Halloween with Rabbi and Mrs. Pam

Rabbi Akiva Males of Harrisburg, PA, related: “My father-in-law studied in Rav Pam’s shiur in Mesivta Torah Vodaas for several years back in the 1960s. When my wife’s older sister became engaged in the 1990s, my in-laws took my (future) sister-in-law and my (future) brother-in-law over to meet Rav and Rebbetzin Pam and receive their brachah and good wishes.

“What’s the most vivid memory they all have of that evening? It was October 31st. In contrast to the many Jewish homes around the Pams who had turned off their lights to discourage trick-or-treaters, the Pams left their front light on. While they all chatted with Rav Pam in the dining room, his Rebbetzin was in the kitchen working the hot-air popcorn popper and preparing plastic baggies of popcorn to give out with a smile to all the local non-Jewish kids who knocked at their door.

“They all left that night with numerous smiles, brachos (blessings), and best wishes from Rav Pam and his Rebbetzin – but what they all remember most is the powerful lesson the Pams taught them about interacting with their neighbors.” (As quoted by Dovid Bernstein, Matzav.com Newscenter, Thursday. October 28, 2010)