Sam was my friend for over 50 years. Of course we knew each through Park Synagogue where his father was the chief Rabbi for many decades. We were also close friends in high school, through college, and during our professional careers. I visited his home both in Brussels, and later in Tel Aviv at least three times and his family visited with me on several occasions in California. Sam called me not even four days before he died from his hospital bed and he informed me about his medical condition. Although I expressed my concern he dismissed my worry as unnecessary. We spoke about our next class reunion to be held in 2020, and he promised to be there. That would have been nice. I simply didn't expect nor was I prepared for what evolved over the next several days. His death is a tragic loss for me, his friends, and of course his family in Israel. May his memory be a blessing.  - Gary Ackerman