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Every once in a while something so important takes place that I stop writing the message I originally set out to send to you and begin again. That’s what happened this week, with the passing of Robert Coleman z”l, the first president of our Jewish Federation.

When I arrived at work on Monday, after hearing the sad news, I stood and looked at his portrait on our wall. He is the first in a series of leaders of this organization who have defined who we are today. Going first isn’t easy, but without that step none of the leaders who came after him could have had the impact they did on our community. Ted Zacks, another of our former presidents, recalls the tricky situation our Federation found itself in early on: “The person who agreed to be Jewish Federation’s president backed out late in the day, shortly before Federation’s formal establishment. Bob’s belief in community gave rise to him committing to step up to be our first Federation president.” We’re a religion with a long tradition of reluctant leaders, and in the very best sense Bob was one of them. He wasn’t motivated by personal glory or legacy, but when his community needed him, Bob said, “Hineini” – “Here I am.”

Bob’s wife, Helen, is such an inspiration for our community. I treasure the conversations we had about Bob this week, during which she reminisced about his commitment to their family and to our community. Bob held these priorities dear: Family first. Then Israel. Then everything else. “Bob always believed that tzedakah was the prescription for happiness,” she said. He took his cues from his father, who was an immigrant from Poland, and with whom he had a close relationship. His father once took him to a fundraiser for what was then the brand new State of Israel, and made what was in Bob’s young eyes a huge gift. Helen says that Bob, in awe, asked his father how much longer the family was expected to give like this. His father simply said, “Hopefully, for the rest of our lives.” This is a value Bob in turn passed down the generations, and we are now fortunate to have the entire Coleman family as great supporters of our community.

Ask anyone who knows them, and they’ll tell you that the love that Bob and Helen had for each other was very special. A big, big love, as they say. Our former board chair, Michael Fugman recalls traveling to Israel with them, and “watching the two of them with so much admiration as they walked down the alleyways of the Old City hand-in-hand, with smiles on their faces and glitter in their eyes. They were soaking in the beauty and culture of Israel while acting like a young couple in love.” Many of you have reached out to Helen in a way that has touched her heart, and she asked me to tell you all that her cup runneth over.

One of the things that struck me at Bob’s funeral was how many Jewish Federation leaders lined up to pay their respects. When I made that observation to Ted Zacks, he told me, “We’re not here because we’re past leadership; we’re here because that’s what we do.” That encompasses what’s so special about this place Bob helped create. Many of those leaders have special memories of Bob, which I’d like to share with you.

Dan Pekarsky, President 1989-91
When the Federation was first being formed one of the biggest challenges was who would lead this bold new organization. As you might expect, there was no rush of volunteers. That’s when Bob stepped forward and said he would take on the task. He personified being the right person in the right place at the right time. His calm demeanor and the universal respect in which he was held were made to order in an environment fraught with doubt…. The proof of the contribution Bob made is being realized year after year through Jewish Federation’s continuing growth and success.

Ted Zacks, President 1991-93
Bob had an unwavering support for Israel and Am Yisrael, and a tremendous sense of community, but above all he was a mensch. His memory is indeed a blessing.

Peter Oreck, President 1993-95
There would not have been a Jewish Federation in Vancouver without Bob Coleman. Arthur Fouks knew that it would take a very special person to be our first leader. He picked Bob, who he and his wife Ancie had been friends with for many years. Bob always led by example. He never asked anything of anyone that he wasn’t personally prepared to do, whether it was giving or just leading. Bob was a committed life-long Zionist, and it was because of this he was able to convince the community leaders that the allocation to local agencies had to increase, and that this would not harm Israel. He also believed in allowing the new Jewish Federation professional staff the latitude to incubate new initiatives. It was Bob Coleman who brought Arthur Fouk’s dream to a reality. His contribution should never be forgotten or diminished.

Malcolm Weinstein, President 1995-97
Bob got our Federation off to a great start with his presidency. We are all better for his contribution.

Jonathan Berkowitz, President 1997-99
Bob had the courage to be first. No one wanted to be first, but you need someone who’s willing to take that first step. It’s like who’s going to be the first person who will step into the Red Sea and see if it parts. I’m not sure he got enough credit for that. There are all kinds of leadership styles, and Bob knew when to get out of the way to let the operations take place. He had the right skills not to overstep what Federation needed to do in the early days. He was the right choice in the first year. And he never lost interest in Federation - he and Helen came to everything.

Back in December of 1986, right before our Federation officially got started, several of us traveled to Chicago together for Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly. I was the youngster, and I hadn’t had much experience in the way of business or community trips. I remember a reception for our delegation that Bob and Helen had in their hotel room. I remember thinking he really was a gentleman, and that this will be a great organization to be a part of. It’s a vivid memory.

Garry Zlotnik, President 2007-09
I led a mission to Israel in 2008. Bob, who was 85 at the time, his wife Helen, brother Sid and Sid’s wife Sally all came. Bob and Helen were the most active of the bunch, touring and hiking from morning till late night. Bob and Helen were an inspiration to all of us who were on the mission.

Michael Fugman, Board Chair 2009-11
Bob has a special place in my heart. When I took on the role as chair of Jewish Federation he immediately reached out to me and said he was there for me. He acted as a mentor, friend and confidant, and was available whenever I need him.

Diane Switzer, Board Chair 2013-15
My connection to Bob was as an admirer from afar. Beginning during my first years in the community 40 years ago, I watched Bob and Helen lead with handsome grace and dignity. Their quiet strength and constant presence at community events inspired and continues to inspire my own involvement in community. Our community work is based on the Jewish values of klal Israel, chesed and tzedekah. Robert Coleman through his lifelong commitment to these values set an example for us all to follow.

As someone who represents the next generation I think it’s deeply important to recognize the leaders who came before us, and who enabled us to have the experiences we have. Bob is one of those leaders. May his memory be a blessing. May his family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Shabbat Shalom,

Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver