Thirty-six people

There is an old Jewish legend that after the biblical flood, God was very distressed at what he had done and promised Noah that he would never again destroy the world as long as there were 36 righteous people in it.

These 36 live their lives quietly among us doing their good deeds and spreading their righteousness like an umbrella over us, enabling us to continue to live comfortably in our world. They are the reason that we are all allowed to exist, but we can never be sure of who they are.

I am fortunate enough to know two of the 36 and one of them recently had a landmark birthday.

The celebrant was Jack Stein; the birthday was his 83rd, which according to Jewish tradition entitled him to celebrate his second bar mitzvah.

While it was officially Jack's celebration, his life is so intertwined with that of his wonderful wife, Lillian, that it overflowed into being her celebration too.

I can't describe all of Jack's good deeds but among them are constant visits to the sick and needy; frequent trips to and from doctors and hospitals with those who need help; ongoing prayers for the sick and deceased of every religion and walk of life, and an unceasing regard for all those with whom he comes in contact.

One small example: When my father was in his late 80s and came out from New York, Jack, who was decades younger, befriended him. He came by twice a day to take him to morning and evening services in synagogues as far away as the San Fernando Valley.

I cannot tell you what this meant to our family and, of course, to my father who said "I never thought I would make a new friend at my age." The two men formed a deep bond of friendship.

At the end of his last stay, my father said to me, "I thought your mother and I had a happy marriage, but the Steins are in a class by themselves."

So I wish a belated happy bar mitzvah to Jack (and by association to Lillian). And, I hope that there are those among you who are fortunate enough to know some of the remaining 34.

Contact Dina Adler at dinaadler@yahoo.com.