I don't care what your friends say. I think you're a good guy. ~ Hal Kanter

For life and for peace, amen. ~ Hal Kanter

During the Torah service on Shabbat, our synagogue has a custom to read a certain prayer out loud, together, in English.

I only remember the last few words of that prayer.

The reason I remember those words is because Hal Kanter, 5 foot 4 inch, 100 pound octogenarian, has been booming those words out at every service for the last two years.

What I remember is more than the words, I remember the voice.

Each week the Rabbi starts reading and the congregation joins in. We all read the paragraph at a normal level. As I write this, I can hear in my head the end of the prayer, Hal's clear, powerful voice, as if blown from a shofar, "For Life and For Peace, Amen".

Hal moved to Gainesville 23 years ago at the age of 65. Hal passed away December 31, 2006 at the age of 88. Hal used to call me Andala, and he always told me how much he missed my Dad.

We will miss you Hal.