Shirley Levine, a leader in Jewish education who founded Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School in Northridge, the first non-denominational Jewish community day school in Los Angeles, died on Jan. 9. She was 80.
The legacy of John O. (Johnny) Varble, who died on Oct. 19 at 83 on the Brandeis-Bardin Campus of American Jewish University, will live on forever. Johnny was a dedicated and beloved member of the Brandeis-Bardin community for more than 40 years, leading the ranch staff, and welcoming and supporting all who visited the campus. Johnny also was an award-winning horse trainer and breeder. I had the privilege of working with him for three years and of being his friend for many more. Johnny lived by a set of values that permeated all he did in life, and his devotion to Brandeis-Bardin was unparalleled. For thousands of people, he represented the heart and soul of Brandeis, and for several individuals, he was a mentor who greatly impacted their lives.
Frances R. Anson died Sept. 6 at 89. Survived by daughter Wendy; sons Jeffrey (Honglin Liu), David (Renae Jacobs); 3 grandchildren. Mount Sinai
If you are offended either by the idea of cremation or humor about the dead, you may want to stop reading. It\’s OK.
A traditional Jewish funeral is simple and not ostentatious — good news for people concerned about the high cost of dying. But while Jewish law doesn\’t require embalming, elaborate floral displays or 16-gauge metal caskets with tufted crepe interiors, it does require Jews to be buried in the ground. And that costs money.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.