It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I bring you this news. Losing a parent is certainly a milestone in life that we all face at one time or another, and though it is difficult, I am happy to say that my father lived 84 good years, and did many amazing things in his life. He was a great example of patience and perseverance and striving to do our very best. He was generous with his time when it came to helping others, but he never wasted it, and always made conscious choices in terms of using each day wisely. I am forever grateful for this amazing example by which he lived.
The poster above is actually from my Grandfather's hat company in Chicago, which was certainly a large part of my father's childhood memories. Interestingly enough, IKEA just released a new line of metal hat stands and hall accessories called PORTIS! We have no idea why, but it seems likely that the designer was somehow inspired by my Grandfather's company name. I can only hope that every time millions around the world say PORTIS while shopping or ordering from IKEA that it will somehow bring good into the world. Anything is possible? (In case you are wondering, no, Portis is not a Jewish name, the name was changed when the family came to the United States from Lithuania, via Canada, circa 1876)
Though the Jewish Law is to bury as soon as possible so that we may being to sit Shiva, the 7 day period of mourning, the laws of the State of California are unfortunately not friendly to our Jewish Laws, and one may not hold a funeral without a certificate from the State. As it happens Monday is Labor Day and all the offices are closed, so Tuesday my brother will have to rush to offices in Sacramento to try and get a special permit to hold a funeral before Rosh HaShana. Your prayers would be appreciated to help make this happen!
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