Our Students
Maxine Cohn
Maxine Cohn was born in 1930 in Los Angeles, CA. After graduating public high school in LA, she attended UCLA and majored in Education. After graduating, she followed her dream and went into teaching. Maxine was married for 60 years until her husband passed away a year ago. For the first few years of their marriage they lived in LA, where her husband was a social worker and she continued teaching. Later, the family moved to Chicago and Maxine’s husband went into the meat business. The couple had four children, and Maxine is a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. About four years ago, they moved to Florida when Maxine’s husband took ill. As his sickness progressed, they moved into the ALF where her husband passed away last year. Maxine only recently started coming to my classes and is very interested to learn about her Judaism.
Eva Cogert
Eva was born in 1936 in Algiers. Her family lived there until after the Second World War and then moved to Canada. She has an orthodox brother who lives in Lakewood. Eva came to Miami by herself, at 22 on vacation. It was then that she met her husband at Temple Emanuel. The couple got married in 1971. They have two children and one granddaughter. Her husband worked for the Tax Collector's office until he passed away. Eva decided to move into a facility when her husband passed away so she will not be alone. This is a new facility for TOP and we have only been there three times. Eva was one of the first participants of the class, and now she encourages others to join.
Bella Tichman Roedelshimer
Bella was born on December 16, 1910, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This makes her 106 years old, Bli Ayin Hara. She is now the oldest student of the Torah Outreach Program! If you are reading this and you are from Philadelphia, give yourself a pat on the back. Bella's parents were from Kishinev, Russia, and immigrated to Philadelphia at the turn of the century. Bella was married in the 1920s to a shoe salesman; she worked as a bookkeeper; lived in Philly, and had 3 children. The whole family attended Kenneset Israel Congregation for 3 generations. In 1949, Bella, her husband, and the children moved to Miami Beach, and her husband passed away soon after. As Bella grew older, her children took care of her and insisted that she live with them until three months ago. Even though she is now in an assisted living facility, they make sure someone from the family comes to see her every single day.
Bella was born on December 16, 1910, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This makes her 106 years old, Bli Ayin Hara. She is now the oldest student of the Torah Outreach Program! If you are reading this and you are from Philadelphia, give yourself a pat on the back. Bella's parents were from Kishinev, Russia, and immigrated to Philadelphia at the turn of the century. Bella was married in the 1920s to a shoe salesman; she worked as a bookkeeper; lived in Philly, and had 3 children. The whole family attended Kenneset Israel Congregation for 3 generations. In 1949, Bella, her husband, and the children moved to Miami Beach, and her husband passed away soon after. As Bella grew older, her children took care of her and insisted that she live with them until three months ago. Even though she is now in an assisted living facility, they make sure someone from the family comes to see her every single day.
Pesach Sprintes
We were already introduced to Pesach Sprintes before, but the story I heard from him yesterday is worth sharing. Pesach was brought to America from Columbia by Rav Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz to learn in Yeshiva Torah Vodaath. Pesach doesn't have too many memories of his early years, but there is one event that made a tremendous impression on him. Pesach came to Torah Vodaath only days before Rosh Hashanah; he was 14 years old and was very homesick. On Yom Kippur, he was in the main Beis Medrash and started to feel sick and dizzy from fasting. There was a Rabbi who realized he wasn't feeling well and he and came over to check on him. The Rabbi told another boy to take him upstairs to his dorm room to lie down. A few minutes after he went to lie down, this rabbi came upstairs with a cup of juice and a plate of food, and insisted that Pesach break his fast. Pesach then pointed out that the kitchen was two floors below the Beis Hamedrash and his room was one floor above it. He said that he realized back then that this was a very important rabbi, and he felt so special that this rabbi went out of his way for him. This Rav could have sent someone else to get the food. I asked Pesach the name of the Rabbi and he said it was, "a Rabbi Kamenetsky". On the day of Yom Kippur, in the middle of Davening, the Godol Hador, Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky, had nothing better to do than take care of a 14-year-old Colombian Talmid. Now that boy inspired our TOP program 65 years later.
Mary (Devorah) Edelstein
Mary (Devorah) Edelstein Was Born In 1947 In A DP Camp In Germany. Her Parents Were Survivors. She Has Two Sisters, One Who Lives In Israel In Kibbutz Saad, And The Other One Lives In NY. After Coming To America, The Family Settled In Cleveland, Ohio. Devorah Went To Brooklyn College After Graduating High School In Cleveland. She Was Married In 1971 To Menachem Edelstein. The Couple Had 4 Children And 15 Grandchildren. They Moved To Florida In 1992 To Retire Right Before Hurricane Andrew. After The Hurricane, They Considered Moving Back Up North. Devorah's Daughter Recently Noticed Her Mother Wasn't Walking Properly So She Sent Her To Get Checked Out. Devorah Needed Surgery And A Place To Recover. Now She Is In An ALF In Pembroke Park Right Near Her Daughter, Who Comes To Visit Daily And Brings Her Meals. I Met Devorah For The First Time This Past Monday And Was Impressed By How Well She Knew Her Brachos. She Is A Religious Woman And Does Not Eat The Food In The Facility. Her Daughter Is Able To Bring Her Whatever She Needs And TOP Will Be There For Support.
Evelyn Masada
Evelyn Masada Jury was born in 1951 in NYC. Her parents emigrated from Iraq. Evelyn’s father was a professor in Engineering, but no university in New York would hire Jews in the 50s, so the family had to move to California. Her father found a job teaching in Berkeley College. Evelyn also became an educator while in California and taught Humanities. Due to her mom's allergies, the family moved to Florida. Although her father remained in teaching in Florida, Evelyn entered the hotel business and worked in the PR departments in the fanciest hotels in Miami. After her mom passed away, Evelyn dedicated herself to taking care of her father. Her dad today is 96 years old. After he broke both his hips, she and her dad moved into Miami Jewish Health Center, where her dad is in the nursing home and Evelyn is in the assisted living center. Evelyn started coming to TOP classes last week and plans on becoming a regular!
Florence Hager
Florence Hager Was Born In 1929 In Brooklyn NY. She Went To Brooklyn College, Married, And Lived Most Of Her Life In Brooklyn. Her Husband Of 68 Years Was A Mailman And A Taxi Driver. The Couple Had Two Children, Five Grandchildren, And One Great Grandchild. They Were A Religious Family And Even Sent The Two Boys To A Cheder For A Few Years. After Retiring About 25 Years Ago, The Couple Moved Into A Century Village In Pembroke Florida. Florence Recently Had A Stroke And Is Now In A Facility For Rehab Not Far From Her Home, Where Her Husband Can Come To Visit. In The Meantime, She Enjoys The TOP Classes And Was Very Relieved To Get An Electric Set Of Shabbos Candles.
Doris Olesky
Doris Olesky Was Born In 1919 In The Bronx. Her Family Moved To Lakewood, NJ, When Doris Was In 5Thgrade. Lakewood Was A Resort Town Then And Her Mother Opened A Hotel There. After Finishing High School At The Height Of The Depression, Doris Wanted To Go To College. The Only College That Offered A Full Scholarship Was Georgian Court College For Young Women, A Catholic School. Doris Was The Only Jewish Woman In The School. She Graduated And Became A Teacher. She Met Her Husband To Be When He Came To Her Mother’s Hotel To Recuperate From The Flu. The Couple Decided To Get Married, But War Was Declared And Doris’ Fiancé Was Drafted And Sent To Australia. In Australia He Was Assigned To Set Up An Army Hospital For Wounded Soldiers. In The Meantime, Doris Moved In With His Family And Taught In Newark, NJ. Her Fiancé Came Back Three And A Half Years Later And Was Sent To Recover From The War At Pratt General Hospital In Miami, Florida, Which Became The Famous Biltmore Hotel. The Couple Were Finally Able To Get Married And Settle In Florida. They Had Four Children, Seven Grandchildren, And Two Great Grandchildren. Doris’ Husband Went Into The Hotel Business And Ran The Sun Ranch Motel And Doris Went To Back To School At Barry University Where She Earned A Masters As A Reading Specialist. Doris Retired From Teaching In 1990 After Open-Heart Surgery, And Opened A Children’s Clothing Store In Surfside, While Continuing To Tutor In Reading. She Finally Closed Up Shop And Retired When The Intercontinental Bank Bought The Store Around 1995. It Was About The Same Time That Her Husband Passed Away, But Doris Remained Independent And Lived On Her Own Until Only A Couple Of Years Ago When She Moved Into Miami Jewish Health Systems. She Only Recently Discovered The TOP Classes And Is Becoming A Regular Participant.
Alice Vining Weinless
Alice was born in 1925 in Biala Podlaska, Poland. She is very proud of her heritage, and can trace her family lineage back to the famous Rebbes of Ger. Alice spent the war in a Russian prison camp, which saved her from the Nazis. She and her husband met and married in the camp. The couple had a daughter, a son, and eventually three grand children. Sadly, Alice's husband did not survive; he was killed in the camp. Alice's father had brothers in America who sponsored him to go to America after the war. Alice was left behind in Europe where she married her second husband. He also had connections, which enabled her to travel to America through "The Joint Committee” and the family settled in Florida. Her husband worked as a Russian translator for an organization called "Briecha", which helped and encouraged Aliyah. Together they had a daughter. Sadly Alice's second husband passed away, but Alice did not give up, and she continued to live a very independent life in Florida until very recently. She now lives in an ALF. Her story is fascinating and one paragraph cannot bring it justice. We hope to get to know Alice much better and maybe bring her story out to the masses.
Shoshana Wakser
Shoshana Wakser Was Born In 1952 In Munich, Germany, While Her Father Was Stationed There As A Soldier With The American Army. The Army Chaplain Gave Shoshana Her Hebrew Name And Predicted That She Will Make Some Very Big Contributions To The Jewish People. When Family Moved Back To America, They Moved To Brooklyn First And Later To Bel Harbor. During Her Years As A Teenager In Bel Harbor. She Became Close To A Religious Family Who Had A Mikvah In Their Garage For When The Satmar Rebbe Came To Visit. As She Grew Up, She Became More And More Interested In G-D And Her Judaism. During Her College Years, Shoshana Attended Beliot University In Wisconsin, And Then Continued Her Studies At Hebrew University In Tel Aviv. She Majored In Jewish Studies. During That Time, She Also Worked On A Religious Kibbutz With Survivors Who Told Her About Their Lives. Shoshana Married And Lived In Tzefat For The First Three Years. Afterward, She Moved To Crown Heights And Resided There For The Next 20 Years. Shoshana Has Two Lovely Daughters, And Seven Grandchildren. Six Of Them Live In The Crown Heights Neighborhood In Brooklyn, And One Lives In Montreal. Shoshana And Her Family Came To Florida 20 Years Age To Escape The Cold. Shoshana Was Having Some Health Issues And Needed Help With Her Medicines. She Moved Into Flamingo Assisted Living In North Miami Beach. She Remains Very Productive, Going To Classes And Doing Chesed With The Alef Institute. It Is Truly An Honor For TOP To Have Her In Our Classes!
Ron Hirch
Ron was born in 1942 in Brooklyn, NY, and moved to the Bronx when he was seven years old. Ron, unlike most of the TOP participants, is a Frum Yid - a sincerely religious Jew. Even though his only formal Jewish education as a child was Hebrew school at the Jewish center of Williams Bridge, he is deeply committed to living a Torah lifestyle.
After high school, Ron continued his education in a school he calls the original BCC, Bronx Community College. He majored in History and Political Science, while he worked in warehouse for Sacs Furniture and later Barton’s Candy. After college, he taught in Yeshiva Zirchron Moshe. Ron got married in 1970, and had one daughter, and four grandchildren. He started his own school called HEED - Humanistic Education through the External Degree. This type of education was new then, but now we call it Distance Learning or Classless schooling. Ron, his wife, and daughter moved to NMB in
1977, where he became an integral part of the community and the Young Israel Synagogue of Greater Miami. At that time The Young Israel was the only Orthodox Synagogue in the neighborhood. Sadly Ron's wife passed away in 2001. Ron went to Eretz Yisroel to learn Torah for a year after his wife's passing. He came back to America and remarried Tova Sassoon in 2003. The new couple moved to Hollywood Beach in 2005. A few years after their move, Hollywood Beach became very popular with tourists. It was overcrowded and noisy, so Ron and his family moved to Delray Beach. Due to a serious back problem, Ron recently moved into an assisted living facility back in his old North Miami Beach neighborhood. Ron comes to the weekly class has plenty to add to discussions, and very often asks for a ride to Mincha when the class is over.
Seymour Schrack
Seymour was born in NY City in 1934, and attended Yeshiva Rabbi Jacob Joseph until 9th grade. When Seymour was around 14 years old the family had to relocate to Florida due to bronchitis. After 9th grade they moved back to NY where Seymour attended Sued Park high school and then City College. After two years of school Seymour had to go to work when his father got sick with a brain tumor. Miraculously the tumor went away by its self. Seymour worked in clothing and dry goods. He moved back to Florida in 1948 for his father’s health. They lived in Miami Beach and Seymour lived there ever since. Recently he needed hip surgery and wasn't able to live on his own after the surgery. Seymour is a religious Jew and enjoys coming to our weekly class and sharing his thoughts and ideas. He is also an exceptionally generous man, always bringing a book or video to give to me for my enjoyment, or my grandchildren. It turns out that Seymour is a cousin to a man that mentored me when I was in Yeshiva. We reconnected at a memorial for our Rebbi and started talking, catching up and decided to stay in touch. The following week I met Seymour and found out he was a close relative of a dear friend. Everything is controlled by Hashem!
Martin Rubinoff
Martin was born in 1942 in Brooklyn, NY. After graduating high school, he attended the community college of NY business school. He later left college to get married. The couple had one daughter and two grandchildren. The children live in Denver, Colorado. Martin worked in jewelry sales and as a pawn broker. They moved to a Century village in Florida about nine years ago to retire. Martin still owns his condo, but had to transfer to an ALF due to failing cognitive health. As he progressed in his therapy, he had to switch to different facilities according to how they could help with his therapy at the different stages. I only met martin two weeks ago, and he has become a regular participant, and a fan of the class. As he explains, "I like being around other Jews". As his therapy progresses, so does his interest in Judaism. At our last class, he expressed an interest in learning more about Shabbos and even lighting Shabbos candles.
Rhoda Carin
Rhoda was born in 1935 in Montreal, Canada, and attended Outremont School. In the afternoon, she attended Hebrew school. She was the only girl in her age group. After high school, Rhoda went to work as a secretary in Montreal. After she was married, she attended Florida Atlantic University. Rhoda got married about 25 years after high school and had two children. She is very proud to say that both children are observant Jews. Both are married; one lives in Texas and the other in North Miami Beach. She also has two grandchildren and one great grandchild. After Rhoda and her husband were married, they lived in Burlington, Vermont, and later Pompano Beach, Florida. Her husband was a stockbroker for a while and then worked at IBM. During this time, he also served as a reservist for the Army. Later the couple moved to Texas to be closer to their children. After some time in Texas, they moved back to Florida to be closer to their other children. Being that the class I give in Miami Jewish Health Systems has all male participants, Rhoda did not know if she would be welcome. She peeked in one day and I told her it’s only all men out of default, so she came and has been coming regularly. Once again, she is the only girl in the group!
Rhoda was born in 1935 in Montreal, Canada, and attended Outremont School. In the afternoon, she attended Hebrew school. She was the only girl in her age group. After high school, Rhoda went to work as a secretary in Montreal. After she was married, she attended Florida Atlantic University. Rhoda got married about 25 years after high school and had two children. She is very proud to say that both children are observant Jews. Both are married; one lives in Texas and the other in North Miami Beach. She also has two grandchildren and one great grandchild. After Rhoda and her husband were married, they lived in Burlington, Vermont, and later Pompano Beach, Florida. Her husband was a stockbroker for a while and then worked at IBM. During this time, he also served as a reservist for the Army. Later the couple moved to Texas to be closer to their children. After some time in Texas, they moved back to Florida to be closer to their other children. Being that the class I give in Miami Jewish Health Systems has all male participants, Rhoda did not know if she would be welcome. She peeked in one day and I told her it’s only all men out of default, so she came and has been coming regularly. Once again, she is the only girl in the group!
Albert Altabet
Albert was born in Manhattan in 1928 and moved to Bronx a few years later. He fought in in the Korean War and was discharged in 1952 after the war. Albert worked for the NY Daily News in the composition department until his position became automated and he retired. He was married in 1964, but sadly the couple was not able to have children. About 15 years ago, Albert and his wife moved to a condo in Pembroke Pines and then moved to the ALF about four years ago. Albert’s wife passed away last year. Recently, Albert decided to sit in for a TOP class, asked a few questions, and became interested. He is now a attends every Tuesday afternoon.
Albert was born in Manhattan in 1928 and moved to Bronx a few years later. He fought in in the Korean War and was discharged in 1952 after the war. Albert worked for the NY Daily News in the composition department until his position became automated and he retired. He was married in 1964, but sadly the couple was not able to have children. About 15 years ago, Albert and his wife moved to a condo in Pembroke Pines and then moved to the ALF about four years ago. Albert’s wife passed away last year. Recently, Albert decided to sit in for a TOP class, asked a few questions, and became interested. He is now a attends every Tuesday afternoon.
Emanuel Lamm
Emanuel, or Menachem Mendel, was born in Manhattan in 1925. Emanuel is the first cousin of the famous Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm, former President of Yeshiva University. Emanuel attended Yeshiva Torah Vodaas from preschool until the age of 14. In 1943 he was drafted and served in Europe, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. In 1946 Emanuel received an honorable discharge and came back to work in the clothing business with his father. He got married in 1960 at the age of 34. He and his wife had three children, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild. One of his children lives in Florida, one in Kew Gardens, NY, and one in New Jersey. For a while Emanuel went into the nursing home business, but then went back to clothing industry. He and his wife both retired about 20 years ago and moved to Lauderhill, Florida. Afterwards they moved to Boynton, and then to Boca Raton. The couple moved into Douglas Gardens due to his wife's illness. After his wife passed away, Emanuel moved backed to his condo in Boca until he was ready for an assisted living facility lifestyle. Emanuel discovered the TOP classes a few months ago and has become an avid participant, always asking deep questions.
Emanuel, or Menachem Mendel, was born in Manhattan in 1925. Emanuel is the first cousin of the famous Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm, former President of Yeshiva University. Emanuel attended Yeshiva Torah Vodaas from preschool until the age of 14. In 1943 he was drafted and served in Europe, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. In 1946 Emanuel received an honorable discharge and came back to work in the clothing business with his father. He got married in 1960 at the age of 34. He and his wife had three children, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild. One of his children lives in Florida, one in Kew Gardens, NY, and one in New Jersey. For a while Emanuel went into the nursing home business, but then went back to clothing industry. He and his wife both retired about 20 years ago and moved to Lauderhill, Florida. Afterwards they moved to Boynton, and then to Boca Raton. The couple moved into Douglas Gardens due to his wife's illness. After his wife passed away, Emanuel moved backed to his condo in Boca until he was ready for an assisted living facility lifestyle. Emanuel discovered the TOP classes a few months ago and has become an avid participant, always asking deep questions.
Florine Backer
Florine was born in 1935 in Brookline and married in 1954. They had two boys, one granddaughter, and two great grandchildren. The family had been snowbirds for 18 years, but made the move to Florida one year ago. Florine, although not religious, is a spiritual person, and therefore loves to come to the TOP classes.
Florine was born in 1935 in Brookline and married in 1954. They had two boys, one granddaughter, and two great grandchildren. The family had been snowbirds for 18 years, but made the move to Florida one year ago. Florine, although not religious, is a spiritual person, and therefore loves to come to the TOP classes.
Mania Jaroslawicz
Mania Reich was only 9 years old when the Nazis invaded Kracow, Poland, in 1939. She was the second of two children of a father who owned a small grocery store there. First, the family was corralled into the Kracow ghetto.The family tried to escape the Nazis by moving to a small town nearby called Jaslo, where her father and his family had lived.
Because Jaslo was smaller, the Nazis didn’t gather up the Jews there for another two years. In the meantime, Mania’s mother sent a telegram to “Bronya,” their Catholic gentile nurse and housekeeper. Bronya came and took Mania back to Kracow, agreeing to shelter Mania. Mania lived there throughout out the war, posing as a non-Jewish girl. Bronya subsequently returned to Jaslo to pick up Mania’s brother, Shimon. She got there just in time to see the Nazis loading him and Mania’s mother on a train to Auschwitz. The community was decimated by the Nazis. Her father, who was to be drafted into the Polish army to stop the Nazi tanks with horses, had earlier escaped to Russia, and survived the war there in a Siberian labor camp.
Mania’s father came for her after the war and they left for Belgium. From Belgium, they could only get a transit visa through the US. From the US, they had to go to Canada, and finally managed to get back to the USA. Mania settled in New York with her father, who remarried after the death of Mania’s mother was confirmed. She met her future husband, Joseph (“Faivel”) Jaroslawicz, in 1946 at a singles event for young immigrant survivors on the Circle Line boat ride around Manhattan. They were married in 1952. Mania’s husband went to work with his father and brothers in a company called “Jeros Tackle,” importing and making fishing equipment. They settled in the Bronx and Joseph served as the part-time rabbi of a local Shul. The couple moved to the Boro Park section of Brooklyn and raised four boys. Joseph would say, “We thought about trying again for a girl, to name after Mania’s mother, but we heard that one out of five children born today is Chinese – and we didn’t want to take any chances.” After an extraordinary bill was signed into law by President John F. Kennedy, Faivel and Mania managed to bring Bronya into the US, where she lived with them in Boro Park and helped raise their two youngest boys.
Today, the elder two of her sons live here in South Florida with their families, and the other two in New Rochelle and Monsey, just north of the New York area. About 15 years ago, Faivel and Mania moved from Brooklyn to Florida full-time because of health problems, and benefited by being closer to two of their sons already here. Mania’s husband passed away only a few years ago, and now she lives on her own in North Miami Beach, with one of her sons keeping close contact and giving care. The Jewish Federation provides some home care through their Holocaust survivor program. Mania is very different from most of my clientele. She does not live in a facility, and she is a very religious woman with four close and very religious sons.
The way I got involved with Mania is an extraordinary story. Most women Mania’s age (86, kain ayin harah!) are not interested in spiritual growth, but Mania is very much so interested. One day this past summer, Mania told her son, Isaac (who happens to be a close friend of mine), that she wants to learn about Davening. She said she Davens every day, but has very little idea what the words mean. She said she wished she could learn more about the words she says every day. Her son immediately called me. We began learning once a week. We spend most of the time discussing the words in the Siddur and their meaning, and some of the time discussing her difficult, yet inspiring, life, and her unshakable trust in our Creator. I leave this woman’s little apartment the same way every time: humbled and inspired!
Mania Reich was only 9 years old when the Nazis invaded Kracow, Poland, in 1939. She was the second of two children of a father who owned a small grocery store there. First, the family was corralled into the Kracow ghetto.The family tried to escape the Nazis by moving to a small town nearby called Jaslo, where her father and his family had lived.
Because Jaslo was smaller, the Nazis didn’t gather up the Jews there for another two years. In the meantime, Mania’s mother sent a telegram to “Bronya,” their Catholic gentile nurse and housekeeper. Bronya came and took Mania back to Kracow, agreeing to shelter Mania. Mania lived there throughout out the war, posing as a non-Jewish girl. Bronya subsequently returned to Jaslo to pick up Mania’s brother, Shimon. She got there just in time to see the Nazis loading him and Mania’s mother on a train to Auschwitz. The community was decimated by the Nazis. Her father, who was to be drafted into the Polish army to stop the Nazi tanks with horses, had earlier escaped to Russia, and survived the war there in a Siberian labor camp.
Mania’s father came for her after the war and they left for Belgium. From Belgium, they could only get a transit visa through the US. From the US, they had to go to Canada, and finally managed to get back to the USA. Mania settled in New York with her father, who remarried after the death of Mania’s mother was confirmed. She met her future husband, Joseph (“Faivel”) Jaroslawicz, in 1946 at a singles event for young immigrant survivors on the Circle Line boat ride around Manhattan. They were married in 1952. Mania’s husband went to work with his father and brothers in a company called “Jeros Tackle,” importing and making fishing equipment. They settled in the Bronx and Joseph served as the part-time rabbi of a local Shul. The couple moved to the Boro Park section of Brooklyn and raised four boys. Joseph would say, “We thought about trying again for a girl, to name after Mania’s mother, but we heard that one out of five children born today is Chinese – and we didn’t want to take any chances.” After an extraordinary bill was signed into law by President John F. Kennedy, Faivel and Mania managed to bring Bronya into the US, where she lived with them in Boro Park and helped raise their two youngest boys.
Today, the elder two of her sons live here in South Florida with their families, and the other two in New Rochelle and Monsey, just north of the New York area. About 15 years ago, Faivel and Mania moved from Brooklyn to Florida full-time because of health problems, and benefited by being closer to two of their sons already here. Mania’s husband passed away only a few years ago, and now she lives on her own in North Miami Beach, with one of her sons keeping close contact and giving care. The Jewish Federation provides some home care through their Holocaust survivor program. Mania is very different from most of my clientele. She does not live in a facility, and she is a very religious woman with four close and very religious sons.
The way I got involved with Mania is an extraordinary story. Most women Mania’s age (86, kain ayin harah!) are not interested in spiritual growth, but Mania is very much so interested. One day this past summer, Mania told her son, Isaac (who happens to be a close friend of mine), that she wants to learn about Davening. She said she Davens every day, but has very little idea what the words mean. She said she wished she could learn more about the words she says every day. Her son immediately called me. We began learning once a week. We spend most of the time discussing the words in the Siddur and their meaning, and some of the time discussing her difficult, yet inspiring, life, and her unshakable trust in our Creator. I leave this woman’s little apartment the same way every time: humbled and inspired!
Grace Gold Polaner
Grace was born in 1920 in Manhattan's Lower East Side. She came from a religious family and married right out of school in 1938. Her husband was a traveling salesman, and they had two children. Sadly both children passed away, but Grace is blessed with two granddaughters, one grandson, and six great grandchildren.
Grace moved to Coral Gables 50 years ago and opened a very successful antique shop. She traveled all over the world in order to acquire antiques for her shop. During her free time, she volunteered at the Hebrew Home for the Aged. She then moved in to that same home when she saw it was time to retire, six years ago.
Grace still enjoys her life! She has become an accomplished artist, and attends all the programs that the ALF has to offer. She is an active member of my class which began as an all men's class until she joined just recently. No one seems to mind and she is more than welcome.
Grace was born in 1920 in Manhattan's Lower East Side. She came from a religious family and married right out of school in 1938. Her husband was a traveling salesman, and they had two children. Sadly both children passed away, but Grace is blessed with two granddaughters, one grandson, and six great grandchildren.
Grace moved to Coral Gables 50 years ago and opened a very successful antique shop. She traveled all over the world in order to acquire antiques for her shop. During her free time, she volunteered at the Hebrew Home for the Aged. She then moved in to that same home when she saw it was time to retire, six years ago.
Grace still enjoys her life! She has become an accomplished artist, and attends all the programs that the ALF has to offer. She is an active member of my class which began as an all men's class until she joined just recently. No one seems to mind and she is more than welcome.
Richard Raphan
Richard was born in Brighton Beach, NY right before his family moved to Far Rockaway. I have been coming to the facility where Richard lives for the last four years but Richard came to his first class this past week. Over the years I assumed Richard was not Jewish so I didn't push him to join us. This past week, however, Richard came. This past week I brought Chulent, which I've never done before. We sat around the table eating Chulent while I explained the custom of singing Sholom Aleichem on Friday night. When I began to sing it Richard joined in immediately. Needless to say, I was shocked. After my class ended, Richard and I sat and talked a little and he promised he would become a regular. On the elevator trip back down to the first floor, he said, “Rabbi, your food reminded me I was Jewish.” When I told this story to a friend of mine, Rabbi Avrohom Yachnes, he smiled and said, “The power of Chulent.” Hence the title. Thank you Rabbi Yachnes.
Richard was born in Brighton Beach, NY right before his family moved to Far Rockaway. I have been coming to the facility where Richard lives for the last four years but Richard came to his first class this past week. Over the years I assumed Richard was not Jewish so I didn't push him to join us. This past week, however, Richard came. This past week I brought Chulent, which I've never done before. We sat around the table eating Chulent while I explained the custom of singing Sholom Aleichem on Friday night. When I began to sing it Richard joined in immediately. Needless to say, I was shocked. After my class ended, Richard and I sat and talked a little and he promised he would become a regular. On the elevator trip back down to the first floor, he said, “Rabbi, your food reminded me I was Jewish.” When I told this story to a friend of mine, Rabbi Avrohom Yachnes, he smiled and said, “The power of Chulent.” Hence the title. Thank you Rabbi Yachnes.
Carol Ann Burney
Carol was born in 1939, in Jackson Heights in Queens, NY. She later moved to Teaneck, NJ. After high school she attended Serena Rial Berkley Secretarial School for Girls. Carol was brought up in an assimilated family but felt a need to attend Synagogue, so her family became regular shul goers due to her influence. Carol got married 1966, and she and her husband moved to Waterbury, Connecticut. As soon as the couple found out that Carol was pregnant they moved to Cheshire. This was a more affluent neighborhood with a much better education. It was there that they had one daughter, Melissa. Carol's husband worked in insurance for most of his life, and passed away about eight years ago. After becoming handicapped, Carol decided the winters in Connecticut were too difficult for her so moved into a condo in Florida. Carol's granddaughter, who is a nurse, suggested that she move into an ALF since her health was failing. At this point, Carol struggles with congestive heart failure and neuropathy. Today, Carol resides in an ALF in Pembroke Park and is, thank G-D, a very sharp women. She asks challenging questions and always want to learn more. She is one of the few of my students that is going to read this. Unlike the majority of her generation, she is internet savvy and has her own email address. She also was one of the many people who received her own Shabbos candles this week and is very excited to use them.
Carol was born in 1939, in Jackson Heights in Queens, NY. She later moved to Teaneck, NJ. After high school she attended Serena Rial Berkley Secretarial School for Girls. Carol was brought up in an assimilated family but felt a need to attend Synagogue, so her family became regular shul goers due to her influence. Carol got married 1966, and she and her husband moved to Waterbury, Connecticut. As soon as the couple found out that Carol was pregnant they moved to Cheshire. This was a more affluent neighborhood with a much better education. It was there that they had one daughter, Melissa. Carol's husband worked in insurance for most of his life, and passed away about eight years ago. After becoming handicapped, Carol decided the winters in Connecticut were too difficult for her so moved into a condo in Florida. Carol's granddaughter, who is a nurse, suggested that she move into an ALF since her health was failing. At this point, Carol struggles with congestive heart failure and neuropathy. Today, Carol resides in an ALF in Pembroke Park and is, thank G-D, a very sharp women. She asks challenging questions and always want to learn more. She is one of the few of my students that is going to read this. Unlike the majority of her generation, she is internet savvy and has her own email address. She also was one of the many people who received her own Shabbos candles this week and is very excited to use them.
Steven Wolf
Steven was born August 3,1950, in Chicago, Illinois in Highland Park. He went to public school and Bnai Emunah Hebrew School. He attended Bradley Business School at the University of Chicago. At 22, he left college and went to work for his father selling wholesale children's clothing. Over the years Steve suffered from several emotional illnesses. He was married for a time and had a son. Today, his son is a successful businessman and Steve is living in an assisted living facility. He attends my classes, which is exposing him to the world of Judaism, Torah, and Mitzvos. It also gives him something to work for. After several challenges to stop smoking on Shabbos, Steve quit smoking all together.
Steven was born August 3,1950, in Chicago, Illinois in Highland Park. He went to public school and Bnai Emunah Hebrew School. He attended Bradley Business School at the University of Chicago. At 22, he left college and went to work for his father selling wholesale children's clothing. Over the years Steve suffered from several emotional illnesses. He was married for a time and had a son. Today, his son is a successful businessman and Steve is living in an assisted living facility. He attends my classes, which is exposing him to the world of Judaism, Torah, and Mitzvos. It also gives him something to work for. After several challenges to stop smoking on Shabbos, Steve quit smoking all together.
Leonard Reiter
Leonard was born in 1922, in Brooklyn, NY. After college, he joined the Air Force and was assigned to a secret project that he is not allowed to speak about, even today. He has two children, one girl and one boy. He also has one grandson. After retiring as an engineer, he moved to Florida which was about ten years ago. About four months ago, he moved into one of the Assisted Living facilities where I teach. Lenny is a proud Jew! He looks forward to my classes, and loves to participate in our discussions.
Leonard was born in 1922, in Brooklyn, NY. After college, he joined the Air Force and was assigned to a secret project that he is not allowed to speak about, even today. He has two children, one girl and one boy. He also has one grandson. After retiring as an engineer, he moved to Florida which was about ten years ago. About four months ago, he moved into one of the Assisted Living facilities where I teach. Lenny is a proud Jew! He looks forward to my classes, and loves to participate in our discussions.
Seymour Rosenthal
Seymour was born in Cambridge, Massachusets in 1927. He grew up and went to public school in the Boston area. He also attended Temple Beth El Hebrew school. During WWII he served as a bugler in the U.S. navy for a funeral detail. Seymour got married in 1953 and had three boys. Two now live in Florida and one lives in Connecticut. He is also a proud grandfather of seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. While living in Massachusetts, Seymour worked as a screen printing salesman. In 1979, he moved to Florida and became a chef at the Marriott Hotel. Seymour's wife passed away three years ago and then he entered a nursing home in Hollywood. He recently arrived at the West Broward Rehabilitation center where he started coming to my classes. The first thing I noticed about my new friend is he does not seem anywhere near his age. Although confined to a wheelchair, he is as lucid as any middle aged adult. He is a pleasure to have in my class!
Seymour was born in Cambridge, Massachusets in 1927. He grew up and went to public school in the Boston area. He also attended Temple Beth El Hebrew school. During WWII he served as a bugler in the U.S. navy for a funeral detail. Seymour got married in 1953 and had three boys. Two now live in Florida and one lives in Connecticut. He is also a proud grandfather of seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. While living in Massachusetts, Seymour worked as a screen printing salesman. In 1979, he moved to Florida and became a chef at the Marriott Hotel. Seymour's wife passed away three years ago and then he entered a nursing home in Hollywood. He recently arrived at the West Broward Rehabilitation center where he started coming to my classes. The first thing I noticed about my new friend is he does not seem anywhere near his age. Although confined to a wheelchair, he is as lucid as any middle aged adult. He is a pleasure to have in my class!
Gertrude Kiel
Gertrude was born in 1932, in Brooklyn, NY. Soon after Gertrude was born, the family moved to Queens where she went to school in Flushing. After high school, Gertrude attended Ccity College. Later, she got a job as a secretary for a clothing manufacturer. It was at the manufacturer that she met her husband to be. He was a buyer for the same business. The company had a rule that you could not work in the same place as your spouse, so Gertrude found a new job in an appliance store. The couple had five girls and six grandchildren. The oldest grandson just got engaged! The family moved to Florida in 1970 for a business deal that never really worked out. Gertrude's husband passed away about 21 years ago, and she moved in with her daughters. After some years she moved to an ALF and just transferred to The Peninsula about three weeks ago and that is where we met. She said she left the other facility because it wasn't Jewish enough for her, so she was very happy to know about my class.
Gertrude was born in 1932, in Brooklyn, NY. Soon after Gertrude was born, the family moved to Queens where she went to school in Flushing. After high school, Gertrude attended Ccity College. Later, she got a job as a secretary for a clothing manufacturer. It was at the manufacturer that she met her husband to be. He was a buyer for the same business. The company had a rule that you could not work in the same place as your spouse, so Gertrude found a new job in an appliance store. The couple had five girls and six grandchildren. The oldest grandson just got engaged! The family moved to Florida in 1970 for a business deal that never really worked out. Gertrude's husband passed away about 21 years ago, and she moved in with her daughters. After some years she moved to an ALF and just transferred to The Peninsula about three weeks ago and that is where we met. She said she left the other facility because it wasn't Jewish enough for her, so she was very happy to know about my class.
Sydell Roden
Sydell was born in Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY in 1931. She has two sons and one grandchild and has been in Regents for a year and a half. Although she told me very little about her past, she is one of the most active participants in my class at Regents. Every time I ask a question to my audience, she is the first to answer. When I sing, she sings too. The one part of her past that emerges very strong now that she comes to my classes is her Yiddishkeit!
Sydell was born in Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY in 1931. She has two sons and one grandchild and has been in Regents for a year and a half. Although she told me very little about her past, she is one of the most active participants in my class at Regents. Every time I ask a question to my audience, she is the first to answer. When I sing, she sings too. The one part of her past that emerges very strong now that she comes to my classes is her Yiddishkeit!
Rachel Margolin
Rachel was born in 1943 in Jersey City, NJ. Rachel went to Yeshiva of Jersey City until third grade. She was married in 1975, but sadly did not have children. Her husband passed away ten years ago. Rachel did personal counseling and secretarial work until the couple moved to Florida 20 twenty years ago. They lived in Margate, which is where Rachel continued to live until nine months ago when she fell. After a hospital stay, Rachel was in another facility before she transferred to The Peninsula. Rachel is an active participant in the TOP classes, which serves as a weekly reminder of her Jewish education that she received so long ago.
Rachel was born in 1943 in Jersey City, NJ. Rachel went to Yeshiva of Jersey City until third grade. She was married in 1975, but sadly did not have children. Her husband passed away ten years ago. Rachel did personal counseling and secretarial work until the couple moved to Florida 20 twenty years ago. They lived in Margate, which is where Rachel continued to live until nine months ago when she fell. After a hospital stay, Rachel was in another facility before she transferred to The Peninsula. Rachel is an active participant in the TOP classes, which serves as a weekly reminder of her Jewish education that she received so long ago.
I usually teach senior citizens who know very little about their Jewish roots but occasionally I get the privilege to meet and learn with someone who is an example of what a Torah Jew from the previous generation looked like, Reb Menachem Koegel was one such Jew. Reb Menachem was born in 1937 in Rudnik, Poland just before the war. During the war his family was on the run and managed to stay one step ahead of the Germans. After the war was over, they ended up in a DP camp in Leipheim, Germany. Although they wanted to go to what was then Palestine, the plan was to go to whichever boat they could get on first and get out of Germany. They ended up coming to America and settled in NY. Menachem was sent to Yeshiva Torah Vodaas and later to Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin. It was while he was in Chaim Berlin that he received his Smicha, but he was too young so he had to get his Smicha from outside the Yeshiva. He was married in 1959 and had three children and many grand and great grandchildren. I actually taught two of his grandchildren many years ago. I remember them both being very good students and I see where it comes from. Reb Menachem became a math teacher in the public school system for most of his career. He also ran Talmud Torah after school programs in different cities and states and brought many people back to a life of Torah and Yiddishkeit. He moved to Florida in 1999, retired and went back to being a full-time Yeshiva student. During those years you could not tell the difference between him and a young Yeshiva student. He put the same effort and energy into his learning as boys 25 years his junior! In 2014, due to health issues, he needed to move to an assisted living facility that happened to be in my neighborhood. Only a few months ago someone asked me if I would learn with him a few days a week, which I did. When I first came I found an old man hooked up to oxygen and too weak to move from his chair. I asked him if he wanted to learn Gemara and his face literally lit up. I came Sunday through Wednesday, and together we learned four and a half pages of Gemara. Reb Menachem’s eyesight was bad so he didn’t use a Gemara but he followed along and commented every step of the way. We would discuss how to understand a difficult piece and when it became clear he smiled ear to ear. Some days before starting he asked me just to summarize the Gemara we did the day before to refresh his memory. One day he seemed to be dozing off but I decided to keep reading. It’s a good thing I kept at it, because when I made a mistake he opened his eyes and corrected me. The last day we learned together we finished a Mishna, which is a nice milestone, and he told me he was looking forward to learning with me the next day. When I came the next day he told me regretfully that he wasn’t up to learning but asked me to please come back tomorrow. The next day I came back and a nurse who saw me come in told me he passed away that morning. Needless to say, I sat down on a couch and cried. In the few short weeks I had known this man, I had grown to look to him as a Chavrusa (study partner), friend, and above all inspiration. May his memory continue to be an inspiration to all who knew him
Sabina Grant
Sabina was born on November 27th,1913, and grew up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Her parents, Yehuda and Chaya, had emigrated from Sighet Romania. Sadly, Sabina grew up in a time that Jewish education was very weak in the U.S. especially for girls. Sabina's mother covered her hair, which although today is a widely accepted Jewish law among religious women, it was practically unheard of in America back then. Sabina was the only one of her friends that didn't have pocket change on Shabbos afternoon. She said she never felt deprived; this was just the way of life in her family. Her parents spoke to her in Yiddish, and they spoke Romanian if they didn't want her to understand. Sabina learned English in school. Her father was everything to her. She talked about how soft spoken he was, how neat he was, and the love that he showed for his family and Yiddishkeit. The respect Sabina had for her parents was awesome. People have wondered how Sabina lived so long. The Torah tells us Kabed Es Avicha V'Es Imecha Lema'an Yarichu Yamecha - Honor your father and mother so your days will be long.
Sabina was born on November 27th,1913, and grew up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Her parents, Yehuda and Chaya, had emigrated from Sighet Romania. Sadly, Sabina grew up in a time that Jewish education was very weak in the U.S. especially for girls. Sabina's mother covered her hair, which although today is a widely accepted Jewish law among religious women, it was practically unheard of in America back then. Sabina was the only one of her friends that didn't have pocket change on Shabbos afternoon. She said she never felt deprived; this was just the way of life in her family. Her parents spoke to her in Yiddish, and they spoke Romanian if they didn't want her to understand. Sabina learned English in school. Her father was everything to her. She talked about how soft spoken he was, how neat he was, and the love that he showed for his family and Yiddishkeit. The respect Sabina had for her parents was awesome. People have wondered how Sabina lived so long. The Torah tells us Kabed Es Avicha V'Es Imecha Lema'an Yarichu Yamecha - Honor your father and mother so your days will be long.
Jack Janis
Jack Janis, originally Jakobovitz, was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1927. He went to high school in Irvington, New Jersey and was drafted into the army in 1945, just missing the war. Jack was stationed in Germany and worked in a supply room as a corporal. After being discharged in 1947, he got a job working for Hollander Furs back in Newark. Jack was never married. He had many different jobs over the years. About 21 years ago, the auto part company he worked for went bankrupt. He decided it was time to retire and he moved to Aventura, Florida. He came to Florida to be closer to family as he had a nephew in the area. Jack needed more help and decided to move to an ALF about six months ago. At first Jack was not interested in coming to TOP classes. He agreed to attend one class before Rosh Hashanah. He enjoyed the class and is now a regular!
Jack Janis, originally Jakobovitz, was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1927. He went to high school in Irvington, New Jersey and was drafted into the army in 1945, just missing the war. Jack was stationed in Germany and worked in a supply room as a corporal. After being discharged in 1947, he got a job working for Hollander Furs back in Newark. Jack was never married. He had many different jobs over the years. About 21 years ago, the auto part company he worked for went bankrupt. He decided it was time to retire and he moved to Aventura, Florida. He came to Florida to be closer to family as he had a nephew in the area. Jack needed more help and decided to move to an ALF about six months ago. At first Jack was not interested in coming to TOP classes. He agreed to attend one class before Rosh Hashanah. He enjoyed the class and is now a regular!
Clara Damaontstein
Clara was born in 1921 in Targu Mures, Romania. Her father owned a grocery store and she had one sister and one brother. Clara was engaged before the war to her brother in law's brother. When the war came to her town, she, along with all the Hungarian nationals, were sent to Auschwitz by General Horthy. She spent 14 months in Auschwitz. After the war, she and her fiancé found each other on a train in Prague. He was working for the government finding refugees and she was in Prague trying to find family. They got married that year in Hungary/Romania and immigrated to America. The couple had one daughter, two grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. They settled in Detroit and started making yearly trips to Florida each winter. They eventually retired in Florida. After her husband passed away, Clara moved into an ALF. She is a proud Jew and loves coming to TOP classes.
Mark Newman
Mark, or Reb Mordechai, as I like to call him, was born in 1923, in Carpatia, Czechoslovakia. He grew up and went to Cheder in the same village. In 1939, Czechoslovakia disintegrated and Carpatia fell under Hungarian rule. At that time, Hungary was actually under Nazi rule. From 1939 until 1940, Mordechai was trying to help support the family either through helping with the family farm or buying and selling on the black market. At that time, his father was in a Hungarian prison on trumped up charges. In 1944, Mordechai was sent to a ghetto in Muncatch for a short time, then to Auschwitz for one month, and then he was sent to a labor camp. In 1945, the Nazi's, who realized they were losing the war, began marching the prisoners West towards Germany. Mordechai and his brother escaped. They made their way back to Hungary where they were arrested by the Russians and sent to Siberia. Eventually, the Russians released them and they went to a Jewish refugee center. From there, Mordechai and his brother separated and yet they each arrived in Palestine. From there, Mordechai moved to Colombia, then to New York, and then Miami. Afterwards, he moved to Mexico and worked for the Zionist Organization there.
In 1969, Mordechai married Rebecca Cohen. Shortly after, he moved to Puerto Rico to join his brother Sam in his jewelry business Later, he opened his own store. Mordechai retired over 10 years ago and moved into Pembroke Plaza about three years ago. As I was teaching my class, he mentioned that his daughter would like my class. After we talked for a while, I realized that his daughter and son in law were friends of mine, and that I had taught two of his grandchildren. As a matter of fact, much of the information for this biography is from a paper written by Joshua Metsch, the grandson of Reb Mordechai Newman! Other parts of this biography were of course from speaking to Mordechai himself and from a book that he wrote, entitled A Test Of Everlasting Survival. This past Shabbos, Mordechai and I together with some other residents drank a Lechaim and inaugurated a New Mishna Shiur that TOP will be giving every Sunday night at the Plaza. It is my greatest honor to be able to learn with such remarkable people!
Clara was born in 1921 in Targu Mures, Romania. Her father owned a grocery store and she had one sister and one brother. Clara was engaged before the war to her brother in law's brother. When the war came to her town, she, along with all the Hungarian nationals, were sent to Auschwitz by General Horthy. She spent 14 months in Auschwitz. After the war, she and her fiancé found each other on a train in Prague. He was working for the government finding refugees and she was in Prague trying to find family. They got married that year in Hungary/Romania and immigrated to America. The couple had one daughter, two grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. They settled in Detroit and started making yearly trips to Florida each winter. They eventually retired in Florida. After her husband passed away, Clara moved into an ALF. She is a proud Jew and loves coming to TOP classes.
Mark Newman
Mark, or Reb Mordechai, as I like to call him, was born in 1923, in Carpatia, Czechoslovakia. He grew up and went to Cheder in the same village. In 1939, Czechoslovakia disintegrated and Carpatia fell under Hungarian rule. At that time, Hungary was actually under Nazi rule. From 1939 until 1940, Mordechai was trying to help support the family either through helping with the family farm or buying and selling on the black market. At that time, his father was in a Hungarian prison on trumped up charges. In 1944, Mordechai was sent to a ghetto in Muncatch for a short time, then to Auschwitz for one month, and then he was sent to a labor camp. In 1945, the Nazi's, who realized they were losing the war, began marching the prisoners West towards Germany. Mordechai and his brother escaped. They made their way back to Hungary where they were arrested by the Russians and sent to Siberia. Eventually, the Russians released them and they went to a Jewish refugee center. From there, Mordechai and his brother separated and yet they each arrived in Palestine. From there, Mordechai moved to Colombia, then to New York, and then Miami. Afterwards, he moved to Mexico and worked for the Zionist Organization there.
In 1969, Mordechai married Rebecca Cohen. Shortly after, he moved to Puerto Rico to join his brother Sam in his jewelry business Later, he opened his own store. Mordechai retired over 10 years ago and moved into Pembroke Plaza about three years ago. As I was teaching my class, he mentioned that his daughter would like my class. After we talked for a while, I realized that his daughter and son in law were friends of mine, and that I had taught two of his grandchildren. As a matter of fact, much of the information for this biography is from a paper written by Joshua Metsch, the grandson of Reb Mordechai Newman! Other parts of this biography were of course from speaking to Mordechai himself and from a book that he wrote, entitled A Test Of Everlasting Survival. This past Shabbos, Mordechai and I together with some other residents drank a Lechaim and inaugurated a New Mishna Shiur that TOP will be giving every Sunday night at the Plaza. It is my greatest honor to be able to learn with such remarkable people!
