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Harry Epstein Obituary

Epstein, Rabbi Harry H. age 100, of Atlanta, GA., died peacefully at home on May 2, 2003. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Reva Chashesman Epstein, in May of 2001, after 73 years of marriage. Rabbi Epstein assumed the pulpit of Atlanta's Ahavath Achim Congregation in 1928. He served for 54 years until retirement in 1982, then becoming Rabbi Emeritus. Rabbi Epstein was born April 1, 1903 in Lithuania and moved to Chicago in 1909. He was educated in Chicago, Israel and the famous center of learning at the Slobodka Yeshiva in Lithuania. He was ordained in 1926 by the most prominent rabbis of the time. Rabbi Epstein's rabbinic heritage came from his father, the late Rabbi Ephraim Epstein, who served as senior Rabbi of Congregation Anshe Kneseth Israel in Chicago for 51 years. Rabbi Epstein survived by his daughters, Renana (and the late Bennet) Lavin and Davida (James) Weiss of Chicago; grandchildren, Jonathan (Susan) Lavin, Rachel (Elaine Burgher) Lavin, Deborah (Mark) Fertel and Julianne Weiss; great-grandchildren, William and Judah Lavin, Sarah and Ryan Lavin-Burgher, Benjamin Huss, Emma Rebecca and Isaac Fertel; sister, Sylvia (Milton) Pekay and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held today, May 5th, at 2 p.m., at Ahavath Achkim Synagogue (Atlanta). Contributions in memory of Rabbi Epstein may be made to the Rabbi Harry H. Epstein Memorial Fund at Ahavath Achim Synagogue at 600 Peachtree Battle Ave., N.W., Atlanta, Georgia, 30328 or to The Epstein School, 335 Colewood Way, Atlanta, Georgia, 30328. Arrangements by Jewish Funeral Care of Eternal Light, Atlanta, GA., 770-451-4999. Visit Guest Book at www.suntimes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 5, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Harry Epstein

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Willie Goldwasser

May 7, 2003

Rabbi Epstein was the Sandik at my briss. In spite of that, I always respected and admired him. He personally worked with the kids of the congregation, teaching the graduating class and leading the Sunday morning Minyonairs group. He brought much to the Jewish way of life in Atlanta, and he will be long remembered.

alfred bernstein

May 6, 2003

I and my family loved Rabbi Epstein. I was going to visit him on my next home to Atlanta for the 4th of July. I will go to the AA and said prayers and think of him.

Kim Romer

May 4, 2003

Rabbi Epstein, will be missed. I use to work for Rabbi, as a caregiver to his wife.May GOD bless the family and friends of Rabbi.

Ruth Jacobson

May 4, 2003

My deepest sympathies to Davida and Renana -and your families- on the loss of your dearly beloved and treasured father, Rabbi Harry Epstein.

Susan Perlman

May 4, 2003

Rabbi Epstein and the Ahavath Achim Synagogue will always be synonymous in my eyes. Nursery school at the Synagogue is one of my first memories of childhood and I will never forget Rabbi Epstein.

Judith Jackson Reiss

May 3, 2003

Rabbi Epstein was the best example of a teacher, husband, ather and leader that most of us will ever have the chance of knowing.



At 98 he not only remembered me when I lost my son on Sept. 11th, but he was able to give me counsel and comfort when I needed it most.



How fortunate have I been to have known and learned from such a brilliant scholar and teacher.

Arona Zelman

May 3, 2003

Rabbi Epstein was and always will be the cornerstone of the Ahavath Achim Synagogue. He was the greatest inspiration for generations of congregants and his legacy will live on.

Terry, Ellyn, Jennifer & Gary Zucker

May 3, 2003

Our sympathies go out to the family and to the Atlanta Jewish community on the loss of Rabbi Epstein.

Terry, Ellyn, Jennifer & Gary Zucker

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