JEWISH WORLD

By WENDY KARPEL KREITZMAN W hen Murray Seeman died, at 103, on Oct. 14, 2017, friends and colleagues from all walks of life joined in paying tribute to a unique individual - a lawyer, a real estate developer, a village mayor, a dedicated family man and a true scholar. Murray Seeman and his wife of 64 years, Lee (North Hempstead town councilwoman), raised four chil- dren and shared a life of traveling the globe to little known places, making unique discoveries and forming friendships with royalty and the man on the street alike. A long-time Great Neck resi- dent, Seeman built his house in Great Neck Estates over 63 years ago, with Lee, raising their fami- ly and delving into life, with a great emphasis on Jewish life. In the 1960’s they joined Great Neck’s Temple Beth-El, remain- ing active members to this day. Speaking at the funeral, Beth- El’s Rabbi Emeritus Jerome Davidson said that Murray “lived every inch out of life” with his accomplishments, his service, his wisdom. Rabbi Davidson termed Murray a Biblical scholar too, “embracing life with a passion, taking nothing for granted.” Speaking of Murray’s all-encom- passing interests and his enor- mous interests in life and Jewish life, Rabbi Davidson noted that Murray was a true scholar, “doing nothing for praise but for right and truth.” A most serious Biblical stu- dent, said the rabbi; Murray loved life and studied just about everything. Brilliant, learned, a dedicated student, Murray’s thoughts ran deep and serious about his studies and his learn- ing. Gladly sharing thoughts and discoveries with friends and acquaintances alike, Murray was famous for his often abrupt speech. But he was equally known and loved for his patience in explaining history and the finer points he studied so intently. A student all his life, Murray Seeman read four to five books a week, immersing himself in study- ing, “He was a student all his life,” said Rabbi Davidson. Not only were historical publications high on Murray’s list, but the Bible was also a favored study and according to all, Murray intently studied and knew his Bible. A true scholar, Murray Seeman extended his interests and his stud- ies beyond his home and his reli- gion. He attended Brooklyn College and Columbia Law School. His legal career was interrupted by war and he served in Africa, Italy and France during World War II. He served overseas as a captain in the Sixth Port Headquarters. He was also a judge in Naples, Italy during his time of service. After the war, Murray met and married Lee and they raised four children, Roxanne, Michelle, Scott and Janine in the home now-devel- oper Murray Seeman built in Great Neck. Delving into local life, Murray opened his law practice on a busy Great Neck street, remaining there, active and in practice, until his mid-90s. Also, when in his mid-90’s, Murray was a “ball of fire,” accord- ing to former New York State Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, a long-time close family friend. “He played tennis at 94 and he danced at 96,” said Ms. Schimel. Murray Seeman also happily took to the dance floor three years ago as he celebrated his landmark 100th birthday in the company of a long list of friends. B ut, of course, just being a lawyer and a real estate devel- oper was not enough for Murray Seeman. Always interested in vil- lage affairs, he first became presi- dent of the Great Neck Estates Civic Association (as he had done in his prior home before moving to Long Island). Moving to the Village of Great Neck Estates, he was seeking a beautiful community and good schools for his young family. Always a passionate sup- porter of public education, he was attracted by Great Neck’s famed school district. And of course his interests immediately went way beyond, delving into the interests of the entire community. So, first it was his efforts in the civic associa- tion and then he served an eight- year term as mayor of Great Neck Estates. He loved his long term as mayor. “I could do it again,” he once told this reporter. “I did a fairly decent job; village residents liked me and I was elected three times.” For Murray the best part of serving as mayor was solving problems. Murray embraced many other interests. He immersed himself in many studies: the Bible, the Middle East, archaeology He also was a co- founder of the North Shore Archeologic Society. A nd that was not all. One by one, at the funeral, his children told of fascinating lives, always liv- ing and learning. His four children and his seven grandchildren told of their lives as world travelers, thanks to Murray. Thanks to Murray, all have visited fascinating, far-away places. Yet, all of the children and grandchildren hold fast to wonder- ful memories right at home, cele- brating their Jewish life, learning from a true Biblical scholar. In Murray’s life, those children and grandchildren were his great joy and pride; according to Rabbi Davidson, the family was “the ground on which Murray stood.” Speaking at the funeral, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, a long-time close friend of the Seeman family, noted that even holidays and family events were times for learning. DiNapoli spoke of the warm, wonderful Passover Seders he often shared with the Seeman family. Much to enjoy and much to learn! For Lee Seeman, her memories are all-encompassing. “He was the wind beneath my wings,” Lee told this reporter. “He supported me and encouraged me in all of my political endeavors,” she said, as her face brightened. Speaking at the close of the Murray Seeman, An Appreciation Well-known lawyer, developer, activist dies at 103 continued on page 28 IN MEMORIAM Rabbi Davidson noted that Murray was a true scholar, “doing nothing for praise but for right and truth.” Murray Seeman with his wife, Lee, a North Hempstead town councilwoman. Among Murray Seeman’s many accomplishmets is one that remains a vital part of the commu- nity today - the North Shore Archaeological Society. Seeman and his friends Norma and Reuben Kershaw, (a former mayor of the Village of Lake Success), pooled their knowledge and love of ancient life to form the society close to 50 years ago. Long-time member Joan Sandler remains active in the organization today. She noted that, while the Kershaws no longer live in Great Neck, they continue to be involved mem- bers.” Ms. Sandler said that Murray Seeman was a “driving force” in organizing the very first local archaeological society. She said that, at that time, Murray “mostly worked with Norma Kershaw.” Ms. Sandler said that she still attends lectures and presentations of what is now an active and thriv- ing chapter of the Archeological Institute of America. There are still monthly meetings and fasci- nating historical lectures and vari- ous presentations. Ms. Sandler noted that “way in to his ‘90s, Murray eagerly attended a wealth of history-driven events.” Ms. Sandler, who was once president of the local group, remained active even during the time when she moved to Long Island’s South Shore. Lee Seeman said Ms. Sandler has also been a “driving force” within the Archaeological Society, at the start often working with Norma Kershaw. The very first local meetings were held in Great Neck’s Saddle Rock Elementary School. And at the start of the group, a local doc- tor was named president. As the organization grew and obtained national status, meetings were moved to Hofstra University. These meetings today are held in conjunction with Hofstra’s arche- ology department. In addition to regularly sched- uled meetings, the Society also features study groups and individ- ual group meetings. The North Shore Arch- aeological Society’s monthly meet- ings cover topics related to history and archeology, with lecturers from the best universities. Rec- ent lecturers included Richard Berger of Yale, Peter Feinman of A True Scholar … Murray Seeman Took Love of Archeology to a New Level ...at the funeral, his children told of fascinating lives, always living and learning. continued on page 28 JEWISH WORLD • JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2018 25