Reuven Opher

I did not know Reuven well... only for a shorty while as a fellow student in a Context class at JTS. Afterwards, I attended a few of his most memorable "Beit Midrash" lunch's at Jack Dempsey's. It is a wonderful thing to meet someone who lights your life up in such a short time. Whenever he spoke I felt like I was in the presence of a sage. I find myself genuinely missing him... so exceptional for the time we spent together. I'm not at all certain he really knew who I was. I just want to tell...

Reuven was such a wonderful man, and a devoted husband to his dear Erella. Every time I saw him, I got a huge smile and a warm greeting. They were truly loving people, and I know they passed on their warmth to Michal and their grandchildren. I remember attending his 80th Birthday party, and was struck by range of friends they had. His memory is truly a blessing.

Reuven was a great teacher and one of the warmest people I’ve ever known. He loved explaining the most complicated science—the origin of the universe or the structure of the atom —to nonscientists—an entire classroom or just a small group eager to learn, like his last, wonderful class in quantum mechanics.
Reuven’s intellectual interests were so widespread. His class on the early history of Israel and the Old Testament was lively and skeptical.
Most of all, Reuven loved people. So...

Reuven was a terrific discussion group leader/teacher at the Institute for Retired Professionals and his intellect and warm friendship will be sorely missed.

We all loved Reuven and will miss him dearly. He is now with his lovely wife.

In Loving Memory of Reuven, Thank you for being such a kind soul, a wonderful teacher and more importantly, a loving grandfather to each one in our group. We will cherish our memories with you forever

Reuven was a great friend and an important influence in my career as a physicist. He was a true mensch, capable of doing anything he set his mind to do, from experimental to theoretical physics, from playing guitar to being a hazzam. He was always full of enthusiasm and a great storyteller. I will miss him dearly.