OMUS HIRSHBEIN Obituary

HIRSHBEIN--Omus - The 92nd Street Y Board and Staff mourn the passing of Omus Hirshbein, who enriched our community for 20 years, serving as 92Y's director of education and performing arts from 1974 to 1994. Omus was an iconic example of Judaism's timeless tradition of enriching and expressing our souls through the arts and humanities. The world will deeply miss his vigor, dedication to education and creativity. We extend our fullest sympathies to Jessica and the entire Hirshbein family. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Thomas S. Kaplan, President Fredric Mack, Chairman Sol Adler, Executive Director

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Published by New York Times on Jan. 7, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for OMUS HIRSHBEIN

13 Entries

Lisa Saffer

January 6, 2012

I'm so sad to hear about Omus' death. I was a young singer hired by him at the 92nd St Y and he was very kind to me. I liked him, and I loved the interesting and intelligent programming he did. A man with such a wonderful energy and smile.

January 5, 2012

We are so sorry to hear about Omus. He was the nicest person we ever met. You could not meet Omus without feeling better about your day. Our condolences to Jessie and his sons and grandchildren. Sal and Mary Ann LaCarrubba

Myron Bassman

January 4, 2012

I can only repeat what some others have said. This is a very sad day. We lived on 105th and west End when Hillel and Peretz attended Hebrew School. Our daughter, Ilana was a classmate. Omus regularly took her home during the week. We had some very good and intense conversations during our time at the SAJ. I always thought of him as amensch.

JOHN DUFFY

January 4, 2012

THE DEAREST MAN;GREAT LOVER OF MUSIC;FRIEND OF COMPOSERS,PERFORMERS ALIKE.

JEANINE PLOTTEL

January 3, 2012

I want to send my deepest condolences to you, Omus' family. Many years ago, at Juilliard, where I taught French, and then at Hunter, where I also taught, I had occasion to work with Omus. Under his watch the Comédie frqnçaise came to NY and performed at Hunter, and I brought my class. He was a prince of a man, and I am sad to learn of his passing on.

Peretz Hirshbein

January 3, 2012

Thanks to everyone who has offered their remembrances of my father, Omus. I've created a site to remember him called rememberingomus.info - Jessica would love to see your kind words there!

Thank you,

Peretz Hirshbein

Stanley Bank

January 3, 2012

Dear Jessica,
Although it's been many years since we were together, I feel Omus's loss deeply. I not only loved him--and you--but I feel honored to have known him. He will live in all our hearts,

Victor Suben

January 3, 2012

Jessie,

Although we never spent enough time together, Judy and I loved Omus very much. I remember feeling sad when my mother and I saw the Hirshbeins drive away from Washington Heights on their way to California. Omus had been a frequent playmate. I'm sure that everyone who knew Omus feels as I do that we lost a truly unique and wonderful friend.

Our deepest condolences to you and to Peretz and Hillel. Let's try to keep in touch,

Love,

Judy & Vic

Lee Walter

January 3, 2012

Dear Jessica:
I was so sad to read of Omus' passing in the Times. What memories we share, not only in the music world, but the time we spent in East Hampton as well. My heartfelt condolences to you and the family.

January 3, 2012

this is a very sad day for me-knowing and working with omus starting 1961/2 at the hunter college concert bureau and omus bringing me back into the box office business at the y in 1978 where we performed some real terrific stuff in our respected positions-a true mensch a wonderful husband and father and the real music man-no one could spot the talent of a young classical musician better than omus-no one-i am blessed for knowing him-to jessica the boys and their families my heart goes out to you-because i live in delaware now should you wish to reach out to me im on facebook-omus rest in peace my friend you worked hard and you did a great job-i will always love you-richard robbins

Sheela Peace

January 2, 2012

Jessica,

My heart is with you and yours as this sad time is now here.
Omus was brilliant, humorous and a true GentleMan.

Sheela Peace,

January 02, 2012

Omus at his best. Go to rememberingomus.info for more memories.

Peretz Hirshbein

January 2, 2012

Kathryn Heintz

January 2, 2012

Words won't express the sadness I feel at the news of this loss. Music can. Lots and lots of music, so much of it made more beatiful and joyful to me by this amazing, brilliant man.

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