Shalom Ralph came to B'nai Moshe more than 50 years ago to be our Sexton. He has, since then, served with five rabbis and many presidents.

What does a Sexton do? For decades, Mr. Ralph was responsible for making sure that there were morning and evening minyans at B'nai Moshe. He was responsible for making the phone calls, setting up breakfast (together with a committee of hearty members who got up very early) and keeping everything in order.

Mr. Ralph taught bar and bat mitzvah students almost without number. He participated in wedding after wedding. He was present at funerals, and has assisted at unveilings and during the High Holy Days when people visited the cemetery. And, oh yes, his was the last, long shofar blast, that people heard on Yom Kippur for many many years.

Mr. Ralph can't do everything for us anymore, but we have done something to honor him. Although we no longer hear that long, almost endless note from his shofar, or hear him clanking his gragger at Purim (he has given those tasks over to others), Mr. Ralph has remained a critical part of our scene. Until recently, he opened the synagogue every morning and helped with the minyan. He helped with breakfasts and he still helps with weddings and funerals. And, until recently, he stood at the bimah when the Torah is read, calling up aliyot as he had for 51 years.

We recognized him by dedicating an alcove in his honor. The alcove houses our memorabilia. It is not a museum, but holds things which are dear to us -- pictures and examples of where B'nai Moshe has come from. People who have been important to us. Things which exemplify who we are. So often, we honor those who have helped us when they are gone. This is a living memorial to a man who is, thank God, still with us.