STEPHEN LERNER

I am saddened to learn belatedly about the passing of this great man. His integrity and support for peace will be greatly missed. I can still hardly believe how kindly he corresponded with me via email, and offered both consolation and encouragement. Heartfelt condolences at the passing of this great soul.

It was over 50 years ago when we welcomed Steve to Temple Israel of Riverhead. He brought my fiancé, Linda into the Jewish Faith. She has been a committed Jew; President of the Board of Trustees at Temple Israel of Riverhead and Board member of Beth Tikvah of Naples. Without Steve’s help, our lives would have been different.

I just heard about your loss and sending along my deepest condolences to the family. I met Stephen once at my fathers funeral in Petach Tikva May 20 1976.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Please except my sincerest condolences to you & your family for the loss of your loved one.

We studied with Rabbi Lener thirty years ago when we were in the US and have kept wonderful memories of his teachings and his warm welcome in his temple and his family. His memory will remain an enlightment for us.
We would like to share our sympathy with Anne, David and Rahel.
Benedicte and Maurice Zultak (Strasbourg, France)

So sorry to hear of Rabbi Lerner's passing. My sincere condolences to his entire family. I am one of those who went through the conversion process with Rabbi Lerner and remain a committed Jew after 43 years. His thoughtful assignments asking me to delve into the real commitments involved have remained with me through these years. When he asked me what I wanted out of this, I answered, "I want my husband to become a Jew." He was an immigrant from the Soviet Union with next to no knowledge...

RIP A life well lived. We met at Columbia more than half a century ago. He converted my wonderful daughter in law who is a blessing to my family. I will not forget. Steve Trachtenberg ‘59.