BEL KAUFMAN Obituary

KAUFMAN--Bel. As the only sibling of Bel Kaufman, I mourn the death of my remarkable sister, who died of natural causes in her New York apartment on July 25 at the age of 103. She is survived by two children, Thea and Jonathan Goldstine, by a granddaughter, Susan Goldstine, and by her husband of more than forty years, Sidney Gluck. She is also survived by my own children, Kenneth and Keith Kaufman, and by my grandchildren Kara, David, and Rachel. Bel and I emigrated to America from Russia with our family in 1922, when Bel was eleven years old. She used to say that she learned to speak English by osmosis, or at least enough to receive her B.A., Magna Cum Laude, from Hunter College and her M.A. with first honors from Columbia University. Our grandfather was the famed and much-beloved author-humorist Sholom Aleichem, whose Tevye stories inspired the Broadway musical "Fiddler on the Roof." I've known my wonderful sister for all of my 94 years. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for any donations in Bel's memory to: Yivo Institute for Jewish Research, 15 West 16th St., NY, NY 10011, www.yivo.org; National Yiddish Theatre-Folksbiene, 90 John St. #410, NY, NY 10038, nationalyiddishtheatre.org; or the Hunter College Foundation, 695 Park Ave., NY, NY 10065, www.hunter.cuny.edu Sherwin Kaufman

Published by New York Times on Jul. 27, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for BEL KAUFMAN

Not sure what to say?





Valenda Newell

November 23, 2016

This is a very belated acknowledgment, and I was sorry to read about her death. Her book, Up the Down Staircase was an excellent depiction of the problems both teachers, and students are faced with.

Nancy Dudwick

April 10, 2015

May her memory forever be a blessing. I was lucky enough to meet her.

Igor Galanter

August 25, 2014

Heartfelt sympathy to all the family
From
Kathryn Berman,
Jerusalem, Israel

Kathryn Berman

August 14, 2014

My condolences to the entire family. I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Bel, this incredible woman, last December. You have been blessed by having her in your lives for so long.

Carol Turetsky

August 7, 2014

Ron Aymett

August 3, 2014

To the family of Ms. Kaufman, our deepest sympathy. May God comfort you all during this time. Ms. Kaufman touched many lives and she will be greatly missed.

July 30, 2014

"Sorry for your loss. Psalm 90:9,10 Said: Our life ebbs away because of your fury; And our years come to an end like a whisper. The span of our life is 70 years, Or 80 if one is especially strong. But they are filled with trouble and sorrow; They quickly pass by, and away we fly.

July 29, 2014

Soon death will be no more.

July 29, 2014

I'm sorry for your loss. God promises us that there will come a victory over death.

A R

July 29, 2014

July 29
My prays are sent to the family and friends. I hope memories of Bel comfort you at this time of your loss.

July 29, 2014

condolences-peace

joaquim-r-redeemer barbosa

July 28, 2014

Heartfelt condolences to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.

Stacy

July 28, 2014

My sincere condolences to the family as we await the time when "no resident will say I am sick" Isa 33:24;

July 28, 2014

A wonderful teacher, a fabulous lady and she set a new standard of glamor that featured brains and humor as a major ingredients of sexy.
She's forever my teacher.
Ellen Petersilie Gilman , H.S. of Performing Arts, Class of '56

Ellen Gilman

July 28, 2014

We are very sorry for your loss. Bel was an amazing woman, full of life. She will be in our memories.
-Phyllis and Irwin Ginsburg

Irwin Ginsburg

July 28, 2014

Sincere condolences from Herb Latner and Carol Friedman to Bel's family. She was a living legend and treasure to all of us privileged to know and love her. She remains in our hearts and memories as she becomes part of history.

July 28, 2014

Goodbye, Teach, but you will not be forgotten. I circulated my copy of Up the Down Staircase to everyone when I was in junior high and they signed the interior cover. Thank you for sharing your great gift with others.

Buckeye Fan

July 28, 2014

There is no losing Bel Kaufman - she is in our souls, our skin
our laughter and our tears forever - a sublime raconteur -
a woman who celebrated life and gave us her passion and
humor - irresistible - irreplaceable - I even got to go dancing
with her when she had already entered her nineties! How
lucky to have known her and hug her and I will continue to do
so Louise Sorel - My love to the family

louise sorel

July 27, 2014

July 27, 2014

July 27, 2014

July 27, 2014

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort (2 Cor. 1:3) hear your prayers and give you a measure of his peace during this time.

July 27, 2014

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

July 27, 2014

July 27, 2014

July 27, 2014

No more will there be an old man who fails to live out his days. For anyone who dies at a hundred will considered a mere boy, for the days of God's people will be like the days of a tree, so have faith and do not wonder, for our God can make us stand. And we shall live forever, As the work of his own hand. May God comfort the family.

July 27, 2014

Bless her. I still have the book. I still recommend it. I still read it. I still love it.

Mary C.

July 27, 2014

To the Kaufman family, my sincere condolences. May the Almighty God (psalm 83:18) be with the family at this time.

G G

July 27, 2014

Safe, Whole, and Intact

selma boyd

July 27, 2014

It is hard to express all our sadness and love. We will miss Bel, our dear-dear Belochka, wonderful, warm, and charming person, gifted writer, and granddaughter of Sholem Aleichem. She will be in our hearts and memory. Let our love reach her soul through the universe.
Our sincere condolences to the family.
Zoya Polevaya, Yuri and Anna Shekhter, and cultural club "Exlibris NJ".

Zoya Polevaya

July 27, 2014

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers and God will help you get through this difficult time. We look toward to the time when God will resurrect our love ones again. Job

Ashley

July 26, 2014

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Harry Simpson

July 26, 2014

Bel Kaufman was a force of life, and one which seemed never to be extinguished. Her life and spirit were exemplary and influenced generations of teachers, writers and others. I had the pleasure of interviewing her at home a few years ago, and it is an experience I will always treasure. My condolences to her family.
Barbara Isenberg

July 26, 2014

I am Sorry, for your Loss. What a Long, wonderful, life she had!

Michael Ward

July 26, 2014

Words can not express to you how sorry we are to hear of the loss of Bel. Such a gifted and lovely woman. May the love of family and friends be there to comfort you during this difficult time.(Romans 15:4)

Walker

July 26, 2014

Celebrating a life well lived, you will cherish the memories forever. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Psalms 62:8 mentions, "God is a refuge for us, pour out your hearts at all times". I hope you are able to find some comfort now and in the days to come.

Melissa Flores

July 26, 2014

An amazingly brilliant woman. Who of the Baby Boomer generation has not heard of Up The Down Staircase. What an imprint she left on this world.
She is on to her next chapter.

M. S.

July 26, 2014

My condolences to the Kaufman-Goldstine Familiy and know that you are so blessed for having your mother/grandmother so long. May the peace and comfort of God and friends be with you ~ Lwd

July 26, 2014

I would like to give my condolences to the family. Im sorry for your loss. -Ecclesiastes 5:8, 8

July 26, 2014

To the entire family. Please accept my sympathy. What a wonderful, talented, graceful woman!!!!! May the peace of God be with you all in this time of sorrow. Rom 15:33.

G J.

July 26, 2014

I read "Up the Down Staircase" five or six years after it was first published (and two years before I entered High School). Even though the inner city school of Ms Kaufman's book would seem, on the surface, polar opposite to my affluent suburban high school, the people were much the same, thankfully without some of the tragic endings (unexpected death of a student who felt she had no one to turn to).
Thank you, Bel Kaufman. And...

So Long, Teach! We will miss you.

Muffy

July 26, 2014

Always keep the fond memories and good times fresh in your hearts. This will help family and friends cope with this most difficult time of sorrow. God love you.

July 26, 2014

My sympathies to the Kaufman family. We're so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Ms. Kaufman's writing talent and gift. May our loving heavenly Father heal your broken hearts and may the memories of your loved one be a source of comfort. (Psalm 147:3)

Marahs

July 26, 2014

My condolences to the family

July 25, 2014

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

DS

July 25, 2014

Shalom we will miss you!

Mara Alexander

July 25, 2014

(Genesis 15:15) . . .:" you will be buried at a good old age."

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. -

ff

July 25, 2014

To the family of Bel Kaufman may God strengthen you during this difficult time.

Marie

July 25, 2014

Showing 1 - 66 of 66 results

Make a Donation
in BEL KAUFMAN's name

Memorial Events
for BEL KAUFMAN

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support BEL's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor BEL KAUFMAN's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more