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The family of Rabbi Michael Szenes uploaded a photo
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
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Joel Wollner posted a condolence
Friday, June 25, 2010
Rabbi Szenes was a person of epic importance in my life and in the life of our Temple community. In my eyes, through his example and teachings, he became a man of archetypal significance "the Rabbi." He showed us the greatness of mind, spirit and compassion a person can aspire to achieve. A gifted teacher, he always left me feeling a special connection between us. He instructed me, he confirmed me, he married me, and through it all he inspired me. Thank you Rabbi Szenes, for everything.
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Naum and Diana Shkolnik posted a condolence
Thursday, May 27, 2010
He loved God and the people and we all loved him back, and we are grateful for the opportunity to know this great men. Our deepest condolences to the family...he always be with us, as a living friend.
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Eileen Schaffer posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Because of Rabbi Szenes I converted to Judaism and my husband and I were married in 1979 on my parent's farm on a beautiful meadow with the chuppah swaying in the wind and the Rabbi officiating in his commanding yet humble way. He was a beautiful soul and will always be remembered as a great man.
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Michelle Tunkel Roth posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
I remember Rabbi Szenes so very fondly. He married me and my husband Michael in 1966. He officiated at my brother Jay Tunkel's bar mitzvah in 1971. During a difficult personal time, Rabbi Szenes assisted and consoled my family at my mother's funeral in 1999. He and Mignon were dear friends of my parents and they spoke highly of them both. His words of wisdom, quiet strength and actions guided my own religious and moral path. My thoughts and sorrow are with your family.
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Nancy Wekselbaum posted a condolence
Monday, May 24, 2010
Rabbi Szenes was an important part of my spirtual life while growning up in Schenectady. He performed the Bat Mitzvah service for my twin sister Wendy and me as well as doing those for my two brothers, Peter and James.
He married my husband Natan and me in 1982 and met our chilren Caroline and Charles during their frequent vists to my parent's house.
I have very fond memories of Rabbi Szenes. He was a very kind man and always very good to my family.
My sincerest sympahies to his entire family.
Nancy Wekselbaum
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Tressa Gilliland-McEnerney posted a condolence
Monday, May 24, 2010
Dear Szenes Family, I feel very fortunate to have known Rabbi Szenes and his family. His daughter, Hannah, and I have been friends since adolescence. His son, Myron (Bob) and I attended Oneida together, and later on I became friends with their sister, Miriam. Their Mother was a truly engaging, gentle, and wonderful person. Rabbi Szenes befriended my parents, James and Tressa Gilliland, who were Unitarians, and offered The Temple Gates of Heaven as a gallery space for the Oakroom Artists when they were in between places to exhibit art for their members' art shows. I remember well hearing the stories of their experience surviving the Holocaust, and I have always thought of Rabbi Szenes as one of the strongest and most ethical persons I have ever met. Please accept strong condolences from me and my brother, Jamie, and know that our thoughts are with you at this time and always. Michael Szenes was a beacon of light for many people: and his was a truly active and positive presence in the community at large.
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Sheryl Kaplan lit a candle
Sunday, May 23, 2010
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In memory of a wonderful and special man. He will be remembered with love and admiration by so many!
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Ira Englebardt posted a condolence
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Rabbi Szenes has been and will always be a part of my life. He was my Sunday school Rabbi, my Hebrew school and Bar-Mitzvah Rabbi and, most importantly to me, provided the blessing over my daughter Rebecca as she received her Hebrew name. We had just briefly returned to Schenectady from Alaska and this meant so much to my family and me. He was such a compassionate and understanding man. I will always carry with me such fond memories and wonderful stories of having grown up in Schenectady and having Rabbi Szenes as a part in my life. The sounds of the Rabbi's loafers as they made that creaking sound when he walked the hallway...... his tight "grip" when he got a hold of you for one of "those" discussions at Sunday school.......the intent look in his eyes when he spoke.......the love and caring he exuded. I will miss you, Rabbi.
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Ira Englebardt posted a condolence
Thursday, May 20, 2010
It saddens my heart to have received this news. Rabbi Szenes played such an instrumental part in my young life while growing up in Schenectady. A most influential moment was when he blessed my daughter Rebecca at the Temple, when we briefly returned to Schenectady from Alaska. That moment made my family life.......whole. His compassion, understanding and warmth will be sorely missed. He will always be in my memories. Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences.
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Rita and Mike Fischer posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
We joined Congregation Gates of Heaven as newlyweds in 1968. We were welcomed by Rabbi Szenes and became active in the synagogue as youth group advisors. The Rabbi always made us feel so welcome, and was so appreciative of our work with the teenagers. Both of our children were named by the Rabbi. We always felt a special connection with him. When our son was 18 months old, he had a severe stomach virus and had to be hospitalized. We were not allowed to stay overnight. The Rabbi went and visited him, and played with him every day he was in the hospital. When our son was eight, and Hebrew School age, we decided to join the synagogue in Clifton Park, where we lived. We did not see the Rabbi much after that, but he always remembered us when we did. When our son graduated from Union College, Rabbi Szenes led the graduation processional. We were thrilled. Rabbi Szenes was our image of a real Rabbi -kind, caring, and compassionate. We will never forget him.
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Roberta Gold Goodman posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Rabbi Szenes married my husband, Herbert, and me at Congregation Gates of Heaven 49 years ago. In March 2011 we will celebrate our 50 wedding anniversary and Rabbi Szenes will be in our prayers and thoughts.
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Brian Englebardt posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Dearest Szenes family, I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Rabbi Szenes. I admired, respected and loved Rabbi Szenes very much. I still have wonderful memories of my bar mitzvah, the 'Indian head rubs' and his soft, yet powerful presence. He has come up often in my discussions with friends, about people who have an impact on life and what makes them so. My condolences and love, Brian Englebardt.
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Katarina Ring Curtis posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
To the Szenes Family, It was with great sadness that I read of Rabbi Szenes' passing. He and my parents were friends many years ago (they have been dead for 40 years) having shared similar experiences in the war and coming from the same basic part of Europe. I remember him with fondness as a person of great dignity, kindness and comfort. Please accept my sincere condolences on his passing and may you find solace in the many wonderful memories you must have of him. With sympathy, Katarina Ring Curtis