From Joanie Weissman

Shani and I went to Central Brooklyn together we were part of a group of Chavie, Chanie, Shani, Essy, Etty, Gittie, Betty and Joan.  It's already clear how well I fit it just by virtue of the fact that my name didn't end in an ee sound. But Shani ALWAYS made me feel comfortable throughout the four years of high school. She was sweet warm and genuine, and she never had a bad thing to say about anyone.

Some years went by and I found myself moving into Willowbrook, Staten Island.My husband's brother lived here and it seemed like the perfect place to raise a family.

We had moved in on June 3rd and a few later I received an invitation to the Young Israel women's League luncheon at someone's house with a pool. It sounded lovely but I was too shy to just go by myself, so I didn't.

But ten minutes to lunch my doorbell rang and there was Shani. "Come on," she said, "We're going to the luncheon." "But, but, but," I sputtered on. "No buts," she said, and literally took my hand, helped me dress my baby, then we got into her car where she dropped my son off at a woman's house who was baby sitting for this event.

Shani took me to the luncheon where I met lots of new people and actually made a few new friends. Shani didn't just talk about doing the right thing she DID it.

Over the next few years we shared some odd medical experiences. It was good to have someone to laugh about them with. Shani exemplified courage and in such a quiet way.

She will be missed dearly.

- Joanie Weissman               

YBT Campaign

Feder Family

37 Harborview West

Lawrence, NY 11559

Dear Family and Friends-
 
I am writing with a broken heart and with great sadness. The crown of my life has been shattered. My loving wife and childhood sweetheart has been taken from me on the eve of our 39th wedding anniversary. We were eagerly looking forward to her second kidney transplant.

It is a very difficult time for our family and I honestly do not know how I can move forward without her. However, I feel compelled to do something appropriate to honor and eternalize her memory. I think it would be a great honor to have the newly constructed Yeshiva Bnei Torah building located in Far Rockaway dedicated in her memory. I thank the Rosh Hayeshiva and the administration for granting us this great kavod acharon.

The Yeshiva has played a special role in Shani and our family’s lives. It is a very unique institution whose musmachim are well respected in the Jewish Community for their rational Torah scholarship and voice of reason in tumultuous times.

Shani had a very special place in her heart for the Rosh Yeshiva, his family and the extended Yeshiva Community. She undoubtedly would be greatly gratified by this honor. A portion of the funds raised in furtherance of this dedication will be designated to the Yeshiva gmach. It will help unfortunate families with their medical bills in their time of need. Shani lived her life as a paradigm of chesed and would certainly appreciate this.

It is a very large undertaking but I feel compelled to do something significant in memory of my aishes chayil. I am confident that all who knew and loved Shani will want to participate in honoring her memory. Please be certain that I am fully aware of these trying times as I am also financially challenged. In the event one wants to participate in this campaign but is burdened by other financial obligations, please feel free to pledge over a period of time. I have undertaken to pledge $50,000 over a period of a few years.  May G-d grant me the ability to increase my participation in the future.  In addition, Shani's loving brother, Joe Beer, along with his wife Sheila and children Danny & Abby, Lauren and Michael have also pledged $50,000.

Anyone who works for a company that offers matching funds for donations, please contact your company when you make your donation. The Yeshiva will fill out the required paperwork to accommodate the donation.

I have never in my life asked people for donations. I always felt uncomfortable to burden people when there are so many deserving causes. However, I feel this is a great honor to the love of my life, a very special person who touched us all and will be missed greatly. Your participation is appreciated. Please make your donations payable to Yeshiva Bnei Torah and note in memory of Shani Feder. You can send the donations directly to my home at 37 Harborview West, Lawrence N.Y. 11559. Please indicate if you would like to make any pledges over a period of time.
 

           Your participation is greatly appreciated.
Mendy Feder

Rav Elie and Aliza Feder

Marc and Zahava Goldberg

David and Hindi Feder