obituaries
BERNSTEIN ARNOLD - February 3, 2023 Beloved
husband of Judith “Judy” Bernstein
(nee Kalickman). Loving father of
Andrea Kind (Richard Schatzberg) and
father-in-law of Michael Kind. Brother
of Helene Debra Heller. Devoted
PopPop of Jacob Asher Kind and
Grant Asher Kind. Contributions Fox
Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman
Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, or
Congregation Beth Or Rabbi Gregory
Marx Discretionary Fund, 239 Welsh
Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
BROOKS CONSTANCE “Connie” (nee Miller)
age 98, passed away January 28,
2023. Beloved wife of the late Eugene
Brooks. Loving mother of Evan Brooks
(Suzanne), and Keith Brooks (Brenda).

Adoring grandmother of Jason Brooks
(Brooke), Jessica Bailey (David),
Michael Brooks, Jeremy Brooks, and
Gabrielle Brooks. Dear sister of the
late Harry Miller. Contributions in her
memory may be made to Old York Rd.

Temple-Beth Am www.oyrtbetham.org
GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
BROTHMAN BLOCK
ALVIN 91 passed away peacefully at
home on January 30. He is survived
by his wife, Judith and his three chil-
dren from a former marriage, Gary,
Debra and Randi, six Grandchildren
and two Great Grandchildren. He was
a life long Resident of Philadelphia,
graduating from Central High School
in 1949. Serving In the Army. Went
on as a natural Salesman, starting in
the Insurance Business in 1959, then
on to founding Mid America Group
in the 1970’s. His Son Gary came
into his business in 1984 with their
Partnership being built on the strong
foundation Alvin had previously laid.

He was a passionate Sailor, was a
Student of History, and had the love for
his Family. Charitable donations can
be made to the Philadelphia Jewish
Federation. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
BORDEN EDITH (NEE Tonik) - Of Fort Lauderdale,
FL, formerly of Philadelphia. On
January 28, 2023. Beloved wife of the
late Hyman Borden. Devoted mother
of Alan Borden (Karen), Joel Borden
(Maria), and the late Stuart Borden.

Cherished mother-in-law of Wendy
Borden Goldstein. Loving grandmother
of Jennifer Borden, Jeffrey Borden
(Carla), Steven Borden (Kristina), Greg
Borden (Andi), Joshua Borden, and
Gabriella Borden. Loving great grand-
mother of Santino, Siena, Kaden, and
Leo. Longtime companion of the late
Leon Gelman. Dear sister of the late
Albert Tonik (Louise) and the late Ethel
Gelman. Contributions in her memory
may be made to the American Cancer
22 and Thursday night dinners with his
brother Nate and friends who were like
family to him. Yearly family vacations
to Kiawah Island were the highlight of
his life. Henry often remarked that the
quality of his life exceeded all of his ex-
pectations, but in reality, it was Henry
himself who exceeded all of his fam-
ily’s expectations. In Henry’s honor,
please consider an Act of Kindness to
better the world and better each other.

May his memory be a blessing.

JOSEPH LEVINE & SONS
www.levinefuneral.com SELMA (nee Jacobson) - On January
28, 2023. Wife of the late Dr. Peter
Brothman. Mother of Lisa Misher,
Andrea Brothman (Michael Frezel),
and Natalie Marciano (Abraham).

Grandmother of
Lilly, Samuel,
Gabriel, Tess, Winnie, Jacob, Jonah,
and Maxime. Sister of Esther Silon,
Simon Jacobson (Raisie), and Naomi
Jacobson. Contributions in her mem-
ory may be made to United Hatzalah
of Israel (israelrescue.org) or the
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.

org). JOSEPH LEVINE & SONS
www.levinefuneral.com GELBER
NORMA, 86, passed away in
Elizabethtown, PA, on January 25,
2023. She was born on June 12, 1936,
in Philadelphia, PA, to Faye Gross.

Norma was living in retirement at the
Masonic Village after a career as a
legal assistant and mother. She loved
needlepoint and quilting, cooking
and reading, and enjoyed spending
time with her loving family and their
dogs. Norma is survived by her sons
Stephen, Rich and Larry, her grand-
children Josh, Ally and Natalie, and
her great-granddaughter Abby. She
is preceded in death by her parents,
Faye and Max Gross.

COOPER FANNIE F. (nee Forman) Passed
away on January 31, 2023. Wife of
the late Joseph Cooper. Mother of
Janice Zuckerman (Gilbert), Jeffrey
Cooper (Nancy Klaus), Joan Cooper
(David Plaut) and the late Jay Cooper
(Joyce). Grandmother of 11 and great
grandmother of 13. A graduate of
South Philadelphia High School for
Girls and member of Cong. Adath
Jeshurun (formery OCJCC), Fannie
worked in partnership for many years
with her husband for Del-Val Metered
Appliance Company. Contributions
in her memory may be made to
Philabundance, www.philabundance.

org, or Free Library of Philadelphia,
www.freelibrary.org. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
GURSCHKOW SYDNEY M. on February 1, 2023.

Beloved husband of the late Hope
(nee Brussell); Loving father of
Richard Gersh (Meryl) and Todd
Gersh (Daniella); Devoted grandfa-
ther of Dannah, Aaron, and Gianna.

Contributions in his memory may be
made to Jewish War Veterans, www.

jwv.org GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
The Philadelphia Jewish Exponent extends
condolences to the families of those
who have passed.

To receive our weekly obituary eletter visit
www.jewishexponent.com/enewsletter jewishexponent.com
FEBRUARY 9, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT
215-832-0700 HOLTZMAN
DR. HENRY of Pipersville, PA, passed
away on December 31, 2022. Born in
Germany in 1949 to Sally and Herman
Holtzman after World War II, he immi-
grated to America at the age of two
with his family. Beloved husband to
Elise (Jurikson) Holtzman for over
50 years. Cherished father to Felicia
(Jason) Otto and Chad (Melissa)
Holtzman, Esq. Adored grandfather
to Austin Paul Otto and Arielle Paige
Otto. Loving brother to Nathan (Kathy)
Holtzman and Betty (Mark) Jurikson.

He was also a treasured Brother-
in-Law, Uncle, Cousin, and Friend.

His beautiful legacy will live on in the
hearts of his loving wife, precious chil-
dren, their spouses, and his grandchil-
dren who filled his heart with magic.

Dr. Holtzman, the first in his family to
attend college, graduated from Albright
College and Hahnemann University
Medical School. He completed his
Internal Medicine Residency at
Abington Hospital and his Pulmonary
Fellowship at Albert Einstein Medical
Center. He became an attending
physician at Doylestown Hospital
where he established the Pulmonary
Department and was the founding
partner of his medical practice: Bucks
County Medical Associates. For over
25 years he brilliantly led his depart-
ment, wrote and published articles
in prestigious medical journals, and
traveled throughout the United States
to speak at medical conferences. In
addition, Dr. Holtzman provided criti-
cal care at Fox Subacute Center and
Warminster General Hospital. His
wisdom and dedication were beyond
measure, and he saved and enriched
the lives of countless patients. Many
patients and their family members
continue to attest to how grateful they
were for Dr. Holtzman’s medical vision,
diagnostic expertise, and gentle man-
ner during his distinguished career.

Dr. Holtzman was a devoted physician
who cared deeply and unconditionally
for his family, his patients, and human-
ity. Above all, Henry’s most gratifying
moments revolved around his loving
family. His favorite titles were Hon,
Best Dad, and Pop-Pop (with silver
in his hair and gold in his heart). He
cherished every experience together
and constantly reminded each fami-
ly member how immensely proud he
was of them and how much he loved
them. He was a passionate reader,
world traveler, trusted financial advi-
sor, Philadelphia Eagles fan, and gen-
erous philanthropist. He loved golfing
KLAITS JOEL MICHAEL, who spent almost all
of his life serving the legal community
in South Florida passed away January
28, 2023. He was 80. He suffered a
stroke which he courageously battled
to recover in the face of a difficult prog-
nosis. Born in Philadelphia on March
4, 1942, as a child, Joel loved base-
ball, football, and all things sports.

He vividly remembered the day when
a much younger kid named “Reggie
Jackson” asked to play ball with him
and his friends in Philly. They had no
idea who this boy would grow up to be-
come. He also possessed an indelible
sense of humor. In the 1950’s Joel’s
family built a motel called the White
Sands on the shore in Margate, New
Jersey, just outside of Atlantic City. It
became the family business and as a
result, he spent many summers as a
lifeguard. One of their famous guests,
Joe Frazier, befriended him and his
family as he trained there for high-pro-
file fights. They spent much time
together and later in Miami Beach,
while Joel attended law school at The
University of Miami. A graduate of
Temple University, and later receiving
a law degree from UM in 1968, his law
career began in several South Florida
firms until starting his own practice in
Hollywood, Florida. Later moving his
family and practice to Coral Springs
in 1977. He went on to work as an in-
vestigator for the Florida Bar, and lat-
er sat on the traffic court bench as a
Magistrate. In his retirement he wrote a
book about a private investigator who
loved the water and beach life. He was
an avid motorcyclist, touring the coun-
try from coast to coast. So much so, he
earned the Iron Butt award for riding
1,000 miles in a 24-hour period, which
was an amazing accomplishment. He
enjoyed his Sunday group rides locally
in South Florida with friends including
Don Turner, Rick Case, and Gerry
Slakoff. Given his incredible sense of



humor, most of their memories were
spent laughing at such sayings, “Red
or White,” “Watch that left turn,” “the
chicken walked through the sea,”
Jimmy Buffett songs, coaching little
league baseball at Mullins Park in
Coral Springs, traveling with the Miami
Hurricanes Football team of which he
was an alumnus. Along with his love
of Jimmy Buffett, he equally loved
being on the water owning several
boats. One named “Semi-Normal.” He
also loved cars, especially corvettes,
one he named “Toots.” He had a front
vanity plate on one car that stated,
“Just visiting this planet.” He is sur-
vived by three daughters and a son-
in-law, Andrea & Kenny Tsakanikas
(of Fort Lauderdale), Elyse Klaits (of
Los Angeles) and Mindy Kaufer (of
New Jersey). Joel will be honored in
a celebration of life with details to be
announced at a later date.

METELITS (Bruce) Risler and the late Karen
(Mark) Halsman. Dear sister of the late
Thelma Nusbaum. Cherished grand-
mother of Spencer Halsman (Erin
Mock), Stephanie Risler and Jamie
Halsman (Keoni Oliver). Contributions
in her memory may be made to breast-
cancer.org. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
PRUSHAN SHELDON - On January 29, 2023.

Beloved husband of the late Gisele
(nee Yedid). Loving father of Helene
Rosen (Ron), Alan Prushan (Carol),
and Mimi Prushan.

Dear grand-
father of Daniel, Josh, and Esther
Rosen, and Joel and Simon Prushan.

Contributions in his memory may be
made to Philadelphia Rotary, PO Box
177, Abington, PA 19001 or Camp
Harlam Scholarship Fund, 575 Smith
Road, Kunkletown, PA 18058. www.

campharlam.org GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
RHODE WOLBRAMSKY
WEISS JOAN P. (Raubfogel), 90, wife of the
late Sydney H. Weiss of Audubon, PA
SPCA, www.montgomerycountyspca.

org GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
ZWERLING JERRY of Boca Raton, FL, former-
ly of Philadelphia, passed away on
February 1, 2023.

Beloved hus-
band of the late Hannah Zwerling
(nee Schlachterman). Devoted fa-
ther of Debbie White (Wayne) and
Barry Zwerling (Brooke).

Loving grandfather of Matthew, Allie, and
Noah. Contributions in his memory
may be made to the American Heart
Association-www.heart.org GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
DEBORAH (nee Keyserman) on
January 30, 2023. Loving mother of
Erica Wolbramsky (Joshua Lennon);
Dear sister of Neal Keyserman (Linda
Newman); Devoted grandmother of
Walter. Contributions in her memo-
ry may be made to Montgomery Co.

Attention All
Community Organizations
If you would like to update
your listing in the
2023-2024 GUIDE TO
JEWISH LIFE
$5 JEWISH
LIFE Guide to
2022-2023 Baltimore Guide to Jewish
Life please contact Jewish Exponent
Editor Andy Gotlieb at
agotlieb@jewishexponent.com 2022-2023
In loving memory of my dear husband,
Love of my life, Jim! Dr. James Rhode
was a caring son, husband, father,
grandfather, brother, and friend. Jim
left this world Saturday, December 3,
2022, at the age of 70 after a coura-
geous battle with cancer. Burial was
at Montefi ore Cemetery, Jenkintown.

Jim completed his Bachelor’s degree
at Temple University and received his
Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Temple
University Dental School. His dental
career spanned more than forty years
in which he touched generations of
lives. His dedication to his patient was
enormous and won’t be forgotten.

Jim’s pride was in his love for family,
music, and dentistry. His humor and
positive energy were contagious to ev-
eryone he met. His smile will always
shine through.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
formerly of Phoneixville, PA passed
away on Monday, January 30, 2023.

Born on May 23, 1932 in Philadelphia,
PA she was the daughter of the late
Max and Effi e (Rovner) Raubfogel.

She graduated from Overbrook
High School and studied at Temple
University. Joan was a Receptionist
at VanGuard Group in Great Valley.

She was a passionate supporter of
Planned Parenthood. She is survived
by 4 sons: Jonathan (Rochelle) Weiss;
Eric Weiss; Evan (Leslie) Weiss;
Bruce Weiss. 4 Grandchildren, Haley,
Sydney, David, and Drew. She was
preceded in death by her brother, Jerry
Raubfogel. DEVLIN-ROSMOS-KEPP-GATCHA
FUNERAL HOME
www.gatchafuneral.com Baltimore Jewish Times
MELVIN, 89 passed away on 28 Janu-
ary 2023 peacefully, with his family by
his side. He lived an outsized life while
remaining enormously grounded. His
early activism in the organised left and
civil rights movement included lead-
ership in the Fair Play for Cuba Com-
mittee of Philadelphia, and journalism
with the left wing newspaper The Inde-
pendent Citizen. He was a member of
the Communist Party USA from 1963
to 1991. An elementary school teach-
er who ended that phase of his career
in the Frederick Douglass School, his
early work in the Philadelphia teachers
union securing rights for “permanent
part time teachers” including full time
pay and benefi ts changed the eco-
nomic fortunes of many. He organised
protests against the Vietnam War as
well as busloads of protestors and ac-
tivists for The March on Washington
for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. A char-
ismatic, intellectual and deeply spiritu-
al man, he returned to his Jewish roots
through P’nai Or in Philadelphia and
Jewish Renewal. Teaching scores of
bar and bat mitzvah learners, as well
as aspiring converts, Melvin became a
revered teacher of Torah and Jewish
values. He led several circles of To-
rah and Jewish text study groups, and
eventually received smicha as a Mag-
gid, a traditional teller of folk stories in
the Jewish mystical and ethical tradi-
tions. He held storytelling sessions far
and wide, and his last session was
captured on a CD entitled The Whis-
pering Maggid. His storytelling was
all the more remarkable given that
he had survived throat cancer, had
only one vocal chord, and spoke in a
whisper that was at once penetrating
and captivating. A warm, open teach-
er, whose appreciation for the wonder
of everyday existence could turn any
moment into a deep lesson, his spiritu-
al guidance and example transformed
the lives of congregants and students,
and even some of his own teachers. In
his youth and middle age, he was an
avid athlete, excelling in table tennis
and cycling in his middle years as past
President of the Pennsylvania Cycling
Club. He played classical guitar at
a very high level when younger, and
had a keen appreciation for music. He
spoke Spanish perfectly from a young
age, and loved sports, being an ardent
supporter of the Eagles and Phillies.

He is survived by his third wife, Maria,
and his son Michael, grandchildren
Caleb and Leah, as well as stepchil-
dren Letetia, Sabre, Chandler and
Cassandra; and step grandchildren
Niara, Kyle, Simone, Cloe, Chandler
Jr., Victoria and Terrell, and step great
grandchildren along with Jeremiah,
Timothy, Shalayh, Samir, Mahlani,
Tyreek and Carter. In lieu of fl owers,
please make donations to P'nai Or
Philadelphia https://pnaior-phila.org/
or The Shalom Center https://thesha-
lomcenter.org/ .

GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
jewishexponent.com TUCKER
PAULA (nee Feuer) on January
27, 2023. Beloved wife of the late
Seymour. Devoted mother of Sheri
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