Gerald Bernstein Obituary

Dear Debbie,

Time takes time.

Love always, Susan

Dear Bernstein family,



I was sad to hear of Jerry's passing. He was truly a mensh. May his memory be a blessing to you all.

I will never forget Mr. Bernstein. He was my bat mitzvah teacher at Beth Am. As a member of the junior choir there, I had an opportunity to memorize the parts of the b'nai mitzvah service every Saturday morning. I will always remember my first day of bat mitzvah training. Mr. Berstein asked me to start at the beginning of the service to see what I knew. I was very nervous, and went through the entire service until I got to the blessings after the chanting of the Haftorah, and apologetically told him I didn't know that one yet. "You DON'T?" he asked, and then started laughing. He challenged me by having me learn extra Hebrew from the prayer book and I will never forget the pride I felt at being able to read and understand so much at my bat mitzvah service -- all due to his encouragement and extraordinary teaching ability. He will really be missed.

Dear Barbara and Family,



I want to offer my deepest condolences on your loss. Jerry epitomized what a "mentsch" should be! He was truly a great human being. He treated everyone with respect, he always made his own decisions and he was kind to all!



By the way, nobody could chant a haftorah like him; I wish I had his voice and poise!



With deepest sympathy,

Mr. Bernstein was my 4th grade Hebrew teacher at Beth Am, I can still remember weekday afternoons reading from Sha'ar HaKriyah in his classroom. He was obviously a great teacher; at age 17 when I arrived in Israel for the first time I was able to converse with people in the street on a limited basis. Thanks to the base he laid down, I became fluent enough to study at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem for my baccalaureate.



I've since taught Hebrew at my own synagogue, at Jewish summer camp, and to my own children. His teachings, in a sense, continue.

We are deeply grieved to learn of Gerry's passing. He was a warm and wonderful man who was dedicated to the happiness of all those who were fortunate to be his friends.

Mr. B. taught me Hebrew and tutored me for my Bar Mitzvah in 1963. I will always remember him for his great sense of humor and for being an excellent teacher. I know you will miss him and you have my deepest sympathy. He was a really good guy.

The Callaghan family was deeply sadden to hear the news of the passing of Mr. B.. For 30 years the Bernstein's were our greatest neighbors and friends, and we thank them for all the wonderful times. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family in their time of grief.

We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.