40 Years

Dear Jessica and Isaac,

One week or so before your wedding day I went shopping with Jessica. After that we went for lunch. During our lunch, I noticed you seemed upset and I asked why you looked so troubled.

"Aunt Edith", you said, "after a whole month of marriage, what is there to talk about?"

I gave that question some thought and came up with an answer. I said, "Jessica, that won't become a problem…you and Isaac MUST take up tennis"…problem solved.

Larry and I offered our garden for your wedding and the day finally came. At 9:30 in the morning a large truck pulled up to our house and five women jumped out of the truck wearing peasant dresses, aprons and schmatas on their heads. They were followed by large ovens, huge boxes packed with food, liquor, etc and then they took over my kitchen!

It still amazes me today how such a scene like that could have produced a wedding that turned out to be such a beautiful affair…a ceremony under a blue sky with a tent to shade your guests from the hot sun..a band that kept everyone dancing for hours and fantastic cuisine provided by the women in the truck.

So perhaps you did take my advice and took up tennis because you two seem to have been hitting aces for 40 years!

With All My Love,

Aunt Edith

Happy Anniversary

Even before she could speak a word, Jessica had an unmistakable way to let you know where she stood. For nearly her first two years this tiny five lb infant used to drink her food: minky, doosey, milk, and juice. So you can be sure that when mommy heard her stir first thing in the morning, I would tiptoe into the kitchen, get a bottle from the fridge, and go in and present it. But what happened if I presented milk and she wanted juice, or juice when she wanted milk? Well she'd take the offending bottle, hurl it over the top of her crib, and smash it against the opposite wall, where, as it was the era of glass baby bottles, it would crash and splinter glass and spray the liquid. I got the message pretty darned quick. In a flash of understanding I would in the future come armed with two bottles, one of milk and one of juice so she could make her choice.
Some 18 years later, three days before her wedding, Jessica left the house one morning, her beautiful heavy blonde hair reaching down her shoulders and halfway down her back. Some hours later she returned sans hair. She'd had it shorn to a boyish bob framing her face. When Isaac arrived that he evening he blanched when he saw her and fell into a chair in shock and dismay. Said Jessica: "I had to make sure he wasn't marrying me for my hair." So it seemed there were other things beside the hair.....Well, Augusts l8th finally arrived: slightly windy but also slightly sunny. Thank God! The Schaller lawn was ready, camp chairs set up - 100 or so - Martin Grodin somehow, from somewhere found a bolt of white carpet and rolled it down from house entrance to tent and the waiting 5 piece orchestra, Jessica with her Dad at her side made one step forward when the band proceeded to play La Vie en Rose. Jessica halted- stock still- "They are ruining my wedding!!!!!!!!!! Dad dropped her arm , danced over to the bandstand, whispered in the bandleader's ear, then sped back to Jessica. And now the orchestra played the tune Jessica wanted, Mendelssohn's Wedding March. The day was saved. As usual, Jessica finds the way to get what she needs.
Happy, happy anniversary to my dearly loved children.

Bravo!

Dear Jessica & Isaac: August 18, 2008

Oh, bravo! You and your marriage have made it through 40 years with love and grace.
You were, each of you, so beautiful that day--. The photo album you gave us stopped time exquisitely, preserving the flower girls and everyone in your amazing families.
Bravo, too, on the excellent progeny you've produced! May you have many more joyful, healthy years together!
Much love, Lenore and Ira

Happy Anniversary!

Dearest Jessica and Isaac,

All our hugs and love on this amazingly special occasion!

Just as you celebrated with us on our special day in 1997, we're celebrating with you on this super-special day - honoring 40 years of life shared together with your wonderful children and family. Our hearts are with you and we embrace you with so much love.

Kathy and Rahamim

Happy Anniversary to our dear friends

Dear Isaac and Jess,

Happy Anniversary to our dear friends.

In ’84 you welcomed us to the Wyndham Kibbutz – actually with our children, the Sprances and the Atlases we sort of formed that kibbutz. The fact that we had brought children to the neighborhood was a big factor in the beginning of the friendship. We were the “Christmas neighbor-aunt and uncle” with Justin coming down on Christmas to join in the excitement. I wonder if he remembers the raspberry babka I only made twice a year at Thanksgiving and Christmas—and I wonder if I could still make it after not baking for a dozen years. Jessica showed me where Paramus Park was, how to drive on Route 4, who to use as a pediatrician and how to shop at Foodtown vs. Pathmark. We have danced and sung Friday evening celebrations with the Thompson/Diaz’s, and sailed with the Twin Towers behind us on the Hudson .
When we moved to Delhi Jessica came to visit while Isaac had to stay behind as his father’s health failed. Both of you came to Cairo, supporting us in our wayward wanderlust, even with Jessica’s health risks. You came to Pentwater to see where in the world we came from; you are always there to welcome us back to NYC—sometimes for a week, or a summer and someday permanently—inshal’allah. Although we don’t always use the same context in our long relationship, you two are the closest friends we could wish for. We can discuss politics, social issues, and family problems. You are the ONLY people including our children with whom we could share a space 9 ft. X 30 ft. for a week and still be friends. Bless Kismet and her ability to keep us sane while scaring the daylights out of us.
We are so sad that this is one anniversary we cannot share with you. I don’t know how many August l8ths we have congratulated one another on our exquisite choices in mates: the Italian Family restaurant in Queens on our way to the plane to India, hopping down to the Village when I’d had foot surgery, Chin Chin and Chinese restaurants from downtown to uptown.
We look forward to continuing this tradition wherever the Fromms and Arnolds may be and to growing old ever so gracefully together,
With love,
Sherry and David

An inspirational forty cycles of seasons…

Dear Jessica and Isaac,

It's since been nearly a full cycle of the seasons. Last Thanksgiving Day, however, seemed to be barely one season ago to me. To my great admiration, you've since been married for exactly forty cycles of the seasons. I can't help wondering how much all of those seasons must have meant to you and how many wonders you must have found and enjoyed together in your married life, ever since you embarked upon your tremendous journey of love in that particularly magical moment of your lives on your wedding day.

Last Thanksgiving, I had the pleasure to get to know you right after my engagement to Benjamin. Your friendly smiles, welcoming greetings and lively conversations helped melt away a certain apprehension I felt about having to socialize with a big American family of dozens of people, the idea of me becoming a member of which had yet to sink into my mind.

That has been the first and only time we met to date, although you have always graciously obliged Benjamin and me with your much needed expertise. And I am certain that we will be spending many more pleasant times together on many more family, festive and other occasions for many more seasons to come.

You welcomed me to the family nearly a cycle of seasons ago. You will continue to serve as an inspiration for Benjamin and me to celebrate our love together till the moment of our very own ruby anniversary forty cycles of seasons later and far beyond.

I deeply admire such a wonderful lifelong journey you have been traveling hand in hand and sincerely wish you a happiest ruby anniversary that traverses endlessly into the future till forever…

Love,
Monty

Wishing You a Happy Anniversary

issac and jessica,
a shout out from Sandy and Steve wishing you a wonderful anniversary! jess, your painting glows on my wall . here's a picture of you and Anne at our botanical garden trip!love, the Frankels

Happy Anniversary

Dear Jessica and Isaac,
As you celebrate forty years together, I hope you realize what a beautiful legacy you have created. The two of you have been an unconditional support in all facets of my life; both past and present.
I fondly recall the summer weeks I spent with you as a child when my father was sick. I was scared and homesick the entire trip. When it was time for me to go home, you purchased an airline ticket last minute just so I wouldn't have to be alone on the plane. It is the small things in life that make the deepest impact. Thank you both for taking me in as one of your own in my time of need.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom, values and love with me.
All my love,
Benjamin

Happy 40th

Dear Jessica and Isaac,
Gosh, a lot of water has gone over the dam, (or under the Bridge) since Steph met the two of you at Brooklyn College sometime last century. We used to Folk Dance at the Amphitheater on Wednesday afternoons. He hooked up years later when Alan Steinberg (another BC alumn,) invited him on an "All-Male" sailing trip in the Caribbean. BOY WAS JUDY P-SS-D. We've done a lot of sailing together since then, including Justin and Katie on occasion and look forward to lots more! We also do other socializing, and were honored to have you spend your 39th Anniversary helping us celebrate our 25th last year.
We love you guys and your wonderful family (cat and bird included,) and wish you many more happy years of love and life together...Many Happy Returns, Judy and Stephen

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Mom and Dad, two of the dearest and most special people in my life! I am so excited to celebrate and honor you both on your 40th Wedding Anniversary. Since I was a small child I have always recognized how very lucky I was to have been born to you two and I continuously am reminded of that each day (even when dad finds something to nudge me about;) One of the things I feel most fortunate to have had in my life are two parents who have exemplified what unconditional love, support, and partnership means. I have always felt that I was able to take on different challenges and face some of the more frightening roadblocks life has thrown my way because I knew you were right there alongside me, encouraging and supporting my dreams. I love and admire both of you! Cheers to forty more years (heck—let’s go for 100 more) of love, good health, adventure, and fun times!
With Love, Katie

Happy Anniversary!

Dear Isaac and Jessica,

For the past forty years you have been creating a three dimensional collage of family, friends, passions and interests with a commitment to what's good. Each of you is involved in your work, art and immigration law, to express beauty and to help people find and secure their place in this world. In this collage are your two fine children. How well I remember Jessica bringing a very young Katy over to my piano studio twenty plus years ago. What a surprise when Katy put her small, pink, bare toes on the keyboard and attempted a scale! Wasn't it just a short time ago that Justin , in his high school graduation year gave a stunning performance, a showstopper for sure, in South Pacific. Jessica and Isaac never let on about Justin's theatrical flair. What a revelation!As longtime neighbors on Standish Rd. we get to enjoy the casual conversations over decades; the impromptu exchange through a car window, the spontaneous visit on the hoof when Jim is working on a project in the driveway, Jessica's art shows, a legal perspective when you need it most, and stories of faraway places you have both been to, sometimes more than once. We look forward to continuing to keep an eye on your house and livestock when you are away and know that you will continue to do the same for us. Your both being our friends and neighbors contributes a lot to the general feeling that where our houses are is home, our shtetl, where neighbors look out for eachother and share both good news and bad.So that's how Jim and I fit into your collage, layers of past and present, friendship, help, laughter, loosely parallel lives, stretching into the future deep and wide. How much we appreciate being part of your lives.

With love and congratulations, Ginger and Jim

With Love on Your Anniversary

Those of you who knew Jessica and Isaac back in the 60s will remember Jessica’s long, golden hair. Well, a couple of weeks before their wedding, Jessica asked me to make an appointment for her with my hairdresser. She informed me that she wanted to get a short hairstyle. I told her that I had always been jealous of her gorgeous tresses but that I could not tell a lie, “You’d be crazy to cut your crowning glory; DON’T DO IT.” However, she would not be dissuaded so I finally made the appointment.

The evening of the haircut, Jessica dropped Isaac off at my apartment in the East Village to wait for us while we supposedly went off to do some shopping. Well, Jessica got a very short haircut, as short as Mia Farrow’s was in those days (for those of you who can remember that far back). She was still beautiful, but it was quite a transformation.

When we got back to my apartment, Isaac opened the door, took one look at Jessica, and burst into tears sobbing, “Why did you do that?” We were very gentle with him, but it took him a while to recover his composure. However, true love runs deep, and he married Jessica just the same.

Some months after the wedding, we went to visit my parents and Sallie in Far Rockaway for the weekend. Jessica brought along a blond wig that Isaac’s mother, Hilda, had given her as a gift. (Hilda had no doubt noticed her son’s nostalgia.) Now this was long, blond, BIG HAIR—a 1960s Nancy Sinatra-look, totally out of keeping with Jessica’s delicate frame and demure manner, and we had a good laugh when she modeled it. In fact, we became so raucous that Isaac donned the wig wearing my bathrobe to complete the costume, and though there is no way he even came close to looking like a female impersonator—a transvestite perhaps, but definitely not a female impersonator.

The long and the short of it is—please forgive the pun— that Jessica has worn her hair in many styles and at several lengths, though never very long again, over the course of the last 40 years, and their marriage and love has not only endured but grown stronger and deeper. They have made their life together a work in progress, and we all admire and love them, and wish them many more decades of love and happiness together.

Love, Vicki

Happy 40th!

Dear Jessica and Isaac

You are two of my favorite cousins. In fact, Isaac, I've known you for so long that I don't even think of you as someone who married my cousin Jessica. Instead, you've always been… just my cousin Isaac.

My first memories of you both go back to your dating days. I remember sitting at Aunt Florence's very pink kitchen table eating her special mini steak and well done rice on her pretty white dishes with little roses around the rim. In between bites, I would peek into the living room to see what you two were up to on the couch.

My next vivid memory was hearing the news about your wedding. To top off all the excitement, you honored me and asked me to be your flower girl. I was thrilled! I spent weeks straightening my hair and shortening my dress; which we all know was dreadfully short. I felt like a blue pelican walking down your wedding aisle. Nevertheless, it remains a very precious memory, especially since it took place in my backyard.

All these years have gone by and I am finally old enough to say that you are not only our special cousins, but also our very dear friends. Congratulations and hats off to you both on your 40th Wedding Anniversary!

With Love, Hugs and Kisses

Karen and Cliff Stern

Congratulations!

Dear Jessica and Isaac,

Congratulations on your 40th Wedding Anniversary! We feel blessed to have you as neighbors, and friends.

Thanks for making the 4th of July so special for us this year.....it was the first time we had ever watched the Macy’s fireworks from such a spectacular location. It was great fun!

We wish you good health, good times, and many blessings in the next forty.

Love,
Joanne and Don Antinoro

40 Years of Love

Jessica and Isaac,

Yours was my first wedding, a super exciting moment in time that remains fixed in my memory. Jessica appearing with her hair in that pixie cut, looking so cute and shocking us all. Isaac handsome and twinkly. I loved the specialness of throwing flowers for you, remember dancing the hora with the pixie princess in her white dress held aloft on a chair high above us, all the happy family stretching in a great circle holding hands, in motion, full of joy. And today, though miles separate us, I am smiling along with you, sharing tears of rememberance, loving and celebrating along with this rare and special achievement that you are marking. Forty years of marriage, friendship, parenting, life. L'chaim!

Looking at the pictures of you today, I feel so much love for both of you and send you blessings of happiness for so many more years together. You light up those around you with your radiant warmth, affection and humor. I am grateful to be family with you both. Though I miss you, the love is eternal. May you shine on!

With all my love,
Maxime (Maxie)

First Impressions

The first time the four of us met ~ Stacy and Justin brought us together to look at the apartment they wanted to share ~ Jessica said, 'I'm so happy Justin found someone whose parents are still together!' That said a lot about your marriage!! It's hard work (we know that!), and luck, and of course, love.

Jessica and Isaac, we hope that your next 40 years together will be even better than these 40 have been! Thank you for showing Justin what marriage is all about!

Mazel tov,

Larry and Sara

A long and winding road...

Dear Isaac and Jessica,

In 1968 who would have imagined congratulatory "blogs" would be coming your way on your 40th anniversary. August, 1968. I remember it well...Jane and Ronnie got married (and remain married). Franz and I married (August 4th) and drifted apart two children later.

So, there you both are, the Camelot couple of the Jacobson family. So beautiful, youthful, and radiant in the picture! I hope you feel this good on the inside.

It is always a joy to see you at family gatherings and I wish I could see more of you and your children.

May your happy marriage continue to soften the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" and to heighten the joy of life's many blessings.

Love,
Cousin Wendy

Congratulations on 40 Years!

Hi Isaac and Jessica,
No words of wit or wisdom, just our love and best wishes from a couple who have been there and done that. We know that 40 plus years is no mean feat. Congratulations.
Jack and Leslie

Happy Anniversary!

Dear Isaac and Jessica,

You have been so much a part of our history here in Teaneck ever since we were lucky enough to move onto the block that Dave Arnold always called Wyndham-in-the-willows. So much has happened and changed in the 23 years since we've met. Thank you for never changing in your warmth and friendship. Isaac, thanks for your sincere interest in the doings of our kids and your sheer delight whenever you are reporting on the good news of your own kids or the children of friends we have in common . And Jess, thanks for all the listening and the great advice over the years. We're so glad to celebrate your 40 years together and to wish you continued blessings and joy.

Anne and Ron Atlas

Happy 40th!

Dear Jessica & Isaac,

Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary!
We go back a long way!

Jim and I were reminiscing about how we met you and one of the recollections was centered around the Teaneck Swim Club. Wasn't that a treat to enjoy as relatively new residents of Teaneck! We were charter members! It was so convenient and well run and we did get to meet a lot of people who have become life-long friends.

I think my first introduction to you Jessica was when Jim was 'stalking' pregnant women at the club, in the hopes of selling my then recently designed birth announcements. You were probably visibly expecting Katie and Jim zoned in and made his pitch. We were living on Northumberland and you on Wyndham. We met at your home after a day at the pool and began to share our common interests in art and design.

From then on, our paths crossed often as our children grew, culminating with music camp at Ithaca as we nurtured the 'special talents' that our children exhibited. Didn't we all have lots of fun?

Involvement in township activities always drew us out to meetings and activities to "solve" the pressing issues of the day, always happy to see each other.

Our move to Wyndham made us street neighbors, but shortly thereafter you moved to Standish (don't know which location is closer?) but it's good to know you're near.

Our lives have been enriched knowing the Fromms, sharing happy occasions and celebrating achievements and accomplishments.

How quickly the time has passed. We're also celebrating our 40th on the 24th.

We look forward to sharing the future with you, and send with love, our wishes for good health and happiness.

Jim and Barbara Griffin

MAZEL TOV!!

From newlyweds to alte kakers....

It has been an honor to witness your loving and caring relationship
continue to grow.


Love, Susan and David

Congratulations!

Dear Jessica & Isaac,

Congratulations on your Ruby anniversary. You have accomplished something in marriage that a lot of people envy. This 40th wedding anniversary symbolizes your continued health, wealth, wisdom and, of course, the passion in your marriage.

May your love continue and shine throughout the years to come!
Fondly, Lucy & Bing

Best Wishes on your Anniversary!

We send our best wishes for a happy and HEALTHY anniversary celebration and year. Jessica and Isaac's wedding stands out as the most beautiful and lovely wedding of all. And so, their marriage. So much to reflect on and remember and be glad about. They are the couple that stands as an example to all. Love, respect, common interests, and wonderful children. Much love always, Susan & Charlie

Ah Shitiff, ah Chaver, und ah Mentsch

" A Partner, a Friend, and a Mentsch"

Jessica and Isaac,

Kesinee and I cherish your friendship, your kindness and your graciousness. We look forward to many more gezinte tzahten.

Kesinee & Phil

Happy Anniversary!

Isaac and Jessica - I guess you guys got married two months after we did and have lasted just as long. We have enjoyed being your friends and knowing both you and your great children. We wish you many more good years together. Love, Martin and Joyce

Happy Anniversary!

Dear Jessica and Isaac:

Congratulations on your 40th wedding anniversary! We wish you many, many more years of happiness together in good health. Love, Gary and Judy

Happy 40th!!

Jessica and Isaac:

Your wedding was many years ago (in Edith and Larry's backyard),
The celebration continues until today!!
May it continue forever!!

Happy anniversary to 2 wonderful people who are keystones in our family tree..

May you grow old together (some day, but not for a long,long time..)

with much love,
Cousin Danny (as agent-in-fact for Charlotte, Max and George)

PS- I hear a 40th anniversary is the "new" 10th anniversary

Happy Anniversary!

Congratulations on 40 years- it's great to see that you are still having fun together! My parents are 2 years behind you and will have their 40th in 2010. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and thanks for making Katie!

-Chris

congratulations to my dear 'other mother and father'

Isaac and Jess, you have been such supportive, loving other parents to me over the past 18 years, since I became a fixture in your house, at your family functions, and in your lives, I can't tell you how much you mean to me.

I have so many fond memories, from our vacations together (remember driving to all of the beaches in Wellfleet in search of MTV's beach house?!), hilarious family functions (like the outing to Ellis Island with Aunt Esther Kischorr), and just countless good times together over the years.

I love you two so much, thank you for sharing yourselves and your family with me over the years. I'm excited for more of the same, and can't wait to see what comes next.

Fondly, Diane