The Ithaca Haimisher Lawyer

I have found that as much as we all move or change we can never escape who and what we are. I have lived and worked in many places. Whether as a Chiropractor or a lawyer, or practicing in NJ, NY, PA, and Florida the essential, the core, and the identifier of how I practice goes back to my roots.

The Yiddish of my childhood was more than words. It was a philosophy. It was in the modern vernacular a paradigm for living. Being true to yourself, and your family name.

I was taught at an early age that out in the world I represented more than myself. I represented the Newman family. Even my Jewish name was loosely translated, Larry "son of" Albert (my father).

My father demanded respect. It was only one little word but to him it meant more than just two small sylables. It meant respect to and for self, to and for others, to and for the community, and above all else to and for
 G-d.

My father longed that I should become in his mind a "mensch." A good human being. He led by demonstration. He would teach me to tip, to thank, to appreciate, to enjoy, to value, and most of all to be honorable. My word was to be important. My knowledge and ability to be used to assist others less fortunate. In his view this was the challenge of parenting. His children, his "kinder" were either going to be the gift or the curse he brought upon the world.
 
One of my favorite expressions was "Haimisher." I wanted not a house but a haimisher or haimishe home. One that felt soft, liveable, and smelled of good food. I was not raised with country clubs, golf, and tennis but with a corner deli and city streets.


To me a "Haimish" person is: down to earth, sincere, real, and authentic. Kinda like home cooking, apple pie, or a comfortable pair of shoes. I aspire to be the haimisher, or haimishe lawyer. One that gets knee to knee, speaks plain, and is real with people.
 
There is no BS in the haimish practice of any profession. There is no pretense. No stuffy titles, or lineage, or pedigrees. What there is a reciprocity and respect between the client/patient and the counselor.