In Memory Of Dad

Today is 4 years since my dad passed. Harv was effervescent, larger than life, & brought magic to every room. Gregarious, funny, compassionate, theatrical in most dramatic of ways, dad was friendly with everyone, giving to anyone & most often, inappropriate with every joke.

Dad wasn’t a physical yogi, but in his way he was a yogi too; thoughtful & kind, embodiment of appreciation, equanimity, resilience, playfulness, laughter + LOVE. Harv personified these character traits. Yoga is so much bigger than your body. Yoga is how share yourSelf & the impact you leave on the world. My dad left quite the impact.

Harv was a Jewish educator. He knew the future of humanity rested in the minds of youth. His life’s work was empowering Jewish teens to make the world a better place thru acceptance & a willingness to explore. Dad created a Hebrew High School program called “B’Yachad” at @pinebrookjewishcenter. In Hebrew, B’Yachad means “together.” Harv drove the importance of students learning to embrace Jewish values relating to their lives + the world. He encouraged an atmosphere of respect, committed to nonjudgement & sharing openly.

Dad’s description: “The success of our Hebrew High School, B’yachad, is dependent on the ability to not only learn about ‘the ethics of our people,’ but more importantly to build a community. When students trust & care about eachother they feel safe to share their views & ideas in a classroom setting & a dialogue begins. Fear of being judged by one’s peers dissipates & discussions become lively & interactive. Tradition teaches there is always room to examine, dissect & re-evaluate laws. Many believe that different perspectives are exactly the reason Judaism has survived for 6000 years. All of our ancestors agreed on the importance of a holy community a ‘kehilah kedusha,’ where everyone is respected & every opinion valued.”

My family & I created the Harvey Jaffe B’Yachad Memorial Fund in dad’s honor. Funds + future donations will provide scholarships for students enrolling in B’Yachad. Donations welcome in any amount-linkinbio

I’m humbled to share this scholarship fund.
Dad’s mission is now a living legacy.

#iloveyoudad