Sol's Yearbook Page (see links to other pages)

Solomon Sharon Cyrus Jochnowitz-Kahn

University of Rochester

I thank G-d for giving me the determination, courage and strength in recognizing & to make the best out of my abilities. My faith in G-d has made me understand my potential as well as my duties and responsibilities to my love ones, my community, and my country.

I have endured so much for the last year. I have been given the gift of Life. I am truly blessed to have had the will power to pull through it. Many have contributed so much, and I am blessed to be touched by so many true friends and love ones. I equally want to touch as many lives and be able to make a difference in the welfare of people and the community.

As in the words of a well-known Hebrew song, (written about a different set of stones in Jerusalem ’s Holy Western Wall), “There are some people with hearts of stone, and there are some stones with human hearts.”

I realize that it is the character of the individual and the sense of pride I now feel in my Jewish heritage that enables me to empathize with people from all walks of life. The Jewish teachings to pursue “tzedek” (justice) and “tikun olam” (the fixing of the World), combined with a 2000 year long history of persecution, have planted within me a personal obligation to fight injustice whenever I see it.

I know that there will be times that I will be powerless to help, but at those times, I will remember the words put by Elie Wiesel in the mouth of a Just Man after he was warned by a young child that all of his protests against inhumanity were not having any effect:

 “In the beginning, I thought I could change man.  Today, I know I can not.  If I still out today, if I still scream, it is to prevent man from ultimately changing me”

I thank my parents, and Yoni, my brother for giving me the gift of life. I will live through him forever. My late grandparents Jeremiah and Rose & Grand Pa and Grand Ma Joseph and Victoria, my aunts Naomi, Cindy, and Shiva. My uncles Behnam and Behyar, and all my dear cousins.

Albany Academy has been my extended family. I thank the faculty, staff, and administrators for their dedication, commitment, and unique contributions to the Academy. My Academy guardians, and mentors who have touched my soul include Dean Scott Mileken , Dr.  Ken Ebert, Mr. Jack Bessle, Mr. David Pascone, Coach Jefferson, Bob & Susan Neudel and Debbi Ross for their tireless efforts on my behalf.

I thank my Academy brothers for their courage, continuous support, and their frequent visits that lifted my spirit and helped me face the most challenging adversity. I am especially grateful to my dear friends Ariel and Harry, Dan, Paul, and Sara among others.

I owe much to Dean William Green, University of Rochester for giving me a gift that truly touched my soul.

I acknowledge Rabbi Paul Silton for his continuous support and moral guidance, and for always being there for me, Dr. Daniel Kredentser, Dr. Shelly Justa, Dr. Richard Sills. I thank you all for the compassion, humanity, love, and affection that you have given me and my family during this difficult period of my life. 

G-d bless you all.

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