Rabbi, Teacher, Leader, Role Model, Friend Joy Yudofsky Behr


Lookstein family photo


× × × Mazel Tov and Best Wishes to Rabbi Haskel & Audrey Lookstein × You lead our community with a commitment to menschlichkeit and dedication to the Jewish people. You lead by example and inspire us all. Thank you for your guidance and inspiration over the last 38ish years. × Barbara T. R. Zimet


× × With best wishes and congratulations to a giant personage × Bob Zimet ×


To Our Dear Rabbi Lookstein Tribute Journal Printed December 2021 - Tevet 5782 creative@mara-ink.com


‫דור לדור ישבח מעשיך וגבורתיך יגידו‬ ‫ד‬:‫תהלים קמה‬Generation to generation shall praise your acts and tell of your mighty deeds. -Psalms 145:4


‫דור לדור ישבח מעשיך וגבורתיך יגידו‬ ‫ד‬:‫תהלים קמה‬Generation to generation shall praise your acts and tell of your mighty deeds. -Psalms 145:4


TRIBUTE JOURNAL IN HONOR OF RABBI HASKEL LOOKSTEIN'S 90TH BIRTHDAY 125 EAST 85TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10028 CKJ.ORG | 212-774-5600


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