Ya'Akov Eden

Ya'akov Eden, 83, passed away on November 22 in Muncie, Indiana.
Ya'akov was born in Makahchkala, Russia on August 11, 1942 to Etta Vertman and Israel Adelsberg. Ya'akov's family immigrated to Israel in 1949.
He started dancing at the age of eleven with the Youth Movement in Israel while living at Kibbutz Gesher Haziv. There he also began teaching Israeli dance and choreographing dances for the stage.
After serving two years in the IDF as a paratrooper in special forces, Ya'akov continued to dance and perform, moving to the United States in 1966 where he danced professionally in New York City. Ya'akov then moved to Eugene, Oregon to attend the University of Oregon earning a BA in dance. Upon graduation Ya'akov was offered a teaching position at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, to teach international folk as well as other forms of social dance, and to direct the Banevolks – a traveling international folk-dance company. Ya'akov taught at Ball State for thirty years and earned his MA while there. In 1996 Ya'akov became a citizen of the United States. He had always loved sharing his love of dance and culture, teaching at various workshops and summer camps around the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.
Ya'akov is survived by the family he loved so much, his wife, Judy Eden, his children, Tammy Hart, Joel Eden, Aviva Eden, Adam Eden, Erin Hendricks, and his nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and other relatives in Israel and Russia.
A memorial/celebration of Ya'akov's life will be held on December 14, 12:30, at Temple Beth El in Muncie. Ya'akov wanted people to dance at his celebration of life. Please join us as we remember Ya'akov, his dances, and his zest for life.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.