| _BIOG_EN_L |
Rev. Max Salas’ 80th Birthday
One of the most beloved an respected members of our Auckland community. Rev. Max Salas, celebrated his 80th birthday last months. Born in the old city of Jerusalem in 1883 of a Polish father and Palestina mother, he went to cheder at the age of three, and was tought the beginng of Chumcsh when he was five years old. At seven years of age he starte to study the Talmud, and from the age of 13 he becam a pupil of the Grand Yshiva Etz-Hayim, to which his father had been appointed Head at the age of 25. Max Salas’ father died at the early age of 31, leaving behind a family of seven children, one of whom, Rev. Salas’ fourth brother, is now Head of the same Yeshiva.
When he was 17 years of age, Max Salas passed exems in Halach (Jewish Talmak Laws) and left for London in 1900 wher he lived with his father’s brother who was well established there. In London he continue to study as well as learning English in night school. He left for the United States two years later. New York and Philadelphia, mainly to continue studying, but after five years he returned to Israel to see his mother in Jerusalem.
As a young man Rev. Max Salas always wanted to see the world, so after Newcastle at the High Frestivals in a voluntary capacity, lending his exellent voice to make the occasion more festive.
After six months he decided to return to the United State and left on the "Sierra,” but became ill and was advised to disembark in Auckland to await a later boat. The "Sierra” arrived in Auckland on September 28, 1905 and Rev. Max Salas has lived here ever since. He immediately liked Auckland and its climate, which agreed with his health. Rabbi Goldstein was the minister at that time and the community was quite small, so Rev. Salas took up a Life insurance agency. He became a member of the community at once and alos a member of the Zionist Society (which had only been formed for a short time) eventually becoming its Chairman.
He was an active member of the Chevra Kadisha as well as being one of the founders of the Aid Society. In 1933 he was invited by the Auckland Community to accept the postion of Shocher and Second Minister, in which capacity he gave his services for 25 years.
He married Miss Rose Myers, sister of Mr. H. Myers in December, 1909, and they have tow sons and three daughters, 16 grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. Besides being inscribed in the Golden Book at their Golden Wedding, Rev. And Mrs. Salas were als presented with a garden of trees.
Rev. Salas has had his name inscribed twice in the Golden Book, once for his Golden Wedding, and once when he retired from the Chairmanship of the Zionist Society.
He still continue his studies of the Talmud and does a lot of secular reading. With a twinkle in his eye he will tell you he doesn’t feel his age and thoroughly enjoys being with his family and friends. For this birthday, his son Jack came from Wellington, his daughter Miriam from Hastings, and his daughter Esther from India, where she in New Delhi working for UNESCO.
The community joins his family in wishing Rev. Salas many more years of health and happiness with his dear wife, living out a peaceful and contented retirement in his pleasan home in Balmoral. [3] |
1883 - 1972 (89 Jahre)
[1] 