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Shai Levinhar Obituary
"The first time he tried to lean over, he fell down, and threw me down, and that's how we fell in love."
Liat Levinhar, back in Israel now, remembers how she tried to teach her husband to tango nearly a decade ago, before they married and moved to the United States. "I knew him from the army, so I taught him how to dance," she said.
He wanted to learn, and his exuberance extended past the dance floor. Shai Levinhar knew little about the United States when he arrived, so he asked a lot of questions. Friends explained, precisely and in sometimes painful detail, why the New York Giants lost Super Bowl XXXV. Co-workers explained that they did not directly pay for their children's education; rather, they paid property taxes. "He really wanted to know," said Ken McCollister, a colleague at eSpeed.
Mr. Levinhar finished an executive M.B.A. program in July, just in time to clear his schedule for a new passion. His daughter, Sapir Natalie, was born Aug. 2, 2001.
Paul Calacicco, the doorman at his building on East 83rd Street, remembers trying to give Mr. Levinhar his packages when he arrived home from work. " `I'll pick it up later,' " he recalled Mr. Levinhar as saying on those occasions. "He was just so excited to go upstairs and see the kid."
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September 11, 2023
I do not know Mr Levinhar, but can see how much of a great person he was and was loved by a lot of people. My condolences and prayers to his family!
Leanne Twaddle
September 11, 2023
I remembered Shai to someone this morning during a memorial service... his love and commitment as a father and husband... and the resilience of his wife and daughter who devastatingly lost him. You are all on my mind today especially...
Edward Seborowski
September 10, 2021
Twenty years have gone by and the pain of that horrible day has not gone away. I worked with Shai on the 103rd floor of Tower 1 and still remember how happy and proud he was after the birth of his baby daughter. It was very clear to me just how much Shai loved his family. No matter what was happening on the projects we were working on, Shai would always find time to let me know the latest news on his beautiful family.
Today is the twentieth anniversary of that horrible day that took him away. Rest in peace my friend.
October 12, 2019
RIP shai...
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Christine Miller
September 11, 2019
To Liat and Sapir
Its hard to believe 18 years have passed. Its harder to believe that humans do this to other humans. Im so happy for you and all that you have so graciously overcome. You are remarkable and generous in spirit.
I didnt know Shai, but I will never forget him. I will never forget logging in a few days later and seeing your post that dreadful morning. I will never forget Sapir being 6 weeks new and how Shai would cuddle her upon returning home from work and I can see the pic you once posted, Ill never forget how you marched through this devastating tragedy into a life that carried you into a new marriage where you found love and happiness again. You really are blessed and loved beyond measure and you are deserving of all things great.
With you on this day,
Much love
M
Cali Eddy
September 11, 2017
I was only a teenager in high school when these attacks happened. Even though I never met Shai in person, I knew of him. His story left an unchanging impression on my heart. Every year that passes on this day, as I have aged, married, had my own children, and watched them grow, I am reminded of the devastating loss of an incredible person, and all that he was never able to see and do with Sapir in the flesh, things I take for granted all too often with my own children. On this day, I always think of Shai, hold my kids a little closer, cherish them a little more, and see my blessings a little more clearly. My mind is boggled by how quickly time slips through my fingers and how precious each moment we are given really is. And someday, I will be able to shake his hand and tell him how his life impacted a teenage girl that he never met, and how it shaped the course of her future as a person and a mother. Always in my prayers, I will never forget.
A Borkowski
July 4, 2016
I didn't know Shai but I still think about him from time to time, as one of many people we lost on September 11. I grieve that he is gone, because I lost a piece of myself that day. I still grieve that day and today is one of those days where I have allowed myself to remember and to cry. That day, and the actions of terrorism around the world that have followed, are horrific. Those actions are dividing hearts, and dividing people. I don't know what the solution is. But I log in today to say that the loss is not forgotten, and I remember Shai. I remember the time before, and the time that he was present in body on this earth and a time when things were less confusing for me.
Zvi
June 8, 2014
We shall always remember & love you!!!
S J. Friscia III
May 12, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
leanne twaddle
September 12, 2013
Remembering Shai's pride in fatherhood and Sapir today, and the shocking, unexpected loss for Sapir and Liat on this day twelve years ago... You all remain in my thoughts, always - but especially today...
leanne twaddle
September 11, 2012
Sapir is so stunningly beautiful... Shai left the world many gifts when he was taken from it, but she is is the most remarkable. As always, you and Sapir are in my thoughts, but especially today, along with Shai...
Edward Seborowski
September 11, 2011
I worked with Shai on a few projects at eSpeed. My fondest memory of him however, had nothing to do with work. It was shortly after the birth of his new baby daughter and I ran into him in one of the hallways on the 103rd floor. I extended my hand and as we shook I said “Hey Pops! Congratulations on the new baby! He thanked me, but, the beaming and broadening smile on his face is what I will never forget and to this day I can still see clearly in my minds eye. He was so proud of his new daughter and of his family he didn’t have to say anything else.
Today is the tenth anniversary of that horrible day that took him away. Rest in peace my friend.
Joy Munoz
September 11, 2011
10 years later...We still keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Shannon Eichenauer
September 11, 2011
Remembering you and your family always.
hamutal s
September 11, 2011
can't imagine how hard this must be. we're here for you both.
Joy Munoz
September 11, 2010
Forever in our thoughts.
Amy Shroades
September 9, 2010
Dear Lia and Sapir,
I think of you so often and pray that you are well. It's been nine years, but I can still recall the horror of your words, and the tremendous strength you showed in those dark days. I will never forget these things as long as I live; it was a pivotal point in my life and the lives of many. I love you Lia, and pray that things are going well for you and Sapir. Shai would be so incredibly proud of both of you.
Shannon E.
September 11, 2009
Thinking of you today and always.
leanne twaddle
September 11, 2009
Another year, it is difficult to believe... Again, Liat, I am remembering you and Sapir and Shai especially on this day. Sapir is so beautiful, Shai would be so proud of her.
leanne twaddle
September 11, 2008
I remember Shai... today and always. Liat, you and Sapir are especially close in my thoughts today.
Christine Kellar
September 11, 2008
To the family of Shai Levinhar: I just listened to Shai's sister read the name of my brother-in-law, FDNY Firefighter Terence A. McShane, during the WTC memorial ceremony televised this morning. Thank you for honoring and remembering Terence. My deepest condolences to your family on your loss. From his photo, I can see that Shai had a big, happy smile, just like Terence.
christine miller
September 8, 2008
Remembering you!!
leanne twaddle
January 18, 2008
Liat, I wanted to let you know that I think of Shai, and you and Sapir, not only on the anniversary of 9/11, but year round. Peace and love to you...
Rachel Capocasa
September 11, 2007
Lia & Sapir, we are all thinking about you, Shai and the rest of your family today. I hope you are all doing well. We miss you.
Dawn Preuss
September 11, 2007
I hope you have many blessings and much joy in your lives as this anniversary is upon us.
Thinking of your family.
Zinnia Dwyer
September 11, 2007
we love you.... you're in our prayers.. on this day....
Nicole Edmonds
September 11, 2007
We are thinking of your Family this day and aways!! Take Care Lia and Spair... We Miss you dearly!!!
Courtney Ransom
September 11, 2007
Never forgotten. Much love to you Liat and Sapir.
Courtney, Greg, Julia, James and Lillianne
leanne twaddle
September 11, 2007
Liat, you and Sapir enter my mind so often, and are always in my heart... And today I remember Shai, and what he meant to you and Sapir. Peace and love to you all...
Grace Tillman
September 11, 2007
I cannot believe that another year has past. It seems such a short time ago, but yet it also seems so long. I think of you, Shai, and Saphir often. I hope you are doing well. Know you will remain in my prayers always.
Margge Eslick
September 11, 2007
Thinking of you and your family. May God bless all of you.
Petra Bean
September 11, 2007
Thinking of you on this day and always. With lots of love
Laura Sullivan
September 11, 2007
God bless your family through another year, Lia. Hope you and Sapir are well.
Vickie
September 11, 2007
Dear Lia & Sapir,
I just wanted to let you know that are thought of often. I hope time has helped heal the wounds caused by this tragedy.
With Love,
Brandi Warner
September 10, 2007
Another year has passed and yet your memory remains...
christine miller
September 10, 2007
Liat - I miss you and hope that you and Sapir are well. It's been sometime since we last talked. So much has happened and I think about you and Sapir often. I would love to hear from you sometime and I hate that we lost contact with you. Take care sweetie and best to you always,
P Tabbernor
December 8, 2006
In memory....
Kristine
November 13, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Zvi Levinhar
October 19, 2006
Dear All ,
Thank you all for the special thoughts & kind words & love for Shai & his family.
The Father of Shai
Amy Shroades
September 19, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are always with you. I pray for peace for all of us - and especially for you and Sapir. Your friend forever
Petra Bean
September 13, 2006
Dear Liat and Sapir,
I think of both of you almost daily, and remember your wonderful husband and dad.
Bec Haytack
September 11, 2006
I still have your family in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless~
Jill Knapp
September 11, 2006
I think of you often, but more today than another. My thoughts are always with you.
DawnNoelle (August Clan)
September 11, 2006
I hope your family is closer to finding peace. I think of you often.
Sacha Woodard
September 11, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you today, and always.
Leanne Twaddle
September 11, 2006
Lia, you and Sapir and Shai remain in my thoughts, and especially on this difficult anniversary I wish for you and Sapir much peace and love in your lives. Shai is not forgotten, and will never be.
Nicole Edmonds (August Clan)
September 11, 2006
Dear Lia & Sapir,
I'm thinking of you both today. We will never forget Shai or this day. We miss you at the augustclan board, hoping you can stop by sometime. Stay Safe and know we are here for you.
Take Care and God Bless.
Grace Tillman
September 11, 2006
How can another year have passed? Seems like yesterday we were praying you would return home safely.
Lia and Sapir you are both in my prayers this very difficult anniversary.
Joy Munoz
September 11, 2006
Lia and Sapir:
I wanted to let you know that my family's heart, thoughts and prayers are with you today. Always remember.
Love,
Joy, Caitlin, Jason and Javier Munoz (augustclan)
Rachel Capocasa
September 11, 2006
Lia, I think of you and Sapir and Shai often and hope that you are doing well. We miss you on the board and hope you will stop in and update us soon.
I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine what you went through and what you must go through every day.
Shannon Herrlinger
September 11, 2006
Once again we are reminded of the terrible loss we all endured on this horrific day five years ago. I still think of you often Liat and Sapir and I pray peace and beauty have found your lives and remains there. Know there are many who send you positive energy and loads of love in your direction. God Bless....
Vickie Barnes
September 11, 2006
Dear Lia,
I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and Sapir on this sad day. I hope life is taking good care of you and that you have found happiness. I am sure Shai would want you both to be happy.
With Love,
christine miller
September 9, 2006
Lia,
not a day goes by, almost five years later, that I don't think about and pray for you, Sapir and Shai. How profound the day and the feelings to reflect five years later. To be able to just breathe and to have survived this. Did you ever think you could get thru an hour? I surely don't know how you did.....but you have! I miss you and I miss hearing about Sapir. I haven't talked to you in so long and I just hope you are happy and healthy and that you have found love again.
Adrianna Borkowski
August 29, 2006
Although I never knew Shai, I still wear the silver bracelet with his name on it as a reminder to pray for his family, who I also do not know.
Someone gave me this bracelet in 2001.
It's 2006 now and we still have not forgotten. We think about you and all the Sept. 11 victims all year long but especially on the anniversary. Best wishes to your family.
-Adrianna Borkowski, writing from Toronto, Canada
Grace Tillman
September 11, 2005
Shai: I think of you everytime I hear anyone mention September 11, and my heart aches. You were such a wonderful man and it is still sad that you are not here to play with your beautiful girl as she grows.
Lia and Sapir: My thoughts and prayers are with you always. I hope you are doing well and would love to hear from you.
Rachel Capocasa
September 11, 2005
I'm thinking about you and your family today. We love you and miss you at the August Clan. Please stop in and update soon.
Amy Shroades - August Clan
September 11, 2005
Dear Lia & Sapir;
I think of you often, but especially today. My heart still weeps for the unfair turn life took for you. I know that Shai is always with you - and know that we all love you and care about you.
Be gentle with yourself today.
In friendship and love,
Amy
Christine Miller
September 11, 2005
Liat:
I miss you and Sapir. I hope you are well and wish you would check in more often. I know you are busy but we think about you and Sapir a lot, more lately of course.
Shea is a hero in my eyes and I am so grateful for you to having shared him with me!
kind regards,
Del from TLOL
September 11, 2005
My thoughts and prayers are most with you and your daughter this day. Peace and love be with you always.
Shannon Eichenauer
September 11, 2005
I will never forget. I pray today for you and Sapir. With deepest sympathies and hopes for a good future for you and your princess.
Darragh (TLOL)
September 17, 2004
Lia,
I've thought about you often and hope that you and Sapir have found peace. Shai is thought of by many and will never be forgotten!!!
Take care.
Vickie Barnes
September 11, 2004
Dearest Lia,
My thoughts are with you and Sapir on this day and through out the year.
Please know that Shai has not been forgotten and that his spirit lives on in our memories.
Bless you and Sapir.
With Love,
Vickie
Ashley Ocampo
September 11, 2004
Liat,
Three years have passed and you and Sapir continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I am sure Shai watches over you both every day.
I wish you continued peace and comfort in the coming years....
Ashe
Adrianna Borkowski
March 26, 2004
Dear Lia and Sapir,
I have a silver bracelet with Shai's name on it. A journalist in my former job gave it to me; he received it a a press conference from a group that was producing those bracelets to have people pray and remember those who we have lost because of Sept 11. I was living in Washington on Sept 11, and I was 8 1/2 months pregnant on that terrible day.
I wear this bracelet and every now and then. When I wear it I look at it several times throughout the day -- at a red light, in a line up at the bank, etc. I think of you and pray for you and for your husband. I remember Sept. 11 and try to resolve my own trauma. I thank God for another day of life and try to forget about my small problems. But most of all, I pray for Shai and for you both.
I hope you will find some peace in your new country -- I know that will be difficult too -- and some way to enrich your daughter's life with the memories and love of her father. I'm sure he is watching over her, and over you.
Chrisa (TLOL) Markle
September 15, 2003
Thinking of you and Sapir often.
Niecey D
September 11, 2003
You are in my thoughts and prayers constntly, Lia. I'm just so so sorry for what today means to you. So sorry. In rememberance of a true hero XXXXX
Shannon Herrlinger
September 11, 2003
Remembering you on this day and everyday. You are never alone Lia, you have so much love, support, and admiration coming your way. I hope you continue to feel Shai's love, it's neverending.
God Bless....
Carolyn Fullington
September 11, 2003
Lia,
You and Sapir remain in my thoughts and prayers. I think of you often and hope you have been able to find some peace.
Christine Miller
September 11, 2003
Dear Liat!
Two years have passed since your Husband and all the others, were so brutally taken from those that loved them. Not one day has gone by since I first learned of your loss, that I have not thought about and prayed for you and Sapir. I am so priveledged to know you and to be apart of Sapir's life. You have shown me kindness and compassion and your strength has been such an inspiration to me.
May you be at peace today and all the days forward knowing that your husband is in the hearts of so many.
I love you my friend,
Christine Miller & Family
Abby (bindleybirdTLOL)
September 11, 2003
Thinking of you and your family at this time.Be strong.
Sacha Woodard
September 11, 2003
Reading that brought tears to my eyes. I miss hearing about him, and my heart aches today remembering the loss you and Sapir face every day. My prayers are with you.
Rachel Capocasa
September 11, 2003
Lia and Sapir,
I think of you often, but especially today. May you find peace in knowing that Shai is smiling down on you.
Rachel
Shannon424 Eichenauer
September 9, 2003
Sweetie, it is that time again that I am thinking of you and sending you loads of love!
Kristy Cossich
September 22, 2002
God Bless you and your beautiful daughter. May God comfort you and give you peace.
Allyson Soldani
September 18, 2002
You are a powerful woman! God bless you and your beautiful daughter!!
Shannon Herrlinger
September 12, 2002
God Bless you Lia and Sapir. I will forever remember you along with the wonderful man that now looks over you always. He was a hero to many of us, but not because the way he died, but because the way he lived. I love you all and you will forever be in my heart.
Lindsay
September 11, 2002
I also followed your story from TLOL. I lurked on Aug 01 board and remember reading the announcement that Sapir had been born. I remember seeing your BEAUTIFUL family picture. It was just simply perfect Lia. You were all so perfect for each other. I'm so sorry Shai was taken out of your lives. He was such an incredible father and husband. I know he is greatly missed by many. He is watching over you all the time, and I know he must be so proud. I think of you and Sapir often. You are so amazingly strong and your daughter is so lucky to have you. Thank you for showing us all true courage. You are such a great inspiration. I hope your heart is beginning to heal, although the pain is still very real. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your family will reunite someday. (((HUGS)))
Joy Munoz (jojo0214)
September 11, 2002
Shai: You have become a hero to many, but especially for Liat and Sapir. You will never be forgotten. One day, up above, you, Liat and Sapir will reunite.
Bielle (TLOL)
September 11, 2002
Just wanted to let you know that you and your beautiful baby are in my thoughts and prayers on this day and every day.
Jennifer Weyer
September 11, 2002
I too followed your story on TLOL.
I know that today and everyday Shai looks down on you and Sapir. That gentle breeze that you feel on your cheek is a kiss from him telling you that he is ok. Someday you all will be together again....
My love and prayers go out to you and your family, today and forever...
With love... Jennifer
Melanie
September 11, 2002
I also "met" you on TLOL and have been wondering about you and your baby. May sweet memories of your loving husband fill your thoughts today, and may you find peace and comfort in them.
Del from TLOL
September 11, 2002
Remembering Shai on this day and always. He lives on in our hearts and in his beautiful daughter. Lia, Sapir, on this sad day 9/11, our thoughts are with you.
Simone Germain
September 11, 2002
I don't know you, but read about your family on TLOL. I wanted to let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Vickie Barnes
September 11, 2002
Liat,
Know that Shai has not been forgotten. You and Sapir have not been far from my thoughts and prayers and are especially in my thoughts and prayers on this day.
Emilie PATRICOLA
September 11, 2002
Liat,
I too come from TLOL, and although I haven't had a chance to know you personnaly, hearing of your story has taught me what true courage is.
I pray for you, your daughter and your family on this difficult anniversary and think of your beautiful husband watching us all from above. God bless you and your loved ones.
Barb29
September 11, 2002
I also followed your story on TLOL. My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family.
Shannon Kristensen
September 11, 2002
I, too, have followed your story on TLOL and you continue to amaze me with your strength and courage. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers today!
Randi Saucier
September 11, 2002
I followed your story on TLOL as well. We will always remember those who lost their lifes last year. My GOD be with you , and comfort you.
Randi Røisli
September 11, 2002
Like so many others, I too "met" you on TLOL and have followed your story there. I am thinking of you on this sad day, hoping that the waves of love and support from around the world will help ease your pain a little. Bless you all.
Jennifer Knupp
September 11, 2002
I followed your story from TLOL. I know Shai is looking down on you and your beautiful daughter and smiling right now.
chrissy
September 10, 2002
I hope you embrace tommorow as a chance to remember all the love and memories that I'm sure have kept you going. You are in the hearts of many God bless and take care.
Barbara Hargitt
September 10, 2002
Liat...I think about you a lot. I remember praying that you would be welcoming home your DH soon as we all waited to hear news of him. My heart broke upon hearing that he would not be coming home in person again. I do believe that he visits with you and Sapir and is so very proud of how strong you remain. You are still in my thoughts and prayers as tomorrow approaches and you will remain there for a very long time.
Janell Graham
September 10, 2002
You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Rose (stephens_mom)
September 10, 2002
I have followed your story since last year. I think of you and your little girl often and pray that you continue with your strength.
I am sorry you have had to find that strength but you have shown so many of us here that you are a woman of strength and courage. SOmeone to be looked up to. May you find peace and comfort in knowing you are loved by many you and your daughter.
Love,
Rose
Joelle
September 10, 2002
I followed your story on tlol. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Darcy Baldridge
September 10, 2002
I,too,followed your story on TLOL and can only say how much I admire your courage and your incredible strength. I know Shai is watching you and your daughter grow and loving you still. My heart is with you and Sapir {{{HUGS}}}}
Vicki Applegarth
September 10, 2002
I remember your story from TLOL. I would like to say that I also admire you and I could never do what you have done. I think of you every now and then and I am glad to hear that you are well. Please take care and I will say a prayer for you.
Jennifer (Poohlvr)
September 10, 2002
I have also followed your story on TLOL, and think of you and little Sapir often. I admire your strength and courage in such a difficult time. I know that Shai would be so proud of you and how wonderful a mother you have been. My heart goes out to you Lia.
Glenda Vermillion
September 10, 2002
On this anniversary may you know that your dear husband is watching over you and your sweet baby!
{{{{HUGS}}}} reaching out to you!
Anita Herron
September 10, 2002
Last year, I watch every post you made in hopes that you would finally be able to say that your husband had been found at a nearby hospital. I am so sad that did not happen for you. I think about you and your daughter often and hope you are doing well. If I remember correctly, family came and brought you both back home. May you find peace in being with family and joy with your beautiful daughter.
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