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Tsuruoka, zt”l

Rabbi Theodore Tsuruoka, zt”l

Tsuruoka, zt”l

Rabbi Theodore Tsuruoka, zt”l

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Rabbi Theodore Tsuruoka, zt”l Obituary

TSURUOKA--Rabbi

Theodore. Temple Am Echad of Lynbrook mourns the passing of our past president and extends our sympathy to his bereaved family. Lisa Burch, President

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Mar. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Rabbi Theodore Tsuruoka, zt”l

Sponsored by Temple Isaiah of Great Neck (NY).

48 Entries

Jonathan Wagner

March 27, 2024

I wasn't going to post here again today since I already posted in the morning, but then an interesting thing happened.

In the Torah, which Rabbi Ted loved to teach, there is of course the well-known story of a rainbow appearing after the story about Noah's ark and the flood. The rainbow is said to represent G-d's promise to people: "I have put my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Myself and the world."

As luck (or maybe G-d's intention?) would have it, on Rabbi Ted's yahrzeit, the first time since his passing that both the Hebrew and secular yahrtzeit dates coincided on the same day, I visited the tree and memorial plaque honoring Rabbi Ted's memory at Steppingstone Park in Kings Point, on a rainy evening, after work, just before sunset.

Just as I got there, I saw what is in this picture - a double rainbow (you can barely make out the second one above the more prominent one) that curved above Steppingstone Park. What was the message? I'm not exactly sure. But I felt very much like G-d was with me at that particular moment and that G-d was perhaps sending a message to me that Rabbi Ted's soul is doing well, in G-d's care. Of all places, of all times, on all days. I'm pretty sure (if I remember correctly) that one of Rabbi Ted's many teachings was: "there are no coincidences." Perhaps not, with that double rainbow.

Jonathan Wagner

March 27, 2024

Remembering Rabbi Ted on his eighth yahrzeit today. This year, the Hebrew date (Adar II) and the secular date (March 27) coincide as they did on that very sad and shocking day eight years ago. It's hard to believe it's already been that long. But the fond memories and the many great lessons and teachings Rabbi Ted taught are still with me. I still stop at his plaque right outside the main sanctuary doorway inside Temple Isaiah and say a quick prayer for a couple of seconds before entering the sanctuary every time I'm there.

We did a Purim spiel together at Temple Isaiah, the last time I ever saw him. He was holding his back with what we thought was just "normal" back pain. It wasn't until later that we knew that was sepsis. But even in that condition, he went ahead with his part in the Purim spiel. Three nights ago, we had a great Purim event at the temple with singing, retelling the Purim story, and many of us dressed in costumes, with a good turnout. I think he would have loved it. May Rabbi Ted's memory continue to be a blessing. Zichronoh L'varachah.

CLAUDE SPRINGER

March 22, 2023

I met with Rabbi Ted every Saturday morning in his office half an hour before Torah Study and we talked about everything from Judaism to world affairs to mathematics and much more. Those memories are still with me and I cherish them. Claude Springer

CLAUDE SPRINGER

March 22, 2022

Rabbi Ted and I spent every Saturday morning before Torah Study for a half an hour talking about everything under the sun from religion to mathematics to world affairs to ethics. I considered him a friend and continue to mourn his loss.

Bruce Funk

March 22, 2022

A special human, remembered forever!

Jonathan Wagner

March 20, 2022

Jonathan Wagner

March 20, 2022

Jonathan Wagner

March 20, 2022

Jonathan Wagner

March 20, 2022

I visited the memorial tree for Rabbi Ted (ZT"L / OBM) at Steppingstone Park in Great Neck this morning and left a rock by the plaque at the base of the tree.

It was Rabbi Ted's sixth Yahrzreit (17 Adar II; the secular yahrzeit is next Sunday, 3/27). I visited during the final minutes of winter and the first minutes of spring, which was ushered in at 11:33 am on this Sunday.

In addition to pictures of the tree and plaque (with the rock), here is also a picture the some of the first red buds getting ready to eventually bloom for the spring. It reminded me that as the tree loses it leaves and brings forth new ones each year, so too, does Rabbi Ted continue to teach and help us as we remember him with each new year after his yahrzeit. May Rabbi Ted's memory in that way, always be a blessing.

CLAUDE SPRINGER

March 22, 2020

My friend Rabbi Ted and I met every Saturday morning for a half hour before Torah Study and talked about everything-politics, astronomy, mathematics, ethics, religion, temple, relationships and more. I miss him.

Jonathan Wagner

March 24, 2019

Remember Temple Isaiah of Great Neck's Rabbi Ted Tsuruoka (zt"l, OBM) today, on his three-year Hebrew date yahrzeit.

Thanks for all you taught us, Rabbi Ted. It has stayed with us and your memory lives on in that way. Thank you.

Jonathan

March 27, 2018

"Lighting" this virtual candle in Rabbi Ted's honor on the two-year secular anniversary of his passing. May Rabbi Ted's memory always remain a blessing.

Gary Michel

March 18, 2017

Between 1961 and 1963, while a junior high school student at Booker T. Washington JHS (PS 54) on Manhattan's upper west side, I became a friend of Theodore "Teddy" Tsurouka. We were classmates in 7SP and 9SP. Teddy was a brain. On many days after school, in his home between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue, we'd fiddle with his then hobby --electronics. Teddy built his own oscilloscope (which was like science fiction to me) and many other electronic devices. He taught me how to read a schematic diagram and build my own infrared detector for a school science project. He was a math whiz. He was also my first Asian-American friend.

When Teddy "made it" into Bronx Science (and I didn't) we went to different high schools. That was the rest of my lifetime ago. I'm now 69 years old, living in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC, living with my equally former-New Yorker wife, as a retired FAA attorney, an empty-nester and a grandparent. Last night my wife and I attended a screening of a film about the life of Brooklyn-born journalist/humanist Ruth Gruber at Temple Beth Ami, our reform synagogue in Rockville, Md. The film mad me nostalgic about growing up in New York City, and this morning I went on line and Googled "Theodore Tsurouka".

The first hit, a Great Neck Record obituary for Rabbi Ted, left me harpooned with overwhelming sadness and regret. I am so sorry Teddy has passed away, and that I never told him how fondly I remember our friendship. I am so happy to learn what a wonderful life he led and how much he meant to his family and Congregation. Teddy I miss you.

Jonathan Wagner

June 27, 2016

It was a lovely service for a special man at Temple Isaiah yesterday.

At one of the same podiums on the bimah at which Rabbi Ted was honored on Sunday, I recall that he would often say, Dear Friends, to greet his congregation, because he truly did consider all of us friends, even like family. And the feeling was mutual.

It was that type of feeling which first drew me in to Temple Isaiah, which Rabbi Ted always helped foster during the time I was fortunate enough to know him, and which continues today.

When I first moved to Great Neck, 12 years ago, in the early 2004, I was simply looking for a temple to join for the High Holidays, and like some congregants at Temple Isaiah, or at others, I wasn't really wasn't thinking much about the rest of the year.

I found Temple Isaiah online, and when I later arrived for the first time at 2 Stoner Avenue, I wondered if I was in the right place -- both physically and spiritually, after Cathy Reibstein showed me the spot where Temple Isaiah's services took place in a Korean church, led by Isaiah's Japanese rabbi.

When I relayed that experience to my father and grandmother, they each said something to the effect of, You better make sure that place is legit.

Well, they were quickly put at ease when I sent them the very nice articles I found online of Rabbi Ted and his remarkable journey that led him to becoming a great rabbi that we all learned a great deal from.

And my father and grandmother were even more assured after I told them about the first service I attended at Isaiah's old home at Stoner Avenue. I went to a Shabbat service prior to the High Holidays, and from the moment I walked into a physical environment that admittedly, initially made me somewhat uncomfortable, I began to feel at home as several congregants warmly greeted me.

I then observed the way Rabbi Ted led the service and listened intently as his sermon struck a chord with me.

Suddenly, it wasn't about the building I was in, nor did I care at all about the unconventional background Rabbi Ted had compared to other rabbis I grew up with at a couple of prior shuls in Plainview, NY. I only thought, This guy connects with me. He could definitely be my rabbi and this could be my temple.

With some prodding (from, I don't recall, but most likely, Terry), I happily joined Temple Isaiah in October, 2007, as Rabbi Ted presented me with a Certificate of Membership which to this day, sits in a frame, proudly, on my bedroom wall (fitting, since picture framing was of course the business Rabbi Ted was in before he realized he was meant more, to become a learned Rabbi with a great ability to connect with those like myself who were seeking to broaden and enhance their Jewish own identities).

Years later, my grandmother visited from Maryland and was very happy to meet Rabbi Ted, as were my parents when they visited from Arizona. I brought them to meet my Isaiah family at one of our open houses, during which Rabbi Ted not only taught us how to make sushi, but found a very creative way to relate each sushi ingredient we used to words found in the Torah, in a very unique and meaningful way.
That's who Rabbi Ted was. However he could make people connect with Torah, and with each other, to try to make our small part of the world a better place, is what he'd do.

And so now, because of the many caring people we have at Isaiah, the two wonderful cantors I've known in Cantor Baruch and now, Cantor Friedlander, and especially because of all I learned from Rabbi Ted, I've been involved with Temple Isaiah far more than I ever thought I would when I first showed up at Stoner Avenue.

Less than two years ago, Rabbi Ted even helped me do something that was extremely meaningful to me, that I never thought I'd do -- become a bar mitzvah all over again.
We of course miss Rabbi Ted now, and always will.

But the memories of the many ways he touched so many lives with his amazing spirit, his friendly, sincere nature and warm smile, will remain a part of all of us.

Nearly three months ago, hours after a large crowd of loved ones paid respects to our beloved Rabbi, his mom, Haruno, told me in four simple yet hugely meaningful words, Live a good life.

She said that was the best way to honor her son.

That too, is what Rabbi Ted did. He lived an exemplary life, and what his mom told me is, I believe, why he became a rabbi and why he loved Torah as much as he did -- for each of us to live a good life, for ourselves, and for each other, and for those who mean the most to each of us.

In that way, may we always bring true honor to Rabbi Ted's memory, and may he always be remembered for blessing. Zichrono Tzadik, Livracha, Rabbi Ted.

Kazue and Alan Wada Block Eiges

June 26, 2016

Thank you for a beautiful memorial service. Rabbi Tsuruoka was inspirational and generous for our conversion process. Although we only shared very short time, he left us with such loving kind gift. We are able to continue our spiritual journey because of our respected Rabbi Tsuruoka. We thank and pray for his eternal light.

Shalom,
Kazue and Alan

Steve/Denise Fein/Miller

June 4, 2016

Dear Linda, Jeff and Amy,

We knew Ted not only as our Rabbi, but also as our friend. His spiritual leadership, his classes,and his sermons provided us with both guidance and perspective. His friendship was invaluable.

We will always remember our trip to Israel where Ted's joy and love of Israel shown through. It was truly our pleasure to accompany him and Linda on an experience of a lifetime.

We miss you.

Steve Fein and Denise Miller

CLAUDE SPRINGER

May 29, 2016

Dear Linda and family, As you know I spent the last few years with Rabbi Ted in his office from 9 to 9:30 just before Torah Study. We spoke about everything under the sun: ethics, the Black Hole, mathematics, Judaism, current political events, personal stories and reflections. He called me his friend and I him. We even counseled each other on personal matters. The shock of his passing is still with me and will remain so for some time. I miss him. Claude

Sherry Wallack

May 28, 2016

I will miss our RebTed's quiet humor, ever calm and caring nature, constant insights and always interesting explanations of Jewish history, law, customs and rituals which he sprinkled into every service, class and study group. He never forced the info on you or delivered it with any ego. It was clearly his delight to just share his knowledge and his seeming delight in knowing it himself. His Hebrew classes and holiday study groups were a treat as he made the words on the page and the Bible stories live in the context of the times and in comparison to the way we live today. Such is the Reform approach, which I appreciate.

Finally, I experienced his integrity as I dealt with him on the marketing and business side of our temple. As a rabbi, he was typically under pressure from various factions and I watched him stand firm on his ideals and ethicsand demonstrated his business sense and marketing understanding that he had gained as a businessman when he ran his family's picture framing business for many years. An example is the long term dilemma we had regarding our Hebrew school. In order to attract young families, we needed to continue offering a Hebrew school and ours was two days a week with Friday night attendance. The public seemed to want just one day a week, period. Our rabbi refused to shorten it as he felt he could not cover all that a child needed to know, to qualify as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, in that time period.

It's the end of an era for this little, loyal congregation that could, as he was a big part of the long-awaited transition to having a home, after years at the church, and I recall the first year that I joined, that was also the temple's firsts in its shiny new digs, for every occasion. RebTed was so especially joyous and grateful that year. Although it was my first experience at a reform temple, perhaps the fact that he was a conservative Jew, as most of our congregation was, formerly, I felt right at home with the services.

Finally, my family was thrilled to have our Rabbi Tsuruoka marry our Rebecca and David, in a beautiful, heartfelt ceremony.

So many of us will miss him yet we are fortunate to have our dear Cantor Leslie Friedlander to fill in on his duties, as she has done in any of his previous absences. Knowing that she bore a personal loss in our rabbi, her friend, she did a remarkable job at his funeral, as did her associate cantor; both were clearly suffering yet admirably rose to the occasion in full voice and speaking with great warmth and dignity, as he deserved.

Susan Bendor

May 12, 2016

Rabbi Ted played a very important role in in my family's lifeas a spiritual leade and cherished friend genuinely interested in every aspect of our life and work. He led important intergenerational transitions as we aged: one daughter's wedding, a son in laws conversion to Judaism; our first grandson's circumcision and my husband's funeral. With exquisite patience he taught me to chant the blessings for my granddaughter's Bat Mitzvah. His wisdom and generosity of spirit was a precious gift that will be sorely missed. e will live in our hearts forever

May 10, 2016

Rabbi Ted In Front of Our New Building

May 10, 2016

Meryl Menashe

May 2, 2016

A few weeks have passed; and the loss grows within us all
Our Rabbi was the most special man; the genuine love for his congregation and humanity. I will do my best to live up to his expectations as will we all
Take comfort in the countless lives he touched and will continue to touch for all eternity

Meryl Menashe

May 2, 2016

Kathie Davis

April 18, 2016

Dear Linda and family,
We are so saddened about the passing of our "Rabbi Ted." He was such an important part of our lives.

Love, Kathie and Jennifer

Kathie Davis

April 18, 2016

Dear Linda,
Rabbi Ted, was such an important person in our lives and was always there to help. I remember how carefully and thoughtfully he prepared Jennifer for her Bat Mitzvah. We do miss him.

Love, Kathie and Jennifer

Diane Sklar

April 18, 2016

Dear Linda and family,

What a loss that Rabbi Ted is no longer with us. He was a special person because he made everyone else feel special in his presence. Whenever he greeted me, he conveyed sincerity and joy. He led Darci's Bat Mitzvah service and my father's funeral service. I will always remember his words of encouragement on the bema. He was the only religious leader to ever make my husband Craig feel comfortable in a house of worship. He didn't judge. He found common ground with everyone. His unusual spiritual and professional journey inspired me to take risks.

I hope you will heal from this loss in time and take comfort knowing what a well-loved and unforgettable man Rabbi Ted was.

Gail and Bob Gordon

April 13, 2016

Dear Linda and the Tsuruoka Family, Rabbi Ted played such an important role in the Gordon Family. From the Bar Mitzvah of out son David, to the naming of our granddaughter Alice, and the funerals of Bob's parents, the Rabbi always lead us with dignity, spiritual depth, warmth, and a sense of gentle loving kindness. The Temple Isaiah family has evolved to a new level of scholarship and commitment under his thoughtful and unassuming guidance. It is so hard to believe he will not be there, physically, in the future. But he did leave an abiding imprint upon all of us. We can only begin to imagine your sense of loss....Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support you. Shalom.

Lia and Mort Hans

April 10, 2016

Dear Linda and Family,

Mort and I were so very saddened and devastated by Rabbi Ted's unexpected passing. We thought of him not only as our Rabbi but also our friend. I know words cannot really help you right now, but please know how very much we care and feel for you in your loss and as we know the congregation does as well.

We particularly enjoyed attending his many classes over the years and Mort often commented on how he was able to address a subject from both a spiritual as well as a science viewpoint without detracting from either.

He was a sweet and inspiring soul and we will miss him greatly. Somehow Temple services will not seem the same without him. We are so saddened by losing him from our lives.

With our deepest sympathy and condolences,

Lia and Mort Hans

Lia and Mort Hans

April 10, 2016

Michelle Birnbaum

April 6, 2016

Rabbi Ted was such a warm caring giving person.
He was always there for our family in good times and bad.
He was also wise and principled and everyone who came across him couldnt help but like him. he will be missed.

Ellen and ,Morty Anderman

March 30, 2016

Morty and I send our sincerest condolences.. We have wonderful memories Ted as he studied with Rabbi Geller to take his own journey to become a Rabbi. Sorry we were never able to visit in Great Neck, but we have heard how greatly he was loved and admired by his congregation.. He will always be remembered as a blessing to those who knew him. Sincerely,

Susan Cohen DeStefano

March 30, 2016

Dear Linda and the Tsuruoka family,
The world is a poorer place without Rabbi Ted - his generosity, kindness and dedication to Judaism. HaMakom y'nacheim et'chem.

March 29, 2016

May Rabbi Ted's memory be a continuous blessing for you and all who knew his name.
Debbie & Michael Freiser
Yussel's Place

Hazzan Suzanne G. Mazel

March 29, 2016

It is difficult to find words to share which may bring lightness back to your family in the shadow of Ted's passing. May his memory always bring a smile to you, and may his gentle soul be carried within your hearts as you go forward. As
A classmate and colleague he brought a calmness into any space he entered. May that remain with you with a somber smile. Baruch Dayan Emet
Hazzan Suzanne G. Mazel

sheila hyman

March 29, 2016

so sorry for all of you.

Rabbi Ted Tsuruoka leading a High Holiday service at Temple Isaiah of Great Neck in a way that only he could.

Jonathan Wagner

March 28, 2016

Zikhrono Livrakha, Rabbi Ted. You will be missed so very much and loved forever, but never forgotten by your Temple Isaiah family, as we try our best to carry on at Isaiah what you helped shape in your time as our beloved rabbi.

You were a shining example of a brilliant leader who led by example when it came to living in way that the life in your years far exceeded the years in your life.

The memories of countless sermons and engaging Torah study sessions, cantillation and various Jewish learning classes, the many lifecycle events you performed, and especially, the wonderful Shabbat and holiday services you led with your big heart and terrific spirit, and with your friendly, sincere nature and warm smile, will remain a part of all of us.

You always taught us to value life's every moment in general, and in particular, Jewish life. For that, we are grateful. For you, we are eternally thankful.

Thank you so much for all you did for us to teach, guide and inspire us, and to help us grow spiritually as a temple family and individually, as people.

You were not only our Rabbi, but a dear and special friend, and an amazing leader of a congregation that was always so proud to be led by you, in the wonderful and unique way that only you could.

May you always remain in Adonai's care, be remembered for blessing and may we always live in ways that bring true honor to your memory.

Bill Rosenberg

March 28, 2016

Dear Linda and the entire Tsuruoka family,

It is with a personal and deep sense of loss and sadness that I express my sincere condolences. Rabbi Ted was our beloved spiritual leader, teacher, and friend at Temple Isaiah of Great Neck. He enriched the lives of all those in the congregation and the community.

Psalm 90 reads in part: ... The number of our years may be many or few; yet vain toil fills their span, for it is soon ended, and we fly away. So teach us to number our days that we may grow wise in heart... Rabbi Ted was truly wise in both mind and heart a man of Torah and Chesed. He chose to embrace Judaism in a timeless and eternal journey of faith. It was bashert that Rabbi Ted's journey would converge with Temple Isaiah.

Zichrono L'vracha may you be comforted by the Omnipresent One, as the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem have been comforted in the past.

Bill Rosenberg

Bill Rosenberg

March 28, 2016

Dear Linda and family,
I feel sorrow to know of Ted's passing. I recall with fondness the many years that he and I shared the Bima. May he rest in Peace.
Cantor Al Barouch

alice sparberg alexiou

March 28, 2016

To Linda and the entire Tsuruoka family, I send you my condolences with all my heart. I knew you, Linda, and Ted when you were a gorgeous couple at Camp Roselake. And just over a year ago, he conducted my mother's funeral, with such warmth and passion. May his memory be for a blessing

Bruce Funk

March 28, 2016

I cannot express the shock and sadness of the loss of such a wonderful and warm human. He will be sorely missed by so many people who knew and loved him. Rest in peace.

Mike

March 28, 2016

In loving memories of a wonderful person who will be missed, God's blessings and comfort as he R.I.P

Rabbi Dr Leslie Schotz

March 27, 2016

My heart breaks to hear of the death of my beloved colleague. His gentle soul and great brilliance was evident. I will miss his friendship. May God help comfort his family.

Jonathan Wagner

March 27, 2016

Zikhrono Livrakha, Rabbi Ted. You will be missed so very much and loved forever, but never forgotten by your Temple Isaiah family, as we try our best to carry on at Isaiah what you helped shape in your time as our rabbi.

Thank you so much for all you've done for us to teach, guide and inspire us and to help us grow spiritually as a temple family and individually, as people.

You were not only our Rabbi but a dear and special friend and an amazing leader of a congregation that was always so proud to be led by you.

May you always remain in Adonai's care, be remembered for blessing and may we always live in ways that bring true honor your memory.

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