As a parent there is one fear that is so terrifying we don’t even allow ourselves to think about it for more than a second: What would we do if we lost our child? How could we possibly cope and continue living? The instant the thought crosses our mind we quickly clench our eyes and shake the thought out of our head.
Two days ago in Florida, Shoshi Stern a"h, 12-year-old beloved daughter of Rabbi Mike and Denise Stern, was struck by a car while skateboarding. It’s with an incredibly sad and heavy heart that I write that she died from her injuries. Mike Stern has been one of my closest friends for well over 20 years. He and Denise have literally had thousands of people in their home for Shabbat and anyone who knows them can testify to the fact that they give continuously to anyone and everyone who crosses the threshold of their doorway.
When the email came that Shoshi was killed I had the urge to delete it, to make it go away so it wouldn’t be true. It was a terrible feeling, one I can only characterize as dread. Please, please, make this not true. I knew that it was. I bought the ticket, went through the motions of the day, and got on the plane to Boca Raton, all the while wishing that this wasn’t actually happening. For Mike and Denise, every parent’s worst fear had been realized. NO!!
I kept telling myself the truths of Judaism, that even though we could never understand, there is purpose and meaning in everything. Everything comes from God, and everything He does is for the ultimate good, even if we could never understand. Although I like to think I have faith, it felt like empty words running through my mind.
Then I arrived at the funeral.
It’s incredibly hard to see people you love in pain, let alone the worst pain imaginable.
I’ll never forget seeing Mike, Denise, and Shoshi’s siblings walk into the synagogue. There was great pain -- but the love, closeness, and strength they had was palpable and brought a sense of calm to us all. This was the worst moment of their lives, yet they were holding each other close and crying softly.
Shoshi’s two brothers, Moshe 18, and Yossi 17, rose to speak, and shared words of Torah, love and appreciation of their sister with incredible faith and composure.
Then Mike stood up to say goodbye to his daughter. The moment he began speaking I understood that faith is something far beyond what I thought. There is no way that Mike could have spoken with such love, gratitude and perspective at his 12-year-old daughter’s funeral without a level of understanding that comes from something infinitely beyond the intellect. He spoke from his heart and from his soul. His words lifted us out of our smallness and reconnected us to a sense of God and why we are on this earth.
Mike shared how he was grateful, truly grateful that they had the privilege of having the gift of Shoshi for 12 years.
Every word he said cut straight through us. “Please, support each other, support your rabbis, your community, your synagogues.” There was not one word about his personal needs or pain, only words asking for us to give to each other. Mike spoke to each of his children and to his wife, saying how proud he was of them. He showed us in the most obvious way what a parent is supposed to be.
Through Mike's words and actions, God was sanctified yesterday in that synagogue, a huge Kiddush Hashem.
There are many things about the funeral and burial that will stay with me the rest of my life, and I don’t think I’m alone. I learned later that at the hospital, Denise implored the police officer to tell the driver of the vehicle that killed Shoshi not to blame himself. She told the officer to tell him they were a family of faith and knew that this was ultimately something from beyond him.
At the grave, Denise covered Shoshi’s grave with such love. She told me later it was the last thing she would ever be able to do for her daughter, and she wanted it to be perfect for her.
Shoshi’s death and funeral is sad beyond words, but I’m not coming home the same person as when I left yesterday. I got a new perspective of what faith actually means.
You can contribute to her memorial fund at www.shoshiestern.com
You can send your condolences to the Stern family using the comment section below.
(96) Thomas Schumacher, November 13, 2014 7:02 AM
Thank you Rabbi Levine, for this example of faith and love
Thank you for your love and support of your friend and so many others in great need.
(95) dalya blum, July 7, 2013 10:02 PM
she was an amazing friend i was one of her closest me noa berman yakira rosen and so on its been to months already and i still cant belive it my mind is still on this topic i still visit the sterns and every time i cum home with a new shoshie braclet i have pics of her up on my walls i have this song that gose " and i would do it for you for you MABEY IM NOT MOVEING ON BUT ILL LVE YOU LONG AFTER YOUR GONE " and i look at her pic every time i hear that song but i just say shes taking a nap and isnt aking up until masheah cums wich is soon i feel her death gets us closer to masheach cause we want to see her so badley that were doing more mitzvot and were getting ther i miss her so much me and noa noa is her best friend every week at her house every time OH B RIGHT THERE TALKING TO SHOSHIE me and shoshie planed a surprise party for her she walk al the way to our side in a tutu A TUTU! she was the funneist spunkeyeist funest girl ull ever meet and i cant wat to see her agin
(94) Rob Kabel and Reut Vaanunu, May 6, 2013 9:32 PM
Baruch Dayan Haemet
Our hearts are broken. We just came across this news and have both cried so much thinking about your pain. It's been a long time since we have been in touch but our prayers and love are with you. We both have many great memories from Philly. Reut sends her love. Rabbi I have many memories from your time in Philly. We have always been your fans. May G-d comfort you at such a difficult time. We are here for you if there is anything we can ever do.
(93) Yaakov Yisroel Wenglin, May 2, 2013 11:46 PM
May Hashem comfort you
BS"D
May Hashem comfort you among the other mourners of Tziyon and Yerushalayim.
I just read the articles and listened to the eulogy -- my eyes are still tear-filled. Thank you for helping us see that a Jew can find the right emuna and strength. May Hashem help you continue forward.
(92) yisroel margulies, April 26, 2013 3:38 PM
Just heard
No words.
May the Al-mighty always give you the strength to continue your amazing work for klal Yisroel. You'll always be in our tefillos. Always.
(91) Anonymous, April 25, 2013 2:45 PM
What can one say to parents who just lost their child. The diamond in their crown. I would like to say something profound that would somehow bring you comfort but i cant seem to find the words to express whats in my heart. I think of you & your family everyday, you are in my paryers & in my heart. May H-Shem comfort you among the mourners of Zion & give you & your family much strenght to continue your Avodas HaKodesh. May we merit to see the coming of Mosiach speedily in our time. Amen
(90) Shari Genn-Shapiro, April 24, 2013 2:40 AM
Our love, thoguhts & prayers are with you!
I wish I can comfort and strengthen Michael & Denise the way they have inspired, given strength & comforted all who have ever known them at this sad time...Growing up with Shoshii's father and the Stern family, having the pleasure of seeing Michael's mom & sister regularly in the 5 Towns & meeting Denise gives me the ability to state the truth: Shoshi's pureness and zest were gifts from her incredible parents. Altough I never met Shoshi, I hope to perpetuate her memory through my own actions & deeds, in the same way those fortunate to have known her will. May Hashem comfort your family amongst the mourners of Tzion and Yerushalayim.
Michael, April 26, 2013 2:18 AM
thank you
Old dear friend- good shabbos
(89) Lori R. Cohen, April 23, 2013 3:42 PM
There are no words
There are no words of comfort for a tragedy like this. I am moved by the faith of the family, and hope it will strengthen them in the hard times ahead.
(88) Gabriel, April 23, 2013 3:17 PM
Appearances are misleading - "Look in the Mirror" by Rabbi Benjamin Blech
I always quote this when people are going through tough times, it even helps me cope with the deaths in my family.
Appearances are misleading. And in the profoundest sense of all they are untruthful. They tell us only about external realities. They ignore the inner essence. And when we are forced to confront the death of those we deeply love, we have to vehemently reject their total disappearance simply because we no longer have an image of their corporeal presence.
The dead live on in the world of souls which no mirror is able to capture.
(87) Anonymous, April 23, 2013 2:27 PM
I am sorry to hear about the tragedy I hope you will be able recover.
(86) Bob John smith, April 23, 2013 2:19 PM
Help
It is so sad that such a tragedy had to happen. If others really want to help, hepl by being involved with projects such as chai life, or oid Yosef chai, help those that need, and may Shoshi Stern rest in peace.
(85) Anonymous, April 23, 2013 3:25 AM
My family was terribly saddened by the tragedy.
I feel close to the whole family.
As Yossi's 9th Grade Rebbe,I had a lot of involvement with Yossi & his parents. And Devori was often at my home visiting my daughter ,Avigayil.
My own family suffered our own loss, two years ago;
with the sudden Ptirah of our beautiful 3 year old baby,
Azriel,A"H. Every loss is different ; but to some degree
I can feel your immense pain.
If I could be of help in any way, I surely would like to.
I now just want to express my pain,my care.
May Hashem give you all the strength to continue and
to be strong.
Hamakom Yinachaim Eschem Bsoch Sh'or Aveilei
Tzion Veerushalayim.
Anonymous, April 23, 2013 2:28 PM
im sorry for your loss
even though i dont know shoshi one of my friends did and she said that she was very nice, and cool. this is a very heartbreaking tragedy. Hamakom Yinachaim Eschem Bsoch Sh'or Aveilei Tzion Veerushalayim.
(84) BT, April 22, 2013 5:16 AM
Thank You Reb Chaim for having the strength,courage and Clarity to share this with us !!
5 days later and I am still torn and in tears...As my father a Survivor of the Holocaust likes to remind me" Binyomin,we are Not Survivors we are RE-Builders...." We pick ourselves off the ground ,shake off the dust and GO VAYTER "
I know with complete faith that with the help of the Almighty and the close Boca Community,with Shoshi's A"H bright light guiding us from above we will all find the strength to get through this and keep building....
Hamakom Yinachem Eschem Bsoch Shaar Aveilei Tziyon V'Yerushalayim. May Hashem please spare us from further Tzaros.
(83) Anonymous, April 22, 2013 2:58 AM
hashems garden
I remember when my husband passed. I was 28 and he was only 33. At that time I had a one year old, a three year old and a seven year old. as we drove to the cemetery a very close friend and rabbi told me also about Hashem's Garden. He said that my husband accomplished in his short life what most people have to accomplish much longer. Also that we are all Hashem's fruit and he knows what we are ripe. Your daughter also accomplished all that she was suppose to here and now she is in the presence of Hashem. May Hashem comfort you all at this most difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
(82) Anonymous, April 22, 2013 12:12 AM
trying to find the right words...
I just can't find the right words because I don't think there are...May Shoshi's blessed soul rest in peace and be with Hashem. May the parents and the siblings find confort knowing that she is with Hashem!
(81) Nechama Weiss, April 21, 2013 7:17 PM
Dear Family Stern:
HaMakom Yenachem eschem besoch shear aveilei Tzion v'Yerushalayim.
May Hashem strengthen you at this very difficult time.
Thank you for sharing the faith that you have, with others, which is a tremendous inspiration and should be a zchus for her special neshama.
There is a book called "The Neshama Should Have An Aliya" (published by Judaica Press) which gives a level of degree of comfort, knowing that all the good you do shows her that you are with her, and that these continue to build a relationship with your special Shoshi. May Hashem watch over her, and over all of you.
There is a tefillah from the Pele Yoetz that can be said daily, mainly during the first year:
May it be the will before you Hashem, our G-d, and the G-d of our ancestors, that You should accept with mercy and desire, every good deed that I do, whether in thought, speech, or action; and may all of these be in the merit of, and for the elevation of the soul, of __________.
(80) Hattchouel Marguerite, April 21, 2013 7:15 PM
Je vous présente mes plus sincères condoléances. Je suis avec vous de tout coeur car malheureusement comme vous je viens de perdre mon fils Stéphane, 37 ans un garçon unique, bon, généreux gentil. Je vous embrasse très fort et prie pour la neshama de nos enfants respectifs. Qu'Ashem nous donne la force de continuer. Amen
(79) fraidy, April 21, 2013 5:16 PM
To the stern family:
I want you to know i don't know who you are yet i feel your pain. May Hashem give you the strength to keep on going on. HAMAKOM YENACHEM ESCHEM BESOCH SHEAR AVEILEY TZION YERUSHALAYIM. Shoshi is a inspiration to all of us and her beautiful legacy and neshamah are something that will be inside of me and the hearts of all of klall yisrael forever.
(78) Anonymous, April 21, 2013 4:20 AM
Hamakom Yinachem Eschem Bsoch Shaar Aveilei Tziyon V'Yerushalayim. Your pain is our pain. It's too deep and searing and cuts right into the hearts of all of us in the Jewish people. May you have the stregnth to continue. We love you.
(77) Anonymous, April 21, 2013 2:19 AM
Im sorry
Although I did not know this girl or her family, I must tell you that I was very moved by this. I am so sorry for the family. She seemed to be a very special girl... May Hashem give you strength.
(76) Anonymous, April 20, 2013 10:28 PM
chizuk
Who is like you O people of Israel that even at times of pain and grief such as these, you are able to sanctify G-d's name and give strength to those around you.
May Hashem comfort this dear family, and may dear Shoshi intercede on high for all Am Yisrael.
With sympathy and admiration
S.L
(75) Anonymous, April 20, 2013 8:46 AM
no words can express the sadness of this tragedy nor the magnitude of the faith of the parents facing this situation
(74) Raphaelle Do Lern Hwei, April 20, 2013 8:40 AM
May His Love and Presence Be with You All
To Mike and Denise Stern ,Yossi and Moshe:
It is terrible to lose a family member unexpectedly. There is no replacement. There is, however no such thing as an untimely death in the sight of the Almighty.
May His Presence be with you always and may Shoshi''s good life be replicated in many other children.
(73) Eugene Mazzilli, April 19, 2013 9:23 PM
Our G-d is Great
How can one say I'm sorry enough that it will mend your broken hearts. Well we cannot! Only G-d can do it and He will do it quickly because of your great faith and love to Him and all that you do for Him. Not a day will go by without your remembering all of the wonderful memories that you have had over the years. It is at this time that she will come to you in spirit and and you can speak to her in your prayers. When you tell her you love her you can also be certain that she is with the Angles and with G-d, and that she is safe. Believe me, I lost a brother and miss him dearly and my heart pains everyday. But I also know that as I approach the end of my days, by my good deeds and prayers to the Almighty, I know that we all will be in Heaven sooner that we realize, where there is no sadness or tears, but only joy, and the loving kindness and comfort of the Lord, our G-D, the G-D of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I pray that G-D give your strength during this time of your life and ask that He give your Peace.
(72) Bobbi and Elliott Katz - WI, April 19, 2013 7:43 PM
be comforted.
Please know that you are all in our minds and te'filos at this most difficult time. May Shabbos be a me'nucha for all of you.
(71) Yechiel Warman, April 19, 2013 6:21 PM
Accepting the decree with love
Dear Michael & Denise; Such an outpouring of love I see from the articles and condolences. I also share in your pain. We know in this weeks Parshah Aharon Hacohen accepted the decree with love and your family is following in his footsteps, always thinking about another. We will read Achara Mos/kedoshim. After the loss of precious Shoshana, the Sterns are Kedoshim, and they should have the strength to continue to inspire us to higher levels of closeness to Hashem. May Hashem comfort you amongst the other mourners....
(70) ELLEN & KEN LIT, April 19, 2013 11:45 AM
OUR DEEPEST AND HEARTFELT SYMPATHY AT A TIME THAT IS TRULY THE MOST DIFFCULT......
WITH HASHEMS HELP,, ,HE WILL GUIDE YOU
WITH CARE AND CONCERN TAMMI S PARENTS
(69) Anonymous, April 19, 2013 10:55 AM
Reading theses articles is only the tip of the iceberg about knowing shoshi. she was such a kind gentle soul. im so sorry to hear this news, however i am very inspired by the tremendous strength of emunah and bitachon of the Stern family. may HaShem comfort you along with the other mourners of Tzion. soon mashiach will come and HaShem will wipe away our tears.
(68) Rosen Family Jerusalem, April 19, 2013 7:28 AM
It has been may many years 21 ? we never had the pleasure of meeting your Shoshi ,we had the pleasure of knowing her parents.The thing that stands out the most is the smiles you and denise allways had on your faces and were allways willing to help with any jewish person u found on your way.
May G-D give your family the strength to go on, with a heavy
heart, Gedalyh and Cheryl Rosen
(67) Anonymous, April 19, 2013 5:05 AM
ouch
This was so painful to read.
It resonates deeply with me since my friend also recently passed away, suddenly, for no apparent reason. She was 25.
But, H' really gives strength. How I am able to cope and continue on with my life is only because of His help.
May H' give comfort
(66) Anonymous, April 19, 2013 3:03 AM
Although I did not know shoshi .When I read this article it brought me to tears .What a beautiful girl, you can tell how special she was , from the glow on her face .It is hard to comfort someone who faces such unfathomable pain .However I wanted to let the Stern family know I feel thier pain .Ill be having shoshi and the Stern family in my tefillos .
Much love and concern ,
someone who cares
(65) Pamela, April 19, 2013 2:54 AM
God's Love and Mercy on your family
j pray that Our Lord will give you His Strength , His Peace, His Presence and He will give you Grace to go on and mercy to grieve with hope that she is in your future not just your past. with Love Pamela
(64) Wendy Hakoun, April 19, 2013 2:07 AM
Dear Denise and Family,
Denise , I was on the trip to Israel with you in November. The faith that you and your family are showing through this is truly , truly a special kiddish H.
My heart is broken for you over the pain you must feel. I pray for H to give you all strength. My thoughts are with you.
wendy
(63) Anonymous, April 19, 2013 12:43 AM
Words cannot express how sorry we all are that you have to go through such unimaginable pain. Know that not only your close friends and neighbors, but all of klall yisrael, through out the entire world,far and near, knows of what you are going through.And we are all sharing your pain, and davening for you and your family, and for your daughters beautiful neshama.
(62) Ellen Rosenberg, April 19, 2013 12:10 AM
May G-d always be with you.
(61) Lauren Greene Lustig, April 18, 2013 11:52 PM
Sending the entire Stern familily condolences
Sending the entire Stern family my condolences during this very diffilcult time.
(60) Merv and Ingrid Danilewitz, April 18, 2013 10:55 PM
Shoshi's untimely passing
Dearest Rabbi Mike and Denise We have no words, only tears and intense pain. We pray that you will find comfort in the knowledge that the Danilewitz family is only one of thousands who love you.
(59) Devorah, April 18, 2013 10:48 PM
she went to my school and her older sister is in 9th grade. when news hit about what happened the whole school just froze and cried, even the girls that didn't know her, it was just such a hard hit. the school brought in some people from chai lifeline to talk to us. some may ask why is this time different than all the other time's you hear of a person dying, and the truth is i don't know, it just is.
it's incredable what's going on in the world today but we just have to stop and think... what is Hashem trying to tell us?
(58) michele, April 18, 2013 10:37 PM
our hearts are with you
Words can't express how we all feel. She was beautiful-her face radiated it.
It is a loss for every Jew.
Hamokom yenaschem b'soch shaar aveli yerushalem.
Michele Farkas
(57) Bilha Mirkin, April 18, 2013 10:32 PM
Purest אמונה
Dear rabbi Mike , Denise and family,
I did not forget your hospitality, kindness, רוח and joy with which you opened your home with song, music and words of תורה.
Your faith and graciousness fill my heart with tears and gratitude. You have taught me a profound lesson in your most painful of moments...
My heart is with you. May you find healing and נחמה.
Bilha (Dana's mom)
(56) Tracey Gordon, April 18, 2013 9:33 PM
from south Florida
As a parent, my tears and my prayers go out to you and your other children on this deep and tragic loss. May G-d comfort you and give you strength.
(55) Etie, April 18, 2013 9:24 PM
embracing the pain with Ahavas Hash-m & hakaros hatov
As the tears flow - it feels so deeply good to be a part of such a learned & torahdig family (nation)..Sure there's pain...but never resentment or chalilah anger in a person who recognizes Hashem's consistent loving hand in our minute by minute lives. Know that as the geulah rushes closer our combined "korbanot" are necessary only for our ultimate good. It seems that Rabbi Stern had the events of Aharon HaKohein's loss of his sons and his reaction "VaYeedom" as he accepted his loss as exemplified by Aharon HaKohein. Shoshi seems to have been a very beloved soul - who must be kept "alive" through our fight for proper tznius & speech. "pninim" groups are for learning concepts of tznius and the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation has programs to enhance shalom and positive speech. Growing in those areas will bring us all back our "Shoshis" and our "Shmulie's" in the blink of any eye - Yeshuos HaSh-m k'heref Ayin - may we soon be zocheh to greet Moshiach Tzidkeinu in our final Geulah! haMakom Yinachem eschem bsoch shiar avaiei tzion v'yerushalyim.
(54) Anonymous, April 18, 2013 8:50 PM
Our hearts break with you..
We have lost two children. We know and feel your pain and will keep you in prayer. A beautiful young woman now with G-d.
(53) Marc goldstein, April 18, 2013 8:11 PM
Denise, my condolences to you & your family during your mourning. May happy mermories help carry you theough this sad time. My prayers are with you & your loved ones.
(52) Penina Sarah, April 18, 2013 7:44 PM
May you know from no more sorrow...
Though my heart breaks to hear about this sad news from a dear family in Boca, as told to me by Yan Kerzhner, another dear friend in Boca, and my heart is heavy with grief, I pray your family knows from no more sorrow, that Shoshi's memory will always be blessed, and that her life continues to be an inspiration and her soul ascends in Paradise with those of the righteous and the innocent, as she was, and that you are comforted among the mourners of Tsion...:'(
(51) Mrs. Judith Abrams, April 18, 2013 7:22 PM
As a mother, grandmother and teacher the pain of what you have lost has deeply touched me and my entire world.
Your Emuna and Bitochon is a life lesson for all of us.
May Hashem continue to give you strength.
Mrs. Judy Abrams
(50) Chanan and Rachel Siegel, April 18, 2013 7:17 PM
Condolences to you all
We are so saddened by the loss of your dear daughter. May Hashem comfort you during this difficult time.
(49) Anonymous, April 18, 2013 6:57 PM
Big sympathy
May G-d comfort the family with fond memories of the gift of having had with their daughter.
(48) Abraham, April 18, 2013 6:57 PM
deepest condolences
my heart broke when i read what happened... may Hashem comfort the family and give them only good things...
(47) andrea g bier, April 18, 2013 6:43 PM
Having lost a child myself, I feel your pain to the core!! You sound like such amazing people! May Hashem continue to give you the strength you need, and may your daugher's short life bring others inspiration. Hamokom Yanachem Eschem Bisoch Shaar Avlei Tzion Virushaliyim
(46) Kayla, April 18, 2013 6:40 PM
No words
I can only cry. I don't even know what words I can put down. May Hashem comfort you.
(45) Anonymous, April 18, 2013 6:33 PM
tinokot of beit raban
what a beautifil flower
(44) Dee, April 18, 2013 6:26 PM
May Love enwrap your soul
So sad to be removed from the pathway of her life so very young! As a mom, my heart pains for her parents, siblings & extended family. May strength from above be with you all through this very painful time.
(43) Joyce & Sid Klein, April 18, 2013 6:20 PM
We were devastated when we heard about Joan Stern's granddaughter - we live in her coop building. Then i saw the aish.com email. The pain intensified.
There are no words to express the profound sorrow we feel for Joan (and Milton) and her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. We lost a son-in-law 21/2 years ago, killed by a hit -and-run driver coming out of a Friday night minyon, so we understand only a little about the intense pain.
Joan, we are here when you return to offer any possible comfort. may the family know only good things and nachus in the future. Hamakom --------------------------------------
(42) Denise Wedgle, April 18, 2013 5:46 PM
I just read this on facebook and want to send my prayers to Denise and her beautiful family. My heart breaks for all of you.
(41) Suzanne Zigun, April 18, 2013 5:45 PM
So very sorry for the loss of your daughter.
What a tragedy! Ha-shem works in ways we cannot comprehend. Shimmy was devastated. Our thoughts are with you.
(40) Anonymous, April 18, 2013 5:26 PM
Hamakom Yinachem Eschem.....
My heart aches for your unfathomable loss!! there are no words !! Your beautiful Shoshi will live on in all the meaningful things that you do. May her pure neshama have an aliya.[ I lost my 21 year old bechor 5 years ago to cancer]
(39) Rachel Botbol, April 18, 2013 5:15 PM
My heart goes out to you all. I am crying as I write this.
Your courage and total faith in Hashem, is a lesson for us all.
Rachel Botbol
(38) Jan Hagen, April 18, 2013 4:55 PM
My condolences to the family Stern . I wonder the courage and love of this family by the burying of their lovely daughter Shoshi . Wat a greath faith ! May God confort you !
(37) maxine, April 18, 2013 4:55 PM
love
I wept upon reading this....I can not begin to imagine what it must be like...love, support, strength, courage to you all
(36) Emunah, April 18, 2013 4:50 PM
Though no words can suffice.... please accept our heartfelt condolences and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
(35) Rosabel Baldwin, April 18, 2013 4:29 PM
Shoshi's Bright Light
Having lost a daughter, I understand the empty place she left behind. But she is with me whenever I think of her, and I know the Glory she shares in Heaven with G-d and his Angels.
May Shoshi's Memory be Eternal! And may G-d lift your hearts.
(34) Joyce Boim, April 18, 2013 4:29 PM
The loss of a child
we lost our son Dovid to a terrorist in Israel 17 years ago. We helped support one another and were supported by our loving family and friends. We did as much as we could in Dovid's memory. May Hashem give you the strength you need at this time. Hamakom yanachem etchem btoch shar avale zion vyerushalem. May you only have simachot .
(33) Rochelle strauss, April 18, 2013 4:28 PM
My heart goes out to the family. This is an inspiring article of strength and belief. Blessings and Prayers to the family.
(32) Anonymous, April 18, 2013 4:26 PM
So moved
There are no words to write after reading all the articles, comments, brachot, testaments ..... HaShem should give this special family strength at this terrible time and know that we have all become the stronger through hearing and reading of this tragedy . Hamakom yenachem..........
(31) Lisa, April 18, 2013 4:13 PM
may HaSh-m give you the strength to go on and the comfort
may HaSh-m give you the strength to go on and continue your Torah lives, and may you continue to find comfort in know that HaSh-m has a reason for everything, even the most difficult things.
(30) Anonymous, April 18, 2013 4:07 PM
So terribly sorry for your loss
Dear Stern Family, as new members of the Aish community, we are deeply saddened by your loss and our hearts go out to you in this difficult time. I'm incredibly moved by your strength and the love you all share. May Hashem continue to give you comfort and peace, and may Shoshi live on in our hearts, always.
(29) Ella Adler, April 18, 2013 3:52 PM
You wll always be Shoshi's Parent, only now you don't have to deal with the mundane gashmiyus but only her hayliga neshoma, just as we, continue to take care of our dear Michoel, who passed away suddenly only a few weeks after his Bar MItzvah. It is our privilege and responsibility as parents to nourish Michaels neshoma with tzedaka, tefillah and Maasim tovim. It is a source of chizuk and strength for us. /Continue the great Kiddush Hashem you are already making in a big big way.Remember, Hakodosh Boruch Hu is carrying you always- from a mother who shares your pain- Ella Adler
(28) ed sussman, April 18, 2013 3:38 PM
I am with you
I too lost a daughter at 18 years of age. That was 25 years ago this July. The understanding you show is beyond my belief. I still feel the pain even though I am beginning to understand the ways of hashem. I hope you and your love ones never know another day of such great tragedy. i admire you for your outlook and I thank you for helping me with mine.
(27) jesica and russell myers, April 18, 2013 3:36 PM
our prayers thoughts and hearts are with you.
may Hashem offer you limitless comfort and eventual clarity. may the memory of your beautiful shoshana be a blessing to you and all who knew her.
(26) jeannine Poler, April 18, 2013 3:27 PM
May G' never have you going through such tragedy!
I have been through such pain of loosing my son at the age of 24.
In fact, there are no words in the dictionary to help console such immense pain! I wish I had the FAITH you the family are expressing. Only now after about 30 years I am learning what is "Emuna." May Shoshi's Soul rest in peace.
(25) Anonymous, April 18, 2013 3:13 PM
bracha
May Shoshi's neshama rest well in heaven, and may your entire family be comforted for your loss. Baruch dayan haemes.
(24) naftali itzkowitzi, April 18, 2013 3:10 PM
I just read about Shoshi and am shocked. I was in Mt. Sanai Hospital over shabbos and was visited by a bunch of girls (stangers to me) to be mevaker choleh and realized that Shoshi was one of those girls. May the Mitzva she did be her ticket to gan eden. MAY THE FAMILY NEVER KNOW OF ANY MORE SORROW.
(23) Sandra Orman, April 18, 2013 3:03 PM
Love and Beyond
What an amazing family you are. My prayers and love are with you as you begin to heal from this tragedy b'ezrat Hashem.
(22) David Sabghir, April 18, 2013 2:53 PM
HaMakom Yenachem Eschem B'Soch Sha'ar Avelei Tzion V'Yerushalayim.
My sincerest condolences.
(21) Anonymous, April 18, 2013 2:49 PM
Condolences
So sorry to hear of the loss of your precious daughter.
Hamokom yenaschem b'soch shaar aveli yerushalem
(20) Manfred Zoch, April 18, 2013 2:46 PM
Worte des Trostes
Liebe Familie Stern
Leider kann ich ihnen nur auf Deutsch schreiben, aber ich möchte ihnen auf diesem Wege mein tiefstes mitgefühl ausschprechen.
Hier die richtigen worte zu finden, dürfte kaum jemandem gelingen.
Aber ich bin mir sicher das der ewige auch ihnen einen Trost schenken wird, wie er allein ihn geben kann.
Gewiss und sicher ist, daß er nie einen Fehler machen wird,
aber wer sind wir, daß wir alle seine Wege verstehen wollten.
"Seine Wege sind höher als unsere Wege und seine Gedanken höher als unsere"
Auch ich verstehe so manches mal seinen Weg mit mir nicht,
aber ich habe den Allmächtigen schon in wunderbarer Weise erleben dürfen.
Vor über 30 jahren, ha er mcih nach 12 jähriger schwerer Drogenabhängigkeit frei gemacht in einem Augenblick.
Denken Sie immer daran, eines Tages, wenn er alles in
Herrlichkeit hinausgeführt hat, werden Sie und ich und auch ihre Tochter gemeinsam vor seinem Thon stehen und ihn
in Ewigkeit anbeten.
Dann wird es kein Fragen mehr geben, in alle Ewigkeit nicht mehr.
Mit den herzlichsten grüßen
Manfred Zoch
(19) Aaron, April 18, 2013 2:44 PM
I pray for you
Both of my grandparents lost children. One as a baby, the other when he was twenty something years old. None of them ever recovered from it completely. It is a tragedy, and as an outsider, it is very, very difficult to say anything that could comfort the pain & the feeling of loss.
What is the meaning of all this suffering? Only Hashem may know.
I wish you in these difficult times all the love and fatih that you need, and I pray for you.
(18) Joyce Shulman, April 18, 2013 2:43 PM
condolences
I am an American Jew, living in Italy and I just would like to send you my VERY deepest condolences and prayers that will help you find the path to continue in your life in the best possible way-
with a very warm hug, Joyce Shulman
(17) Anonymous, April 18, 2013 2:38 PM
Hamakom Yinachem Eschem B'Soch Sha'ar Aveilei Tzion B'Yerushalayim
Daniel Estreicher, April 18, 2013 4:43 PM
HaMakom y'nachem eschem
Acharay mos k'doshim.HaMakom y'nachem eschem b'soch sha'ar availay tzion v'rushalayayim.
(16) frank, April 18, 2013 2:24 PM
may his love shower you
When I read this my heart was broken for you may Hashem fill you with wholeness and heal your heart.
(15) Shoshana, April 18, 2013 2:20 PM
May Hashem comfort you all!! I do not know you personally but i read your storey with heartfelt sadness ! May Hashem have mercy & bring us the ultimate Geulah NOW!!! With Moshiach REVEALED!!!! G-d bless you all & give you strength in this most painful & trying time!!! Ad Matai???!!!
(14) Abi Carmen, April 18, 2013 2:13 PM
Hamkom Y'nachem Eschem B'Soch Sha'ar Avelei Tzion V'Yerushalayim. May G-d comfort the family and friends.
(13) Jeremy Gilmore, April 18, 2013 2:06 PM
As a father and someone who have been priviledge to spend a yom tov in Boca Raton, my heart goes ot to the family, no words can truly be said that can give comfort and such a terrible tragedy, but Hashem must have truly needed have pure soul and my have gentle neshama be itting at the feet of Hashem feet
(12) Anonymous, April 18, 2013 1:24 PM
Life Cut Short
I live in nearby to where this took place and was heartbroken to learn what happened. My friends and I, along with many, tried to make sense of such a terrible tragedy. While I couldn't attend the funeral, thank you so much for posting this article and sharing with everyone how both yourself and the Stern family, rather than disconnected themselves from Hashem, have strengthened their faith and encouraged others to do the same. It's unbelievable testiment to their daughter that Denise made it a point to address the driver and let him know it wasn't his fault, because in the end, with blame we miss the meaning/lesson.
(11) christine, April 18, 2013 1:20 PM
comfort
May the G-d of all comfort you. May He will wipe away every tear.
(10) Stephen Spigelman, April 18, 2013 12:58 AM
Hamkom Yinachem Etchem B'Toch Sha'ar Avelei Tzion V'Yerushalayim
(9) Ninah Kessler, April 17, 2013 11:51 PM
Thank you
Thank you Rabbi Levine for your beautiful and inspiring words. I think with faith and mutual support G- d willing we can get through this
(8) Denise Evans, April 17, 2013 11:49 PM
Rabbi Mike and Denise Stern taught me in 1998 in Bala CynwydPA what faith means. My first lesson was of Parsha Noach Mike taught in a small art room in the local JCC. I davened with the Stern family on Yom Kippur and to this day can see Rabbi Stern cry for the Jewish people and years later how Mike and Denise supported a community when we lost a great friend Naomi Zeiger a"h. As parents Mike and Denise set the bar and as Jews live the Torah and share and welcome as Abraham and Sarah welcomed many many years ago.Their love of life, community,and Hashem has already lifted Shoshi's soul. Mike and Denise and family I keep you in my prayers and let you know my study and mitzvot will be done in Shoshi's memory.May Hashem give you strength to go forward, community should support you and everyone should continue to learn from your passion and love of Torah. With sincere condolence in this very hard time the Evans' family
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(7) Batsheva Frankel, April 17, 2013 11:14 PM
Thank you for sharing this heartbreaking note
My husband, Yossie,,and I were so privileged to know the Sterns in Philly, when we would come down from NY/NJ. They are so incredibly special, that it was painful to read this. I am so moved by Rabbi Stern's words; what an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your experience for those of us who could not attend. I pray that the whole Stern family know only obvious blessings in the future.
(6) Anonymous, April 17, 2013 9:56 PM
comfort
May you find comfort. Thinking of all of you. Eti Berkowitz
(5) A Friend, April 17, 2013 9:42 PM
Dear Stern family,
Dear Stern Family,
Your strength is infinite, as is your love. Your ability to care so much for others is inspiring. Shoshi was a lucky girl to have gotten to spend her 12 beautiful years in your family, and you are greatly blessed to have had such a beautiful princess in your lives. I wish you all the strength, bracha and hatzlacha in the world from here. May you have only simchas, and acheive great heights that Please GD I will hear about. Please continue to be the amazing people you are, and know that even strangers in New York are sending you a lot of love and brachot.
All the best as 120,
A friend
(4) Doris & Harry Salinas, April 17, 2013 8:51 PM
Condolences
It is difficult to put into words our love and sympathy to the Stern family. Shoshi was a precious gift to you and she did not live to grow into the beautiful lady she would have become. We have to keep the faith that God broke your hearts to take a golden child. We met Shoshi at the Stern home and she was such a sweet vibrant child. We pray that only time will heal you, but you will have loving memories of her life in your hearts forever. Doris and Harry Salinas
(3) Richard Weiss, April 17, 2013 7:58 PM
Just learned of your daughters passing......My heart and prayers go out to your family
(2) Anonymous, April 17, 2013 7:13 PM
LOSING A CHILD
In 1976 I had a son, and in 1978 a stillborn baby girl. I had no money to pay the hospital bill, so I was forced to live the body there and I have no place to visit. In 1980 I had a third child, and it was a boy. I am still hurting, and am missing my daughter every second. I cannot even begin to understand the pain of this family, and their daughter was part of their lives for 12 years. GOD is the only one who can help them move forward, and they are going to need a lot of prayers. They will eventually be able to live, and survive daily. They will never be the same, and will always have holes in theirs. I have been learning about Kabbalah, and reading the Zohar but I am a Catholic. I do understand the soul only needed to come back on earth for a very short time to complete its cycle, and went back to GOD. She was not suppose to be here for more than 12 years, and she is now at peace. I am hoping she never have to come back here, and will spend eternity with GOD. She will be praying for her parents, and siblings.
(1) Ari Miller, April 17, 2013 5:55 PM
As one of the many thousand people who have been a guest at the Sterns Shabbas table...
As one of the many thousand people who have been a guest at the Sterns Shabbas table, I've been very fortunate to know them and what a great family they are.
We don't have to understand why G-d does what he does. We only have to understand that he's doing it.