---

It is often said that if you want something done, or a particular project accomplished, just ask a busy person.

Norman Brickman, of blessed memory, was indeed a busy person. He devoted long hours each day, from dawn to night, managing his family fruit and vegetable brokerage business for decades.

Norman also was blessed with an active family of four children. The Brickman home was always full of energy and excitement and activity. His business and family could have taken up most, if not all of Norman Brickman's precious time and energy.

However, Norman loved this community in which he lived. He felt a sense of moral responsibility, certainly based on the ethical and spiritual teachings of his Jewish faith, to work for the betterment of the Capital District.

The list of Norman's achievements is noteworthy. He almost singlehandedly orchestrated the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial project in downtown Albany. The Albany Jewish Community Center, Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Albany Parking Authority, Israel Bonds, Childs Hospital Foundation, Empire State Youth Theater, Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home, The Albany Institute of History and Art and Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany have all been beneficiaries of Norman's philanthropy and leadership, with his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Dorice, always at his side.

One effort of which Norman Brickman was particularly proud was his involvement in the initiation and evolution of the Jewish-Catholic Dialogue Committee of the Roman Catholic Diocese (which his daughter, Ellen Brickman, now co-chairs).

Growing up in an era when distinct walls of separation existed between faith and ethnic communities, when prejudice and intolerance was rampant, Norman worked to forge personal relationships and build bridges of understanding and respect between members of differing faith backgrounds. He laid the foundation for a process and a dialogue that continues to this day.

On Oct. 17, Congregation Beth Emeth will be pleased to host the Jewish-Catholic Dialogue Committee's program, "The Arts: A Portal to Interfaith Dialogue," honoring the memory of our dear Norman Brickman. It begins with registration and refreshments at 2:30 p.m.; the program will run from 3-5 p.m., featuring Jim Richard Wilson, director of the Opalka Gallery at the Sage Colleges. Musical guests will include Rabbi Bob Gluck, Christopher Dean Sullivan and Dean Sharp. The program is free of charge and open to the public.

Join the interfaith community in paying tribute and carrying on the legacy of Norman Brickman. May his memory be a blessing and may we continue to carry on the torch of dialogue, tolerance and respect amongst all peoples and all faiths.

(Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen serves at Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany.)

(10/14/10) [[In-content Ad]]

---