Message from Valerie Kohn

I first got to know SidneyZ”L when I started to spend Shabbos with my sister and brother-in-law, Bernice and Simon Kritz after my late husband passed away.

Soon after MildredO”H passed away and Sydney used to join us often for Friday nights.

After supper Bernice and I used to go to bed and leave the men to learn together. This was something they both enjoyed very much.

Not too long afterwards SimonZ”L also passed away much to our sorrow.

Bernice insisted that Sydney should continue coming to us and to let us know if he didn’t have a invitation for Friday night elsewhere. And there were many bacause Sydney was a very popular guest.

Sydney continued to join us often in Glebe Crescent and later when Bernice moved to Wohl Court. We always enjoyed his company. He was a well learned and interesting companion and we were never lost for conversation when he was at out table.

He was a generous visitor and usually arrived armed with Bendicks mints which he knew were our favourites and occasionally a bottle of whiskey which we shared. Well not the whole bottle in one evening!

Sydney was always very generous when it came to giving zedakah. I am on an Emunah committee and was never shy to ask for Sydney’s support when we had a fund-raising function. He never hesitated and always gave readily and generously.

I also saw Sydney when he came to our Minyan in the H.S.C. where he was a welcome participant.

Unfortunately due to the plague that hit us with the coming of Corona all these social activities came to a halt. It is so sad that so many people towards the end of their lives were robbed of the simple pleasures of socialising and sharing times with their friends.

Bernice and I miss Sydney at our Friday night table and have many fond memories of a dear friend.