Max Goody, a dedicated and committed Zionist, died last week, after a long illness. He was 90.
Goody was a two-time president of the Canadian Zionist Federation, a founding member and twice president of Beth David B’nai Israel Beth Am Synagogue, and a longtime member of the fraternal Zionist Ajalon Lodge.
His son, Ira, said that together with good friends and fellow Zionists such as Julius Hayman, Goody was a key Canadian advocate for the State of Israel at the time of its creation in 1948. He also made many trips to Israel and raised funds for the nascent Jewish state, and he helped develop Zionism in Canada.
“He was a legacy of days gone by. You can’t recreate that,” Ira said.
Max Goody was born in Wadena, Sask., to Yitzchok and Rachel Goody, immigrants from Russia. The family moved first to Winnipeg, and later, when Max was in his late teens, to Toronto, so the children could get a good Jewish education.
Ira said his father was proud to be a Jewish war veteran and had served as a wireless operator in the Royal Air Force during World War II.
Rabbi Philip Scheim, spiritual leader of Beth David, said that Goody was “a good guy. He was a respected leader who spoke and lectured extensively on Israel and Jewish interests.”
He even gave sermons sometimes, Rabbi Scheim recalled.
“He spoke without a note – he had organized everything in his head.”
Goody came every morning to daven and to attend study groups, Rabbi Scheim said. “He always asked questions, and presented what he called a joke de jour.”
Goody is survived by Ruby, his wife of 66 years, children Ravia and Haggat Eventhal, Debra and Meir Malki, and Ira; sister Shirley Vernon, sister-in-law Marilyn, four grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by brothers Nate and Henry, and brother-in-law Murray Vernon.
