In next week's Torah reading Parashat Truma we are told that when the children of Israel were instructed to build the Tabernacle, they were instructed to build a middle bar which had to pass through all the boards of the Tabernacle from one end to the other, thereby holding the tabernacle together and firm.

The middle bar in any family are the parents, because they are the bar that secures the walls of the home and unite the family. The demise of a father or a mother is the loss of the unifying middle bar and sometimes it even leads to the collapse of the home.

Today we are gathered to mourn and pay our last respect to the middle bar of the Hakim family. Namely The late Albert Hakim, or as he was fondly called "Ricoh" who was born in Cairo 1923.

But Albert Hakim embodied many more qualities other than being the middle bar for his family.

He had an "ayin tovah" - a ‘good eye’, for he was able to look at life and at people and see the good. ALBERT was a ‘haver tov’ - a good friend and a good neighbour. He was a man full of "Joie de Vivre’ he enjoyed every moment of his life and spread happiness around him, friendly to all full of fun, and had a cheerful way about him, he had a great sense of humor.

But above all - and basic to all else, he had a ‘lev tov’ - a good heart. He was a warm, a sincere, a generous human being - who put everybody else’s welfare above his own. He could be relied upon to do his share. Albert was always totally committed to anything he undertook. It is so very difficult to encapsulate a man’s life of 74 years in a few minutes. It is all the more true with a man like Albert who did such an extraordinary amount over the course of his life and touched so many people.

Without exaggeration, it can be said that many people assembled in this room, and indeed, many more who are not, will always remember Albert because of the precious things which he possessed: his love of the family his love of Jewish people and Eretz Yisrael, his service to others, and his generosity and kindness.

In 1954 he married his loving wife Rachel Rose Nancy in Cairo, and in 1957 they left Egypt by boat with a baby of 2 months and 120 pounds in his pocket to come to Australia.

He was so giving and so generous, that when the boat docked in South Africa he went and bought a ring for his wife worth a100 pounds leaving them with only 20 pounds to start a new life in Australia.

Nancy, Albert was your life during the 44 years of marriage. Over the past few months during all the illnesses, you were, indeed, his "help-mate" he loved you and you loved him with all his strengths and weaknesses.

I know that the days to come will be difficult days for you and your family, but look around you—these are the people whom you and Albert have touched, they will always be there to support you. For though Albert may be gone, his spirit of loving-kindness is alive.

Albert was a Jew - who valued the traditions, the community, Zionism and above all else his family wherever they may be.

He always made sure that he called or wrote to the family on their birthdays and the Chagim.

Albert didn't forget his obligations to the community he served as board member of our synagogue for many years. According to Rabbi Freilich, Albert was a stalwart supporter of the early days of morning Minyanim.

He rose to become the President of the Judean Cubs. Executive member of Bnei Brith, Board Member of the Australian Israeli Chamber of Commerce, Maroubra Synagogue delegate to the State Zionist Council and Board of Deputies. And a member of many more other organisations.

Albert enjoyed so many things that it would be hard to describe all of them, he liked Lawn bowls, he loved the beach and travelling with his wife Nancy, together they saw many beautiful places. Knowing how precious life is, he packed in his life more living, than someone could squeeze in to 120 years of life.

Albert’s life however can also be highlighted by the beautiful character of his incredible jovial personality, thoughtfulness, generosity and a good hearted nature. Albert was an enthusiastic man and when he had a task or job, he did it with gusto and with the full use of any, and all resources at his command. This was true no matter what he did.

Especially when it came to business, He was a successful managing Director of his Texas Tents company. No matter who entered the shop the customer was made comfortable and was treated with the utmost respect.

Albert was blessed with three sons Jeff Danny and Paul and one daughter Carole whom he loved more than life itself. He was so proud of their accomplishments and their achievement that whenever there was an article or a write up in the paper about his children, he would cut it out photocopy it then send it to the family all over the world.

Albert’s family was very special to him. He was always there for them. Challenging them to reach new heights. Inspiring them with wisdom and values. Family and friends really enjoyed being with him and in his company. He was a friend to everyone, it’s no wonder he was so loved by so many.

Your memories of him will carry you through your own lives. And when you have your own simachot and other events in your life, know that he will be there.

His values are eternal and his love can never be taken away from you, no matter where you are or what you are doing.

As the family grows and one generation forms into another, Alberts’s name will be uttered respectfully and with great honour. For it was honour, respect and pride that he brought to this family.

His very caring nature was extended to his late Mother in law Viviette Cohen who stayed in their home for 40 years.

Amongst the many pleasant highlights in Albert’s life was the reunion of the whole of the Hakim family from all over the world in July 1997. In spite of ill health and doctors’ advice, Albert joined the family and had the time of his life. This reunion took place in Sfat Israel that is where Albert’s great grand father Rabbi Yehudah Hakim was its Chief Rabbi.

He cherished his daughter in law Rita and son in law David. He loved and adored his two grand-sons, Adam and Joshua. Albert enjoyed hearing the name Grandpere.

The passing away of Albert Ricoh Hakim is a great loss to his beloved sisters Bona Denise Yvette and Florette and his brother David. His absence will be felt by all the family for a long time.

G-d has given you a beautiful gift, in that he allowed you to share his life with you. He has also given you another great gift and that is the gift of memory. With that gift Albert will live on in your hearts for as long as you have memory. His life will continue to inspire you, even though he is no longer here physically. He will continue to guide you as long as you remember Him.

May he now rest in peace, and be a blessing to all in time to come. Amen

Eulogy of Rabbi Haim Perez
who conducted the funeral service
at the Chevra Kaddisha