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FUNERAL HOME

Torchinsky Hebrew Funeral Home

254 Carroll St. NW

Washington, District of Columbia

Jeffrey Binder Obituary

JEFFREY MAURICE BINDER
On Thursday, December 27, 2012, JEFFREY BINDER of Montgomery Village, MD. Beloved father of Erik (Erica) Binder; loving son of Ray and the late Abraham Binder; dear brother of Louis (Gloria) Binder, Jonathan (Cathy) Binder and Ethel (Larry) Kavanagh. Uncle of Jason, Andrea, Joshua, Tansey, Jessica, Brian, Daniel and Julie. Jeff will be missed by many friends and colleagues at the Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy where he was Operations Manager. Services and Interment are private. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to the Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy. Shiva will be observed, Monday, 7 p.m. at the home of Jonathan and Cathy Binder. Arrangements entrusted to TORCHINSKY HEBREW FUNERAL HOME, 202-541-1001

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Published by The Washington Post on Dec. 30, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Binder

46 Entries

Yehuda & Shoshi Lapian

January 8, 2013

Dear Jeff, it's so hard to imagine the school without you. Such a special person. The endless giving, always with a big smile on your face. We, the members of the kollel, always knew that you were there for us. All the Kollel activities, especially on Yom Haatzmaut couldn't have been done without you. Thank you for all you have done for us and we will never forget you. Yehuda and Shoshi Lapian Bachurim and Bnot Sherut 2006-2010

Yehuda & Shoshi Lapian

January 8, 2013

Deborah Wilbur

January 7, 2013

It was always a good day when one of my teachers sent me to Mr. Binder's office to get something, but it was a GREAT day when I was sent to Mr. Binder's office and he would let me crank the mimeograph machine. He always greeted me warmly as a kid, and many years later as a parent. He always had a smile and a kind greeting when I saw him at school, and when I stopped in his office needing something he always made me feel like he had nothing else to do. Jeff was a fine example of how to treat another person, and I hope his family can take comfort in knowing that he brightened many people's days, many thousands of times.

louis binder

January 7, 2013

Shalom, shalom shalom. Hello, goodbye Peace.
My beloved brother Jeffrey's Hebrew name is Shalom.
Shalom, Jeffrey was a most peaceful man. How else could he have survived our family and 27 years with the Rabbis at the Hebrew Academy.
He brought peace everywhere.
I always told him of all the people I have met during my life, that he impressed me the most, literally reinventing himself.
Today as we recite the Kadish,let us remember that it closes with osay shalom beemrovam, osay shalom alenu vaal kol yisrael.
Shalom my beloved Shalom, may peace reside with you for eternity.
We loved you so much.
Shalom, Shalom, Shalom

Noreen Layne

January 4, 2013

My first memory of Jeff was the day that I came to be interviewed for the PT front office position. I went into his office and he immediately stood up, walked over to shake my hand and said, "Welcome to the Berman Academy." I felt at ease right away. Jeff asked me one question, "Tell me about yourself." We spoke for 15mins and he then took me to the office and introduced me to Betty Goldberger. After about 30mins with her, being shown around and discussing the duties, Betty asked me, "Are you hired?" I went back down to Jeff's office and asked him the same question. He replied, Oh! didn't I tell you? You had the job when you smiled. I'm a good judge of character about people. Welcome to the Academy! Can you start tomorrow?"
It's been nine years and within that time Jeff has been a friend and a fellow "Parking Wars" and "Chopped" television buddy that I can count on to discuss anything.
He told me one thing that stuck in my mind all these years, I even wrote it down..."Life is built on compromise"
To the Binder family, may his memory be a blessing to you during this difficult time.

Sara Elikan

January 4, 2013

As a parent, teacher or volunteer, I could always count on Jeff Binder. If I needed photocopying, coffee, chocolates, or help with setting up the board room for a hat sale, Mr. Binder was there with a smile and an air of professionalism. I feel at a loss without him there, sitting in his office, strolling down the hall, always cheerful and positive. What a role model he was for all of us.

January 3, 2013

Jeff was my "go to guy". As my role in Staff Appreciation for PTO, I always needed copies made of something; notes, end of year messages to staff, brain teasers, and he always got the job done; then and there. Jeff re-formatted the fonts, cut the papers to size, wrapped them up and always had them ready for me before I expected. He was ALWAYS available, despite how busy he was. He helped me for the past many years, and I am truly grateful. He was also very helpful with the concerts we ran at MJBHA; even though he was going out of town for the last one, he made ALL the arrangements in advance, and there were no worries, because you knew Jeff would always get the job done. Echoing all the previous sentiments, he was the warmest, most patient human being, and always with a smile. Condolences to the Binder family on the loss of a special person.
Lisa Mellman

Meredith Salamon

January 3, 2013

What shocking and sad news to lose such a nice and kindhearted man! Its so hard to believe that Jeff will not be at MJBHA greeting everyone, helping everyone, and offering his smile. He was a true mensch that will be sorely missed by all.

Jane Heller

January 2, 2013

My condolences to the Binder family. Jeff was a kind and gentle man who will be missed by all.

Oneg Feuer

January 2, 2013

I knew Jeff for 14 years: as a student, an alumni, a colleague and finally a friend. He would always greet me with a "How goes it Oneg", or more recently " how goes it Mrs. Feuer". He was always their to lend a helping hand whether it was with the million of printing jobs, much needed caffeine or more personally, helping me with my wedding invitations. He was their to lend an ear when the day was rough or when you just wanted to chat. I remember running into his office begin him to call a snow day even with the slightest flurry outside. I can't imagine life at MJBHA without Jeff. I can't comprehend how everything g is going to get done without him. Jeff you will be missed so much by your colleagues, alumni, students, friends or in some cases all four.
Baruch Dayan Haemet.
-Oneg

Rachel Levitt Klein

January 2, 2013

Jeff was our safe place. He was so much more than a colleague -- he was everyone's friend. I cannot imagne our lives without him. He gave advice, he was kind and always made sure that when you left his office, you felt better than you did when you came in. He was so special to us, and I miss him terribly already.

Lisa Douek

January 2, 2013

Over the years, I always found that Jeff was warm and welcoming whether in his office, in the halls or on the phone. And his voice was kind and gentle, no matter what he was talking about-- scrip, field trips or school closures. I will sorely miss Jeff. May his family find comfort in the warm memories that the school community is sharing.

Atara Siegel

January 1, 2013

When I was in school at MJBHA, it was always a treat to be sent to Mr. Binder's office for copies, to get to laugh at the extensive collection of comics on his wall and to interact with such a patient, attentive person. Substituting at school during breaks, it was exciting to once again be headed to Mr. Binder for help laminating alphabet cards for Kindergarten, to see buzz in his office as teachers walked in and out asking for help with security tags or copying or laminating and to see the many thank you notes from staff hanging on his wall. Coming back to school will not be the same without Mr.Binder.

Mickie Breitstein

January 1, 2013

Jeff was always a nice man. A problem solver par excellance, but most of all a nice man. From his greeting "Good morning, Miss Mickie", to his never giving up on a problem until it was figured out. He enjoyed seeing the hagaddahs and storybooks full of the preschoolers' pictures that he had helped prepare. We'll miss you Jeff.

Hana Adato

January 1, 2013

I am still in shock that Jeff will no longer be around.. I will miss him always being there to help me no matter how busy he was. His office was full of happiness and pictures that children did for him to thank him for his help. He will be greatly missed at MJBHA.

Jill Loshin

January 1, 2013

I will miss Mr. Binder very much, both as a parent in the school and as a co-worker . He was always available to help out whenever I needed something whether it was purchasing scrip for my family or printing out color pictures of my first grade students for their monthly portfolios. He was always willing to put aside what he was doing to help out. It won't be the same walking into his office without seeing him. Mr. Binder will be missed terribly by so many parents, teachers and students.

Annick Abrams

January 1, 2013

I could be searching my pocketbookt, fumbling for a pen, yapping away about something and all the while, Jeff was there as if that was exactly what he needed to be doing for the moment - waiting for the end of what Annick needs that day. Sometimes like Lucy with his shingle out - "Doctor is in" or just Jeff, who knew absolutely too much about so much, yet never made anyone feel silly when asking a question. So sweet and warm, with his heart and mind open to whoever walked in, how could it be that we never "interupted" he sure never made us feel that way.

So easy to adore and admire, I will miss him and forever remember his model of professionalism and kindness in one man.

January 1, 2013

Jeff was one of the most helpful people around. For as long as he was at the Hebrew Academy, he was the go-to person for almost everything. Whether it was printing, copies, laminating, setting up the tables and stools for the Zichron Menachem hair drive or anything in between Jeff was the the person to see. We will miss his smiling face as well as the endless help he has given in all areas of MJBHA. We hope that Jeff's family will find comfort in all of the memories they have of this wonderful man. Fondly, Nancy and Pesach Mehlman and Family

Mandy Book

January 1, 2013

Our family adds its condolences to the many before us . . . Mr. Binder was always ready with a smile for everyone. May his family be comforted knowing how beloved he was.

Brooke Greenwald

January 1, 2013

It will be sad going back to school tomorrow without Jeff smiling in the halls. Even though my daughter is only in preschool, Jeff always made an effort to say hi when I was in the halls with her. Jeff, you and your dedication to the school and the children will be missed.

Michelle Glick

January 1, 2013

Jeff was a kind person who always had a smile on his face. I will miss seeing him as I walk through the halls and I will miss chatting with him on Friday afternoons.

Mel & Evy Getz

January 1, 2013

During the early days of Beth Joshua, when the shul was in its infancy, we had a Shabbos kiddush lunch to navigate. A very kind and personable young man put us at ease and arranged for the round tables to be set up. It seemed he made time for others with kindness and a smile. Jeff, a"h, was a blessing that will surely be missed. May his loved ones be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem The Getz's

Daniel and Daphna raskas

January 1, 2013

Jeff was welcoming of all people besever panim yafot, with a smile and an open heart. We were in Israel when we heard the terrible news. We saw several folks from Silver Spring that day and each and every one commented on what a mensch Jeff was and how he had helped them. Jeff was truly a blessing for the adults and children at MJBHA. May his memory be a blessing. Our heartfelt condolences to the Binder family. Daniel and Daphna Raskas and family

Iris Lazarus

January 1, 2013

Jeff was a dear man who greeted me when I picked up my kids with a smile. A man who always delivered excellent service and smart advice, You will be missed ! May the family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem

Aaron Hall

January 1, 2013

When I was working in the office this summer, Mr. Binder would be willing to help me set up the scanner as many times as I needed. He was also kind enough to provide me with snacks on a day when I was working longer hours. I will miss knowing him.

Terrence Barton

January 1, 2013

To a kind and hardworking man who would help anyone no matter how much he had on his plate throughout the day. You will be deeply missed and always appreciated for your good deeds my good friend.

Noam Parness

January 1, 2013

Jeff's office was one of my favorite hangouts for much of my time as a student at the Academy, and it continued to be a regular stop almost every time I visited the Academy in the 18 years since I graduated. Jeff taught me a lot during the time I knew him, including two summers that I spent working for him at the school. It is to his credit that I haven't yet found a copy machine I couldn't un-jam. Over the years, I witnessed firsthand how Jeff would do anything for anybody. It didn't matter how big, small, difficult, or strange the request - Jeff always found a solution. Jeff was a problem-solver, adviser, mentor, teacher, and (most importantly) a friend. "Jeff's Office" (as it will surely continue to be known for a long time) and MJBHA just won't be the same without him. I am blessed to have known Jeff for the past 27 years. He will be missed.

Esther Dziadek

January 1, 2013

Jeff, A"H, and I go back many years in the Hebrew Academy. Whether it was preparing something for the Middot program or for Chug Drama, Jeff was the go-to person. I knew I could rely on him for ideas and advice. He was creative, dependable and responsible. He was a very kind and giving person. He always had time or made time for me and for the needs of the children. Jeff did not know the word "no." If he couldn't help at that moment of request, he would say: "Come back later and I will help you." Jeff was never impatient and never
complained,even when he was overloaded with work. He always seemed to have time for everyone. I would love to start my day going in to Jeff's office and saying "Good morning" to him and taking a snack of sweet chocolate,which he dispensed so generously. I would ask him: "How are you, Jeff?" and he would answer, "I'ma good!" And with this upbeat exchange, I would start my upbeat day.
I will miss Jeff very much. May his family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Esther Dziadek

Marsha Stepensky

January 1, 2013

My first paying job was working in front office at MJBHA over the summers. Jeff "hired" me, and he even made me an ID badge just for fun. He always let me come to his office for chocolate and cookies - 11 years later, I have a real job with Sulam and Jeff still let me have free reign over his chocolates and sodas. I will miss walking by the copy center and hearing "Good Morning Miss Marsha! How goes it?" I will miss his laugh every time I told him a (not so funny) joke. Mostly, I will miss his kindness. It is not often you come across a person who is kindhearted, hospitable, and genuine. With the beginning of the New Year, we should let his passing be a reminder for all of us to cherish the people in our lives. To appreciate the good things we have. To live each day to the fullest.

January 1, 2013

Jeff, I want to thank you for all the years of assistance you provided me; whether it was in preparing a room for a function, making an enhancement to the building, discussing security requirements, you were the go to person -- no business matter could be finalized without someone saying "Check with Jeff". Thanks for being an inspiration to all of us. Please keep your ears open, as there will still be many looking for your corporate knowledge. Peace to you dear friend.

-- One of two remaining Amigos

Mordechai

January 1, 2013

I am still in shock about the passing of Jeff. When I needed something he was always there. I enjoyed his jokes and good sense of humor. As Rabbi Frances wrote his Good Morning Rabbi Zucker, on snow days were so appreciative. I will miss handing him back the mic every day. It is so hard to believe that he will not be behind his desk. I can go and on of all the kindness he did. I will miss him.

Leah Covel

January 1, 2013

Jeff was always my "go to" guy for copying, ideas, suggestions on how to proceed, and coffee. He was a great cook. His kindness and big heart were reflected on his open and smiling face. Even when sad or tired, he always was ready to give to others. He was kind to the children at the Academy, and a great friend. I always brought him stuff from my travels, and when I left he was one of the people I missed most seeing on an everyday basis. He was, in the end, a person who embodied menschlikeit.

Lauren Essig

December 31, 2012

Jeff was such a giving, kind, and friendly man. He'd drop whatever he was doing to help anyone, anytime. I can't believe I won't hear his voice say "How goes it, Ms.Lauren." Furthermore, I'll miss his voice calling school hoping for a school delay or cancellation. He will always be the voice of MJBHA and the glue that held the building together. He is irreplaceable ....

Faina Stepensky

December 31, 2012

I wondered at times why was Jeff's office such a busy place...Too many people needed copies at the same time? Too many parents were buying scrip at the same time? Was it because of chocolate? And then I realized it was simply because Jeff had an amazing ability to make people around him feel comfortable and welcome. He was always ready to extend a helping hand; have a smile; ask about your family...MJBHA, especially the business office will never be the same. Dear Jeff, you will be greatly missed...

Robert Hynes

December 31, 2012

I will always remember Jeff and our mutual good-bye routine.This would follow whatever small or large question or problem he had just solved. I would state: " Thank you knower of all things" and bow slightly. He would respond with " Anytime sir" and also gently
bow.

Jeffrey Cohen

December 31, 2012

Not only will the MJBHA family (staff, students, parents, alumni) miss Mr. Binder z"l, but so will all of the peripheral and outside organizations (Beth Joshua Congregation, Cub Scout Pack 452, Boy Scout Troop 613, the local Girl Scout Troops, and others) who made use of the facilities and were rarely turned away when requesting space for their functions.

Joshua Levisohn

December 31, 2012

I still cannot believe that we will come to school on Wednesday and Jeff will not be there. He was such an integral part of the school and was so well liked by everyone. Such a fine man, such a mensch. For 27 years, he was friends with staff, parents and students alike. What a huge loss for the Academy. My heartfelt condolences to the whole Binder family.

Jeffrey Frances

December 31, 2012

"Hello Jeffrey, it's Jeffrey"-that was how we always began our phone conversations, be it about school closing on a snowy morning (his gut feeling before the admin made a decision was ALWAYS correct) or something needed by the Beth Joshua Congregation or 50 color copies of 50 different pictures. He was the hub of so many things in the school, it will be impossible to replace him. He was kind, patient, respectful, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. I will miss the other "Jeffrey". "Thank you for calling the Melvin J.Berman Hebrew Academy...Shalom"

Malka Benshir

December 31, 2012

Jeff was a part of so many lives for years at MJBHA - it is hard to imagine the school without him. More than that, he was intelligent, friendly, caring, capable, and always helpful.

Rabbi William Altshul

December 31, 2012

I can only second Judy Abramson's words. Jeff was a very special person and a devoted friend. I will miss him. Sharon joins me in conveying our condolences to the family, especially to Erik.

Robert Whitehill

December 31, 2012

Jeff was one of the handful of people at the Hebrew Academy with whom I felt totally comfortable just to sit down and have a chat. A terrible loss for us all.

Seth Weisel

December 31, 2012

Jeff is already greatly missed.

Leah Whitehill

December 31, 2012

Heart-wrenching and shocking news. Mr. Binder, as we called him, was one of the kindest people at BHA. B'DE.

Debra Panitch

December 31, 2012

My children and I were so saddened to hear of Jeff's sudden passing. I cannot even imagine walking into school next week without seeing his cheerful, smiling face. Jeff was sweet, funny, and always eager to stop whatever he was doing to help you. He was a valued and loved member of the MJBHA family and we will all miss him. May his memory be a blessing and his family be comforted.

Abby Goldbloom-Helzner

December 30, 2012

I was so sad to hear of Jeff's passing. He was always friendly and willing to help -- no matter what was asked of him. I will very much miss his smile around the halls of school. My thoughts are with his extended family -- may your memories of Jeff bring you comfort at this very difficult time.

Judy Abramson

December 30, 2012

My heart was so very sad when I heard this news. Jeff was the most loving, caring, dependable person, who was at the very heart of the MJBHA. There now is a huge void. Stanley joins me in sending our most heart-felt condolences to Jeff's family. He will be sorely missed.

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