On August 22nd, distinguished L.A educators, Rabbis Avrohom Stulberger (Dean of Valley-Torah H.S.) and Tzvi Bloch (founder of Toras Hashem Synagogue) memorialized the late, formerly-local teacher Rabbi Aaron Parry (d. July 19, 2023 of a coronary), praising his characteristics, his family members, and they noted the impact he had on those around him. They highlighted his love for Torah and mitzvot, his dedication to growing in Judaism, and his desire to be a good Jew and teach Torah to others. The rabbis also emphasize the importance of emulating Rabbi Parry's qualities and commitment to spiritual and intellectual growth. They encourage everyone to honor his memory by incorporating his values into their own lives.

 

Summary of Tribute to R' Aaron Parry (Pt 2): R' Reuven Wolf; student Dr. Omar Margrechter; and R' Moshe Parry 

In this tribute to Rabbi Aaron Parry, various speakers reflect on his qualities and impact. They describe him as a person of deep connection who exuded life and energy, despite facing personal challenges. The concept of death is discussed, with one perspective attributing it to sin and another to divine decree. Rabbi Parry, being a master of esoteric teachings, lived at a deeper level of the soul that remained constant even after his physical passing. Personal stories and memories highlight his love for humanity and small but meaningful actions. Gratitude is expressed for his teachings and the support shown during his memorial. The passing of righteous individuals is seen as opportunities to learn and elevate the soul. Finally, the speaker expresses deep gratitude and reverence, emphasizing Rabbi Parry's significant influence on their spiritual growth and the collective effort to bring Mashiach.

 

Summary of Pt3: Rabbi Aaron Parry: Eulogies by bro R' Moshe, son Yossi. Maariv w/son Eli Parry; R' Yitz Feiglin Rabbi Aaron Parry's loved ones reflect on his impact and legacy in these eulogies. Family members apologize for any shortcomings and express deep sadness. They highlight Rabbi Parry's loving nature, his ability to connect with all people, and his genuine and authentic demeanor. The speakers also emphasize his humility, compassion, determination, and resilience. They admire his continuous pursuit of self-improvement and his positive outlook on life. Overall, they express a deep admiration for Rabbi Parry and his lasting influence on those who knew him.

AFSI to commence "strengthening mission" to Israeli settlements without Charlotte Wahle, 92, z"l

German-Jewish-Zionist, Charlotte Wahle, devoted her life to promoting Israel and the Jewish people against anti-Israelism & anti-Semitism

From Helen Friedman, Executive Director: "Americans for a Safe Israel mourns the passing of our beloved volunteer of over twenty years, Charlotte Wahle (z"l).  She was buried today at the Beth-El cemetery in Paramus, NJ. Rabbi Schwartz and Rabbi Gans officiated. A devoted group of family and AFSI friends, who made up a large part of her extended family, were present to pay their last respects. An Israeli flag was placed at her grave symbolizing her great passion for Yisrael Shlayma (a whole Israel).

Those who knew Charlotte were always amazed at her tenacity and devotion to AFSI and its principles. She was at every demonstration and protest, wrote letters to the editor, and was a driving force in the AFSI office, even in her 92nd year of life.  In addition, Charlotte's interests kept her active in her synagogue, in politics, and with her many friends and associates.

Those wishing to send donations in her memory are encouraged to send them to AFSI, her favorite organization. Contributions can be sent by check, or through the donation buttons on the www.afsi.org website."   

Part of Charlotte's energies went to help arrange AFSI's "Chizuk" (Strengthening) missions to Israel.  AFSI begins another trip this weekend, with Charlotte participating this time from shomayim. 

Helen Freedman spoke with JooTube last year about AFSI's tour which would focus on (rather than most others which avoid) Jewish settlements and outposts to live on Jewish holy lands.  Many of these developments face the similar threat of uprooting that Gush Katif experienced in 2005, but at the behest of a new American administration.

Dr. Dan Kliman, SF Voice for Israel's co-founder, eulogized for fighting for justice

Medical doctor, Pro-Zionist, environmentalist, socially-conscious vegetarian, Dr. Dan Kliman, was remembered by friends and colleagues Sunday 14 December in Oakland, California's Temple Beth Jacob.

Featuring Rabbi Judah Dardik, Mike Harris, SF Voice for Israel's Rabbi Doug Kahn, Jewish Community Relations Council's Robert Raburn, Executive Director, East Bay Bicycle Coalition Bonnie Knight - reading eulogy from Peter Cohon, Founder of Veggie Jews, Israel Consul General Akiva Tor, Beth Jacob member Judith Schwartz. (Video courtesy Dan Cohen)

Pro-Israel social activist found dead in suspicious circumstances at San Francisco's Pacific Arabic Resources' offices

A memorial service is being held for a prominent San Francisco physician who was found dead inside the elevator shaft of the Arabic-language night-school he attended.

Dr. Daniel Kliman, 38, was believed to have fallen down the elevator shaft on Tuesday evening 11/25/08, on the same day as the Mumbai terror attacks. The memorial service will be held on Sunday, Dec 14, at 7:30 pm at the Beth Jacob Congregation, 3778 Park Blvd., Oakland.

There were no classes the week of 25 November. There were very few people in the building at the time. The defective elevator was "secure". It is still unclear how this happened. The S.F. Gate reports:

Brad Bernheim, the building manager, said the elevator was not working last week and had been secured so that no one could enter it. Workers showed up Monday to repair the elevator and discovered the body.

Last Tuesday, a surveillance camera recorded Kliman waiting for the elevator in the lobby. It wasn't clear, however, how he ended up in the elevator shaft or whether he fell from that floor or higher, Bernheim said.
He said the victim was a student at the Pacific Arabic Resources School on the seventh floor of the building. He said there were no classes last week.

"I don't know why he was there. That's what we're investigating, how he got down there," Bernheim said. "Yeah, it's strange. You don't normally find bodies in the elevator shafts."

Kliman was scheduled to fly to Israel on Thanksgiving Day as part of the Honest Reporting Mission, a pro-Israel media initiative.

"He was the public face of grass-roots Israel advocacy in the San Francisco Bay area," said Mike Harris, his colleague at Voice for Israel. "He was passionate about standing up for Israel, literally -- standing up in public with flags and signs."

Kliman, also known as a fervent environmentalist, often was seen bicycling around the Bay Area instead of taking rides to reduce his carbon footprint, friends said.

Harris told the Chronicle he knew of no specific threats against Kliman, but he had been assaulted before at a pro-Israel rally. Kliman's body was buried in his hometown of Schenectady, N.Y.

A memorial service being held for Dan on Sunday, Dec 14, 7:30pm at the Beth Jacob Congregation, 3778 Park Blvd., Oakland.  The blog, Zombietime, has ongoing coverage of the controversial investigation of the circumstances surrounding Dr. Kliman's death. (photo by Dan Kliman of anti-Israel demonstrators; Courtesy: Zombietime)