Mr. Marvin Azrak A"H
Mr. Marvin Azrak A"H
מרדכי בן נורמה ע"ה
ט"ו בשבט תשס"ח
Man of action, a master of accomplishments
Architect of holy projects to fulfill the needs of the community
Remarkable love and respect for the elderly, concern for their welfare
Visions became reality under his guiding hand
Instrumental in spreading and supporting Torah worldwide
No challenge was too great, his determination was endless
Advocated peace, Hesed and Sedaka constantly
Zealous in his pursuit of mitzvot and Hesed
Ready to do for others, any time of the day or night
Always had a smile on his face, he was everyone's best friend
Kindness for his fellow Jew was the essence of his life
Biography of
Mordechai Marvin Azrak a"h
(1950-2008)
Morechai Ben Norma, Marvin Azrak a"h, was born on October 2, 1950 in Panama, to Ramon and Norma Azrak. At ten years old, his parents sent him to Carmel College, a yeshiva in England, where he boarded for about three years. When he returned to Panama, he continued his education in an American school.
His father Ramon helped him take his first steps in business. By eighteen, his father sent him to the Orient with large sums of money to buy merchandise. He taught his son that you have to take chances in business, and you may lose a little, but at least you'll learn how to succeed. He gave him the freedom to learn, and the responsibility to succeed. These lessons stood in good faith for him his whole life, because Marvin was never afraid to take chances. Whether it was for the community's benefit, or for his own businesses, Marvin was ready to take on any challenge.
Marvin was hardworking and committed from young. He was the only one ever in the community to read the entire Parasha at his bar mitzvah, a time-consuming and difficult task. From thirteen years old he learned how to blow the shofar, and he would blow it on Rosh Hashana throughout his entire life. He was fortunate to have a close relationship from his youth with Rabbi Sion Levy a"h, who was Chief Rabbi of Panama for 57 years. His whole life he constantly kept in touch with his rabbi and spiritual advisor, and would rely on him for all his halachic and personal questions.
On February 28, 1971, when he was 20 years old, he married Diana Dabah from New York, the daughter of Albert and Selma Dabah. They settled in Panama, but four years later moved to New York at the insistence of Rabbi Sion Levy. In fact, Marvin used to joke that Rabbi Levy had kicked him out of Panama. Rabbi Levy saw the potential in Marvin, and knew he would be able to do great things in a large community, so he urged him to take his young family and move out of Panama. Rabbi Levy felt this would also encourage more growth in Torah for both Marvin and his family.
Marvin began to work with his father-in-law Albert Dabah a"h, who took him into his business and cared for him like a son. Several years later, Marvin was able to successfully open his own business.
Marvin would pray in Ahi Ezer Congregation so that he could be with his grandfather Mr. Joe Maslaton a"h. He formed a close relationship with the president of the shul, his great-uncle Mr. Nouri Dayan a"h, and began helping his Uncle Nouri in the running of the shul. His uncle knew Marvin was capable and even more so, motivated, to do for the community. He gave Marvin responsibility, and trained him to take over his place as president of Ahi Ezer. They worked hand in hand to found the first two Senior Citizen Homes. Marvin became his right hand man, learning from his uncle how to run the shul and how to be a leader. He learned far more than basic leadership skills, for Nouri taught him the principles that Marvin stood by his whole life. From Nouri he learned to never stop building, to always anticipate the needs of the community, and strive to fulfill them. Marvin learned to always forge ahead leshem shamayim, even without funds or support.
When Nouri retired in 1981, he chose Marvin as his successor as President of Ahi Ezer. Marvin was only 31 years old, but he had the vision and the wisdom of a man far beyond his years.
Over the years, Marvin undertook many projects to benefit the community. Marvin was instrumental in the building of the third Ahi Ezer Senior Housing on East 3rd Street. One of his novel ideas was the Ahi Ezer Torah Center, the first ever Torah Center in the community. He donated the Bet Midrash himself in memory of his grandfather Joe Maslaton a"h. The community was desperately lacking a kelim mikveh, so he built a beautiful one, and donated it in memory of his grandmother Sophie Maslaton a"h. The men's mikveh is another one of his valuable accomplishments. Marvin also saw the need for a Jewish lending library, and made sure to get it done in the best way possible. His ideas were endless and innovative, and his energy and will indomitable. Everything he did was leshem shamayim, a sign of his love for Hashem and His Torah.
Marvin had a special connection with the elderly. He knew that happiness and fulfillment would enrich and extend their lives, so he would do his utmost to bring them comfort and joy. He decorated a room in the Senior Citizen building where they could sit and socialize, and he even brought in their favorite Arabic channels. On Hanukkah and Purim, there was always a party for the seniors, and he would come and dance with them, and tell them, "Next year I'll be back to dance with you!"
Nouri Dayan, with his foresight, told Marvin of the necessity of establishing a girl's high school. Marvin made that vision a reality by founding and running Tichon B'not Rachel High School. Until his death, he was devoted to every aspect of the school's operation.
Nouri Dayan was Marvin's inspiration even when he was gone. Marvin would constantly ask, "What would Nouri say about this?" He admired Nouri's family, with generations of Bene Torah, and knew this was the man he should emulate. Marvin also dedicated a shul in Yerucham, Israel in Nouri Dayan's memory.
One could say that Marvin's prime goals in life were Hesed and Torah. Marvin spent countless hours helping people with their problems; whether for shalom bayit, financial, legal, and more. He would even help get people out of jail. He was there for whoever needed him, at any time of the day, or night. People relied on his wise advice, and knew Marvin was the one who would take quick action whenever it was needed. Frequently, he would provide a listening ear for those in need of a shoulder to lean on. Marvin was famous for his support for Torah and his love of Rabbis. His life was devoted to spreading Torah in the community, and he supported Torah institutions all over the world. It was his privilege and happiness to give sedaka, as well as to help raise sedaka for worthy causes.
One of his greatest joys was the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim, inviting guests. His table was always open to all, and he would insist that they would be doing him the favor by coming. The Azrak home was always full of Rabbis, including some of the greatest sages of our generation. It was his utmost pleasure to host them in his house.
One mitzvah which he was very secretive about was caring for the deceased. He was extremely involved in all aspects of this mitzvah; whether arranging for funerals and paperwork, doing the taharah himself, and often paying for all the expenses personally. Minutes before he died, he was involved in this mitzvah for the last time, trying to arrange for parents to get to their daughter's funeral in time.
Marvin and his wife Diana created a home that was true to Torah values, love for Hashem, and for helping others. They raised six wonderful children, two sons and four daughters, who together with their families are following in his footsteps.
Marvin was never done with his life's work, because he always looked for new ways to help others. He accomplished more in his short 57 years than others do in a hundred years. He had a superhuman power of accomplishing the impossible, because he never thought about failing. With determination and courage, he would forge ahead with his next idea, his next dream, always looking forward.
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19 Shevat 5785
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