Farewell to a Legend
In the Jewish tradition, the anniversary of the death of a loved one is a special day, an occasion to recall the individual, to mourn their passing and to cherish the memories they left behind. We are approaching a particularly important first anniversary of death, so I wanted to post something a little more serious, a little more somber, to honor the memory of a loved one, whose passing affected so many.
Just over a year ago, after a life of more than seventy years, Fink’s Bar and Restaurant finally closed its doors. Open since before the State of Israel was born, Fink’s was the oldest bar in Jerusalem, and easily the most popular. It saw the likes of visitors like Marc Chagall, Kirk Douglas, Leonard Bernstein, Paul Newman, Henry Kissinger, and others. Everyone who was anyone ate and drank there, whether political leaders, cultural icons, or other figures of fame. Foreign correspondents from around the world came to Fink’s whenever they were based in Jerusalem, and the bar’s fame spread until Newsweek called it “one of the best bars in the world.” The bar was also featured by Time Magazine and Reader’s Digest.
According to legend, CNN’s team in Baghdad made a reservation via satellite when the first Gulf War ended – they wanted to celebrate properly.
The bar itself was quite small – half a dozen tables and some stools – but its popularity never waned, until the end. Located right in the center of Jerusalem, the bar offered anything and everything you could want, from drinks to caviar to shrimp to goulash.
Dave Rothschild, manager of the bar for many years until his own death, was known to treat regulars like kings – even to the detriment of the rich and famous who might have waited for a table.
So, now, Fink’s has closed its doors. But while you cannot visit it any longer (bars don’t usually have gravestones), you can still honor its memory. Google Fink’s and read about it.
Or check out these links,
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/jerusalem/D38685.html
http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/index.php?menuID=2&subID=205 http://www.tbsoc.com/sermons/reflections15.html
To Fink’s: we miss you, we’ll never forget you. Rest in peace.
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4 comments:
What a shame. I can’t believe i never went there. I’ve been to Jerusalem a bunch of times.
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I LOVE ISRAEL AND ITS PEOPLE.
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In the good old times I went to Finks and enjoyed to sit in that wonderful place.
I think they really have to put there a sign, to remember what once was….
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How sad my wife and I were to here about the demise of Finks. I lived and worked in Jerusalem between 1979 and 1986 and frequented Finks often. So much so that when my wife and I got married we reserved 3 tables at Finks for our small reception. Moolie could not have been more gracious or helpful knowing that we had travelled from Los Angeles for the event. And, In an incredible turn of events the same evening Yitzak Navon the ex president of Israel was dining also.
Moolie mentioned this to us and said that Navon would be happy to bless our marraige but was unsure if we would welcome the approach. My wife and I looked at each other and just lit up.
President Navon was such a gentleman that evening. Can anyone tell me where in the world you could have such an experience, – only at Finks. You are very much missed but remembered.
Cordially,
Iain and Stella Porter
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