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Rachel Brenner Obituary
Brenner, Rachel Feldhay
MADISON - Rachel Feldhay Brenner passed away on Feb. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis., at the age of 74. Born in Zabrze, Poland, she moved to Israel in 1956. There she studied at the Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University, before moving to Toronto, Canada, in 1976, where she earned her Ph.D. at York University. She joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin in 1992, serving as a faculty member until her death.
In addition to her active roles in the Department of Hebrew and Semitic Studies and the Mosse/Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies, she was involved in numerous associations, including the Association for Israel Studies, Association for Jewish Studies, and the Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences. She authored seven books and no less than 80 articles and received numerous awards and honors, including the Max and Frieda Weinstein-Bascom Professorship, the Harvey L. Temkin and Barbara Myers Temkin Professorship, the Kellet Award, the Hilldale Award, and the WARF Elaine Marks Professorship.
Rachel was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Helena Feldhay. She is survived by her children, Guy (Sara) Brenner and Shelly Brenner; her brother, Yoram Feldhay; and her four grandsons. Donations in her honor may be made to the Mosse/Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies (https://cjs.wisc.edu/give/).
Memories and Condolences
for Rachel Brenner
5 Entries
Bud McDonald
July 29, 2021
I was so saddened to read about Rachel´s passing. I was her New York Times newspaper carrier for a number of years. She was always so kind to me; always asking about my wife and kids. She had a way of speaking that left me feeling like I was truly one of her close friends. I will never forget her. My condolences to her family.
Doron Feinsilber
April 7, 2021
I had Rachel Brenner for a professor many years ago and she always exuded a warmth and kindness. She always treated me as an extended member of the family when I was away from my own during college. I was shocked to hear of her passing. Baruch dyan emet. May her memory be a blessing.
E. Nicole Meyer
March 19, 2021
I just learned of Rachel's passing and am quite devastated. Her kindness, warmth and brilliance extended to me and my son continues to be a blessing. May her memory be a blessing. And, if you would let me know where she is buried, once COVID makes it possible, I wish to visit it. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Michael Greenstein
February 17, 2021
It is with great sadness that I learn of Rachel´s death. I knew her well during her years in Toronto. She was kind and sensitive at all times. I wish her family much strength.
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