On Sunday evening, September 7, a milestone few merit was marked with warmth and simchah as family, friends, and neighbors gathered in the social hall of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills to celebrate the 101st birthday of Mr. Max Marcus. The evening was both a celebration of life and a tribute to a beloved patriarch whose years have been guided by emunah, perseverance, and Torah values.
From a Torah perspective, reaching 101 carries unique meaning. Chazal teach that one who reaches 100 has completed life’s natural cycle. To live beyond that is a special brachah from Hashem. The number also recalls the Gemara in Chagigah (9b), which says that reviewing one’s learning 101 times surpasses 100. That extra step defines true greatness. So, too, 101 years reflects a life that rises above the ordinary, marked by consistency and devotion to Hashem.
Those who know Reb Max describe him as steady, kind, and reliable—a presence whose quiet strength and warm manner have enriched all those in his circle. His years bring to mind the pasuk, “Orech yamim b’yeminah, u’v’smolah osher v’kavod”—“Length of days is in her right hand; in her left, wealth and honor.”
The gathering was filled with mazal tovs and heartfelt brachos for continued health, strength, and nachas from his family. It was a celebration not only of years, but of the Torah and goodness that fill them.
Mazal tov to Mr. Max Marcus on his 101st birthday. May Hashem grant him with continued health, strength, and joy from his family, ad me’ah v’esrim shanah.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
Photo credit: Moshe Goldgrab