In memory of Yitzchak ben Yisrael v’Michle and Malka Rivka bat Nissim vita (Irving and Marian Rosenblum): My current shul has an alternate minhag to honor members who have died rather than a yizkor book, so I consider this my yizkor book this year. I lived on the opposite coast from them, and they would visit us for the High Holidays. They made sure that I left the shul during yizkor, following that Ashkenazi superstition. When they could no longer travel, I continued to exit the shul during yizkor and, with the time difference, call them. Now I stay in the prayer space and speak their names.
-Charlie Rosenblum

My dad, Floyd Lapidow, was a devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandfather. Proudly Jewish, he ensured we all had a strong Jewish education. Born in Burlington, VT, in 1930, he practiced optometry in Essex Junction for 50 years and shared 67 years of marriage with my mom, Vonetta. He loved golf, skiing, dogs, good food and wine, travel, and movies—especially A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. A Giants fan with a sharp sense of humor, he adapted when life didn’t go as planned and never sought accolades. After my parents moved to Princeton in 2012, I could visit more often. He always ended our conversations with, “Your father loves you.” I love you too, Dad.
-Risa Lapidow

In memory of Nancy Ruth Harris: Nancy was a teacher and a healer. She signed every email with “Love and Light,” so this feels especially appropriate.
-Rabbi Elaine Pollack

In memory of Pat Schmidt: Mom’s kindness and love of life continue to inspire me. 
-Barb Schmidt

In memory of Rita & Julius Yacker: I feel as if any time I stand up to injustice, or do work that I find meaningful and fulfilling, or support my kids emotionally, or connect with people I’ve just met, or strengthen the bonds I have with my sisters or tell a groan-worthy joke, I honor my parents, who they were, and how they influenced who I am.
-Judy Yacker

In memory of Sally and Bernard Marco: As Holocaust survivors, they came with nothing and, with hard work, perseverance, and compassion, built a legacy for their children, grandchildren, and generations to come.
-Estelle Marco and children

In memory of Sandra & Phillip: We were cheated out of a long, full life together, but you are always in my heart and soul, and your loving selves have been recreated in my family with Jewish traditions and incredible relationships filled with love. 
-Loree Pavalon-Kolpas 

My parents kept a Jewish household, taught me and my brothers about Jewish traditions, and gave us opportunities to be involved in Jewish education and the community. They would have been proud of my work with the Progressive Chevrah Kadishah.
-Ira Pilchen

My mother, Esther. So beautiful, strong-willed, deeply loving mother and Savta. An artist whose creations adorn many homes and synagogues around the world. She opened our home to whoever wandered in. My father, Jerry. My kind, gentle, loving dad. I miss you. I wish that I would have asked you both more stories about your lives.
-Donna E. Neumark

I’m thinking about Michael, my cousin-in-law, a warm, caring, talented soul who died too soon too suddenly. May his memory always be for a blessing.
-Jonathan

I’m thinking about my grandmother, Helen. She was the matriarch of our family and a role model to say the least. She lived through the Holocaust and came to this country with nothing but her husband and baby (my mother) on her back. She somehow kept a positive attitude and her sense of humor well into her nineties.
-Tamar Schwartz Dinowitz

I’m remembering my friend, Daniel. He was the kind of person who always showed up. We spent a lot of time together in simple ways, in joy and laughter, and in the hard times. His friendship was steady and generous, and his memory continues to make me smile.
-Aaron Kaplan

It was an honor to share membership in our chevra kadisha with my mom, Marilyn Moss, (and later, with my daughter as well!). My mother was loved by so many and served as shomeret many times, as well as monthly team coordinator.
-Liz Feldman

Ann was a beautiful ray of light. She used her energy, intelligence, and clear purpose during her short life to pursue equality, justice, and build community for all people. She uplifted others and shared her light with all of us. She is deeply missed and a true inspiration to all of us who knew her. She also taught me how to honor and accompany those we love as they approach the end of their journey.
-Julie Fisher

I’m remembering my grandfather, David, who always had a book in his hand. He shared his love of reading with me, and some of my favorite memories are sitting side by side, each of us lost in a story. I miss him always.

I’m uplifting my friend Rachel, who never let a birthday pass without a handwritten card. She taught me what it means to really show up for people. Her memory pushes me to do the same for others.
-Tori L.

We remember our grandson, Yossi Simcha Rosner, who left this world too painfully and too soon. A boy with an infectious smile (his middle name was so appropriate!), a love of spicy chicken wings, golf, Bubbe’s applesauce, and playing Legos with his Saba. May the light of his neshama glow brightly throughout eternity.
-Hanita and Zohar

I’m remembering my Bubbe, Libby Freidowitz, and the feeling of being with her in her apartment when she hosted Rosh Hashanah dinner. Gefilte fish from scratch, her carrot tzimmes, the warm honey cake. Her memory is, and always will be, a blessing.