FEATURES

Pictured left: Rabbi Pachino, bottom R, with L to R: Rabbi Chaim Sacknovitz (former Head of Guidance), Sam Kapustin (former Principal of Jewish Studies), Gary Levine (former Principal of CHAT-Richmond Hill), Sheldon Friedman (former Principal, Wilmington campus).

Remembering Rabbi Marvin Pachino z”l

Rabbi Marvin Pachino z”l was born in Baltimore, and graduated from Yeshiva University in 1955 with a major in psychology. He began his professional career as a pulpit rabbi and was installed as spiritual leader of Sinai Synagogue, South Bend, Indiana, in 1966. That same year, his book Toward an Understanding of Jewish Funeral and Mourning Practices was published by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America. He later moved into the world of education serving as Principal of Judaic Studies at the Ida Crown Jewish Academy in Chicago, and as Headmaster at CHAT from 1979 to 1998 where enrolment grew from 230 students to more than 700 during his tenure. Rabbi Pachino passed away in Israel, where he moved following retirement. May his memory be for a blessing. In the words of Rabbi Chaim Sacknovitz, former Head of Guidance, “His contribution to the educational system in Toronto will live on in the memories of the thousands of teachers and students who passed through the halls of CHAT.” We were honoured to receive a number of reminiscences of Rabbi Pachino from former colleagues and students. We share some excerpts on page 12.

Sheldon Friedman, former Principal, Wilmington campus)

It was Marvin’s ability to listen to all sides before making a decision that allowed the school to grow. From my point of view, that humble characteristic made him an outstanding headmaster. His decisions, however, never compromised the high standards he set for himself and the entire CHAT community. Marvin was very focused on this mission to impart a strong Jewish identity to the students [through Jewish Studies] while at the same time offering them an excellent secular education.

Samuel Kapustin, former Principal of Jewish Studies

During his tenure as headmaster, aided by a cadre of visionary laypeople, the direction of the school assumed a new and dynamic path. Marvin never expected from others what he did not demand of himself, the highest standards of professionalism and honesty, in order to attempt the nearimpossible: to provide education at the highest academic level, nurtured in an environment imbued with sensitivity and caring in which each student could hope to achieve his/her full potential.

The Marvin B. Pachino Award established at the time of his retirement is given annually at graduation for excellence in Jewish Studies and continuing Jewish education in Israel. To date, it has helped to fund a gap year of studying in Israel for more than 50 TanenbaumCHAT alumni. If you would like to contribute to this fund to honour the memory of Rabbi Pachino, please visit: poweringtanenbaumchat.org/ remembering-rabbi-pachino

Rabbi Chaim Sacknovitz, former Head of Guidance

Rabbi Pachino was an outstanding educator, who innately understood how to relate to students. He instinctively knew when to be firm and when to have compassion, when to stand strong and when to be lenient. He guided me, shared ideas with me, and I watched, often in awe, how he dealt with serious issues. Marvin was a highly principled individual. His goal was always to create a Jewish school, not just a school for Jewish students.

Norman Grill, former Board President

I was on the Board of the school in the 1990s [and served] as President from 1996 to 1999. During this time I met with Rabbi Pachino often, both on an educational and personal basis, and always found him very friendly and informative. On his retirement in 1998, the community honoured him and his family with a dinner. Many community leaders attended and spoke of his many achievements in the field of Jewish education.

Dr. Eli Honig, former teacher

One of my students had done something… remarkable. I headed to the headmaster’s office to... sing the praises of this student prodigy of whom I was so proud. Rabbi Pachino… gently responded with an observation that has remained with me to this day. I quote, or in the lapse of time perhaps paraphrase: “Eli, we shouldn’t take too much credit for the accomplishments of students who would have done just as well without us. The real work and reward is to catch and help those who are falling through the cracks.” In one simple but profound statement he directed a moral imperative to teach each student at the level at which he or she is capable. I, and the students that I subsequently taught, remain forever in his debt.

Rabbi Wayne Allen, current teacher

In my first year as a pulpit rabbi in Toronto, Rabbi Pachino invited me to take part in a discussion on how to supplement the CHAT experience with informal education using local rabbis. Two things struck me. First, he did not hesitate to include rabbis of every stream of Judaism. And second, he saw Jewish education radiating from the school to the home and the community with each reinforcing the other. It may seem pedestrian to say now but, at the time, it was daring. His courage and his commitment to Jewish education was profound.

Alex Gropper, current teacher

I had the honour of teaching under Rabbi Pachino throughout his tenure at the school from 1979 to 1998. He was a man of integrity, honour, and moral conviction.

Judi Morris, former teacher

One always knew his position, which was based on common sense and Jewish values, and he never waffled. He was a consummate professional.

Leora (Levy) Barak ’84

On August 31, 1980, I arrived in Canada, hardly speaking any English, feeling nervous and lost. My parents scrambled to get me into a good school, and CHAT welcomed me with open arms. Rabbi Marvin Pachino made it all possible. I think of him and remember his humility, grace and compassion.

Risa Kirshblum ‘85

I came to CHAT in grade 11. On my first day, I saw Rabbi Pachino in the hall and he addressed me by name. I couldn’t imagine how he knew who I was but I soon realized that he made it his business to know who everyone was. It made a real impression on me. ◆