Murray Goldwag

A Great Joke to Start

Murray begins our conversation with a humorous story:

"Okay, this imam, this priest, and this Jewish guy are on a panel. The question was, 'What do you want people to say at your funeral?' The imam says, 'I was a nice person, kind to everybody.' The priest says, 'I took care of all my congregants.' The Jewish guy says, 'I want the guy giving my eulogy to say, look, he moved!'" He is alive !!

Murray’s Family: My wife Merrill was also a teacher. She is the religious one. I am the joker. “We have four children, and they have all been influenced by our work and values. Three of them worked in the store, and our son, who has perfect pitch, became a professional singer after being part of the Miami Boys Choir. Our daughters in Israel run successful businesses like PackForCamp.com and PackForIsrael.com. Seeing them succeed and uphold the values we instilled in them is one of my greatest achievements."

"In America, we have one daughter with eight children. We spend time with each of them, from San Diego to Kansas. Every Saturday, we have a big Shabbos with her husband and kids. It's a beautiful, wonderful event. Our summer bungalow, built almost 20 years ago, is a place where we sleep and host guests. It's hard work, but fulfilling."

Murray on Teaching: "I taught high school math for 30 years and interacted well with students. One student from the 70s is now head of Disney production in L.A. I moved to New York City and taught from 1987 to 2007. Despite initial apprehensions, I wore my yarmulke and never faced issues. Playing basketball with the kids and enjoying their company made teaching fun, though administrators didn't always like my style."

Murray's Business: "In 1977, I began selling to bungalow colonies and opened Kosher Socks in 1987. We creatively reused a sign to save money, and our store became a fixture in South Folsbury. We sold everything from Speedo gear to binoculars. Today, it's our 48th summer of schlepping, and this business allowed us to buy property in Israel. Despite teaching high school math for 30 years, we enjoyed financial stability and trips with our children."

One of my proudest moments was when I realized the store had become a beloved part of the community, providing for the needs of countless families."

Murray on Anti-Semitism: "Growing up in Williamsburg and Borough Park, we didn't face much anti-Semitism. Today, it feels more open because of social media. However, anti-Semitism has always existed. We see anti-Semitic movements gaining traction, but many people in the world are not anti-Semitic. Unfortunately, their voices are often drowned out."

Murray on Future Hopes: "This conflict won't end until Mashiach comes. We've waited 2,000 years for Mashiach, and we might wait longer. Ceasefires are temporary, and another war will come in 10 or 20 years. My hope is for peace, but it feels distant."

Murray's Move to Israel: "In 1980, we took a year off teaching and moved to Israel. My wife fell in love with Israel and Judaism. We decided to become Shomer Shabbos and keep a kosher home. After retiring in 2007, we moved to Israel, spending time from Sukkot through Pesach, and then returning to the Catskills in the summer."

Murray's Time in Israel: "We loved seeing our children grow in a Jewish environment. What could be better?"

Goals and Aspirations

Murray's Aspiration: "Today, I continue to manage the store and stay involved with my community. I also enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren, three of whom live in Israel. My current goal is to ensure that our family values are passed down to the next generation. I hope to inspire them to be dedicated, hardworking, and committed to their roots."

Wisdom and Advice

Murray's Advice: "Hard work and dedication are key. Also, understanding and appreciating your roots and heritage is crucial. Our family values and our commitment to our community have shaped who we are. It's important to remain true to your values and strive to make a positive impact on those around you. Always be kind, dedicated, and hardworking."

Murray's Reflection: "Jerusalem has a bright future with a growing and vibrant community. My hope for the next generation is that they continue to uphold the values of kindness, dedication, and community service. I believe that if they remain true to these values, they will be able to face any challenges that come their way."

Conclusion

Murray's Message: "Life is about making a difference wherever you are. Whether it's through business, teaching, or community service, always strive to leave a positive impact. Remember that your actions, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on others."

Final Thoughts

Through his story, Murray Goldwag illustrates the diverse and impactful lives of individuals in Jerusalem, offering inspiration and wisdom to the current generation. His journey from the bungalow colonies to establishing a beloved store, and finally settling in Israel, showcases the importance of dedication, hard work, and staying true to one’s roots.