Obituaries

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Sephardic Scholar, Chaplain, Youth Group Leader, Teacher and Storyteller

A Sephardic Scholar and Pulpit Rabbi at Temple Ner Tamid in Peabody Massachusetts for over thirty years, Rabbi Abraham Morhaim passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 5th, 2022 at age 89 in Dedham, Massachusetts. He was born on June 19th, 1932 in Brooklyn, NY, the second youngest of eight children, to Calie (Cohen) and Haim Morhaim, two Sephardic Jews who had immigrated from Turkey. Born into a vibrant Sephardic Jewish community, Rabbi Morhaim’s first language was Ladino, but learned Yiddish to attend Jewish studies at the local Yeshiva. At age thirteen, he joined his temple choir which was led by the angelic-voiced thirteen-year-old Victoria Yousha, to whom he was later married for 44 years and with whom he had five children: Calie, Jeffrey, Esther, David, and the late Haim Morhaim. He went to Yeshiva University as an undergraduate where he played college basketball, and later received his masters and rabbinical ordination at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. He spent his early rabbinical career in Brooklyn, NY, subsequently serving as a Rabbi in Mexico City for about a year before settling in Peabody at Temple Ner Tamid. He was an active member of the Peabody Clergy Association, an interfaith clergy group, and enjoyed teaching Jewish conversion classes at the Gerim Institute, now the Jewish Discovery Institute. Over the course of twenty-five years, he led trips of Jewish youth groups and adults, as well as interfaith clergy, to Israel, fulfilling his deep passion for inspiring and educating people about Judaism and the state of Israel. He also served as the Jewish Chaplain at Boston Children’s Hospital, at the VA Hospitals in West Roxbury and Jamaica Plain, and at Hanscom Airforce Base. Together with his first wife Vicky, who passed away in 1996, Rabbi Morhaim gave lectures around the country about the history, customs, and Ladino language of Sephardic Jews, while Vicky sang traditional Ladino songs. Always young at heart, Rabbi Morhaim could often be found entertaining congregants and youth groups with card tricks, playing competitive basketball, and telling stories about his youth growing up in Brooklyn and about his experiences attending Yeshiva. His enthusiasm for Judaism and Israel influenced thousands throughout the US and Israel, leading many into Jewish professional leadership roles.  Later in life, Rabbi Morhaim married Bonnie Orlin, his wife of 22 years, and together they lived in Cambridge Massachusetts and traveled the world. In his retirement, he continued his passion for education, teaching and taking classes at the Harvard Institute for Learning and Retirement.  He leaves behind sister Lily Daar, wife Bonnie Orlin, daughter Calie Candia (husband Robb Cohen), son Jeffrey Morhaim, daughter Esther Hausman (husband Ken), and son David Morhaim. He also leaves grandson Ari Hausman (wife Laura), granddaughter Hannah Hausman, and grandson Zach Morhaim, as well as great grandchildren Lev and Ezra Hausman. From Bonnie Orlin’s family, he leaves Jeff Orlin (wife Francis Keech), Eric Orlin (wife Kathleen), and David Orlin (wife Karyn), as well as Bonnie Orlin’s grandchildren Daniel, Casey, Sam, Ben and Devlin Orlin.

The funeral will take place at the graveside in New York, Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 3 pm. Shiva information can be obtained from the following temple websites: www.templenertamid.org, www.templeemunah.org and www.templeemanuel.com.  Donations in Rabbi Morhaim’s memory can be made to the United Synagogue Youth organization at www.usy.org/donate or to the charity of your choice. Special thanks to Nathan Patrick for his diligence and kindness.

Dorothy “Dottie” Steinberg, passed away at age 99 surrounded by her loving daughters on Thursday, February 3, in Boston, MA. Dottie was born on October 11, 1922 to Jacob and Lillian Franklin in Syracuse, NY. She was the younger sister of the late Dr. Irvin Franklin.

As a young girl, Dottie attended the Folkshul in Syracuse along with her brother Irvin and many cousins. Later, she earned a B.S. from the Syracuse University School of Home Economics. Upon graduation, she taught school just outside of Syracuse.

She met her beloved Arthur, of blessed memory, at a Zionist youth camp and then reunited when the army transferred Arthur to Syracuse University to study chemistry and electrical engineering during World War II. Together they owned and operated the family business, Franklin Department Store on Geddes Street. They shared an almost 70-year marriage and built a home filled with Yiddishkeit.

Upon retirement, Dottie and Arthur relocated to Royal Palm Beach, FL where they enjoyed the sun and outdoor activities for many years. After Arthur’s passing in 2016, Dottie moved to NewBridge on the Charles in Dedham, MA to be closer to her family. Dottie received wonderful care while at NewBridge. Her family would like to thank the nurses and the entire staff for the love and care they extended to Dottie.

Dottie and her family were long-time members of Temple Adath Yeshurun. She was a member of the temple sisterhood and for many years ran the Judaica gift shop at the temple. She was an active member of Pioneer Women (now known as Na’amat) and a life-long supporter of Israel.

Dottie was an avid Mah Yongg player and enjoyed summers boating on Oneida Lake with her many cousins and extended family.

She was pre-deceased by her husband Arthur in 2014, and their son Robert in 2012.

Her family includes her daughters Carol (Peter Yaffe) Steinberg, and Cindy Steinberg; grandsons Eric (Brooke) Yaffe, and Jonathan (Amy) Yaffe; great-grandchildren Matthew, Olivia, and Emmett; her sister-in-law Judith Franklin; and a loving extended family.

Graveside services will be at 11 AM on Sunday at the Temple Adath Yeshurun Cemetery. Contributions in Dottie’s memory may be made to the Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago, 3210 Dundee Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062 and Na’amat USA, 21515 Vanowen Street, Suite 102, Canoga Park, CA 91303.
www.sisskind funeral service.com

Dr. Milton W. Kline, 94, died January 29, 2022 in his home at Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester, MA.  He was born December 27, 1927 in Boston, MA the son of the late Joseph and Goldie Kline.  Milton was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Helen, his son Thomas Kline, and brother David Kline.  He leaves behind his daughter, Sue Kline of Newton, MA, son Dan Kline and his wife Norine of Westborough, MA, his beloved granddaughters Caitlyn and Sarah Kline, his sister-in-law Lorrie Kaitz of Maryland and cousin David Kline of Washington, DC.  Milton attended Lynn Classical High and then the University of Maine where he found his love of chemistry.  He received his PhD from Purdue University and began his career working for Borden Chemical in Leominster, MA.  The Korean War interrupted his work, and he was drafted and stationed in Colorado where he met Helen. Once his service ended, he continued his career with Borden in Leominster where they settled, raised their family and became  involved in the Jewish community.  He spent many years on the board of trustees and served as the president of Congregation Agudat Achim. He was still involved with the synagogue and his poker game buddies until he moved to Worcester in 2017. Milton was an avid reader, golfer, amateur genealogist, and always enjoyed his cigars. The family wishes to give special thanks to the staff at Jewish Healthcare Center who took loving care of him.  We are forever grateful for that gift.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to Congregation Agudat Achim in Leominster, JCAM, MA Down Syndrome Congress, or the charity of your choice.

Cynthia Card, age 84, of Newton, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2022. Devoted mother of Lori Belz and husband Edward Belz. Loving grandmother to Talia and Sivia, in whom she took immense joy and pride. Her dear friends and the wonderful, caring team at Evans Park will miss her kind heart and warm smile. A private service was held on January 28, 2022. May Cindy’s memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Remembrances may be made to The Trustees of Reservations, thetrustees.org

Donald J. Neiberg z”l of Newton MA passed away on January 28, 2022.  Beloved husband of the late Faye Neiberg (Stahl) z”l, devoted Father of Brian Neiberg and his wife Sharon Neiberg and Marcia Neiberg and her husband Tai Senior.  Proud Zaydie to Sam Senior, Josh Senior, Sarah Neiberg and Isla Neiberg.  Loving brother to Barbara Cole (Neiberg) and the late Peter Cole.  Don grew up in Watertown and moved to Newton with his bride Faye where they celebrated 50 years of marriage.  Don was a master carpenter with a unique talent for woodworking.  He was a devoted friend who was always there in a pinch, if the toilet was clogged, the wires were faulty, the roof leaking, all his friends knew that Don could fix it.  Don and Faye were devoted to each other, they loved to host friends and family, sit on the beach in Ogunquit, ME and most importantly watch their grandchildren grow.  Don passed away one year and four days after his lovely bride and we take comfort in knowing they are together once more.

Funeral services will be privately held graveside.

John A. Ladge-Age 77, of Palm Beach, FL, formerly of Wellesley, on January 28, 2022.Beloved husband for 54 years to Marilyn (Newman) Ladge. Devoted father of James Ladge and his wife Johanna, and Meredith Ladge. Cherished grandfather of Charlie, Jackson and Corey. Loving brother of Jane “Bunny” Gottfried. Dear brother-in-law of Ronda and Stephen Newman. Also survived by loving nephews. Private graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Dr. David Reardon Research Fund at Dana Farber Cancer institute, 10 Brookline Place, Brookline, MA 02445.Please include “In memory of John A. Ladge” in memo line.

Livshits, Yelena, of Brookline, MA, passed away on January 27, 2022. Devoted and loving mother of Dr. Marina Livshits and her husband Dr. Michael Hiam. Proud and cherished grandmother of Hannah, Eliana, and Daniel Hiam. Doting and caring older sister of Vladimir Livshits. A loving aunt to the late Lilia Livshits and a great aunt to Anna, Evgenia, and Yuri.  Born in 1933 in Moscow, Russia, to the late Ruvim and Esfir Livshits, Yelena has led an enormously eventful, fulfilled, and meaningful life, carrying a longtime family legacy of public service, social justice, and tikkum olam. Yelena spent most of her childhood and youth surviving extreme adversity- the physical and emotional trauma of the World War II, the post war deprivation, the Stalinist regime and the ever- growing government-sponsored antisemitism. Yet she blossomed into a most loving, compassionate and strong human being, completely void of bitterness, who became the epitome of joy and wonder for anyone who knew her. Yelena graduated from the Moscow State Pedagogical University in 1955 and went on to have a distinguished career as a speech and language pathologist working with children and adults with traumatic brain injury, developmental disorders, cerebral palsy, stuttering, and other conditions. In addition to working at public hospitals and clinics, Yelena developed a thriving private practice and pursued her passion for writing through creating and publishing wonderful children’s stories. At the height of her career and adult life, for the sake of her daughter and future grandchildren, Yelena made a decision to leave Russia and undertook a life-changing and a risky journey to the United States. A fiercely and yet quietly independent woman, called by many who knew her an ultimate feminist, Yelena had overcome the many challenges of resettlement and became a proud and patriotic citizen of this country. She provided expert child care, volunteered with severely disabled children, and taught Russian language for a number of years. Yelena was passionate about literature, film, theater, and music and she shared her knowledge and appreciation of the arts with those she loved and across the miles. In her new country, she was able to openly live as a Jewish woman, and she transferred her love for Israel, Jewish music and Jewish stories to her family. Having most of her extended family perish in the Holocaust, Yelena made her friends her family while she lived in Russia and upon her immigration. She passed her belief in the power of human connection onto her offspring and she exemplified loyalty and generosity of spirit.

Yelena felt that her crown achievement were her three grandchildren to whom she devoted herself tirelessly and lovingly. In her usual manner, when her health condition was on a severe decline, she persevered in a way that defied medical facts. Her talent, thirst for life, her sense of purpose, and her unending love for her family will forever live in all of them and their offspring. May her memory be a blessing for eternity.

Graveside service at Puritan Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Yelena’s memory may be made to Cerebral Palsy Foundation, by clicking here

Harvey D. Adelstein, 82, of Shrewsbury, MA, formerly of Brooklyn and Lake Ronkonkoma, NY, on January 27, 2022. Beloved husband for 51 years to Barbara (Jacoby) Adelstein. Caring father of Pamela Adelstein (Michael Weissmann) and Evan Adelstein (Lynn Cabral). Dear grandfather of Eliana, Shay, Leila, and Charles. Brother of Sybil Zuckerman, of blessed memory, and Brenda Austin. Eagle Scout. Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Knicks fan. Proud army veteran. Cherished elementary school teacher. Avid reader. History buff. World traveler. Loved a day at the beach, theater and movies, playing basketball, a satisfying nap, a good filet mignon, and Breyers ice cream. A private graveside service will be held in Shrewsbury, MA on February 1, 2022. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his honor may be made to Southern Poverty Law Center or Teach For America. Please contact Temple Emanuel in Newton, MA for visitation and shiva information.

Freema Shapiro- Age 106, of  Cambridge, MA, on January 26, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Arthur X. Shapiro. Dear mother of Susan Shapiro Magdanz, Ron Shapiro and the late Kenneth Shapiro. Dear grandmother of Alexander, Simon, Sasha, Otto, and Asa. Loving great-grandmother of Willem. Dear sister of the late Lucille Stein, Florence Feldman and Howard Winston. A private graveside service was held at Temple Israel Cemetery, Wakefield, on Friday, January 28, 2022.

For livestream link to view service Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 2:30 pm. Please click here

KLIGER, Isaac E. “Itzik” of Lexington, MA, and Aventura, FL, on January 25, 2022, at the age of 87. Beloved husband of Judith (Tuzman) of 62 years. Devoted father of Ronn (Elisabeth Wolfson) of Cambridge and Tamar Schneider (Craig) of Newton. Loving grandfather of Daniel and Naomi Kliger; Sarah and Benjamin Schneider. He also leaves extended family near and far as well as many long-time friends, particularly in Israel.

Born in Lodz, Poland, to Vital and Shlomo Kliger, the family immigrated during his infancy to Eretz Israel, settling in Tel Aviv and later in Haifa. He was very proud of being the youngest member of the Irgun; at the age of 13, he served as a messenger between posts in the battle for Jaffa. While serving in the Israel Defense Forces, Itzik earned degrees in electrical engineering from The Technion (Israel Institute of Technology) before he and Judy sailed to New York. He enrolled at Brooklyn Polytech and earned a PhD in electrical engineering in 1963. While still a student, he was recruited by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission to work at their Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois.

Later employed at Lockheed Aircraft Corp. in Huntsville, AL, he regularly sought problems to solve at NASA’s Space Flight Center nearby. Itzik was constantly doing calculations in his head and on scraps of paper if not in the air, long after he retired from Raytheon’s Missile Systems Division in Massachusetts as Consulting Engineer. He relished teaching and tutoring graduate students. With much innovative thinking and coming up with novel solutions, he proudly displayed his many patents in his home office.

As a scholar of Torah and Talmud, Judaism was an intellectual exercise for Itzik. He was particularly adept at explaining the intricacies of the Hebrew calendar because of his deep knowledge of mathematics. He regularly taught adult classes at Temple Emunah and many other venues. He especially loved teaching his grandchildren whatever was at hand: history, math, kite building or rock skipping.

He enjoyed swimming at his Lexington neighborhood pool, then on Cape Cod and in Florida. Itzik and Judy cruised frequently and traveled extensively, regaling family with stories of their adventures.

The family wishes to thank the attentive, caring staff at Belmont Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Belmont, MA.

Due to the pandemic, funeral services are private.

Remembrances may be made to the American Technion Society at ats.org/donate.