Rabbi Jehiel Orenstein
Of Blessed Memory
1935 – 2013
It is with sorrow and great reverence that we announce the passing of Rabbi Jehiel Orenstein on Sunday, May 5, 2013, 25 Iyyar 5773, 40th day of the omer. He touched so many in his life, and his legacy will live on in the deeds and memories of all those whom he taught, helped, loved, and inspired.
Notes of condolence can be sent to the family at: 225 Grove Road, South Orange, NJ 07079
This website which shares experiences with and inspired by Jehiel will live on. It doesn’t just take joy and pride in the past; it also encourages present and future engagement with — and because of — Jehiel. However, to honor Reb Jehiel, the best way we could think of was through giving.
TRIBUTES
Jehiel believed fervently in educating the next generation of Jews to live well and be a themselves the shining light for joy and peace that Jehiel was. You can honor and pay tribute to Jehiel by donating funds in his name to support the Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County, a favorite charity of his and, not coincidentally, the school that two of his grandchildren attend. (Click on the “Add Donation” button at the bottom to designate a donation in tribute to Jehiel.)
Reb Jehiel was deeply connected to several synagogues. He spent most of his professional life at Congregation Beth El of South Orange, NJ, which he considered his spiritual home. Tributes and donations can be directed to: www.bethelnj.org
A Rabbi Jehiel Orenstein Educational Development Fund has been established at Congregation B’nai Israel in Emerson, NJ, where his daughter, Debra, serves as rabbi. Donations can be directed to:http://www.bisrael.com/checkout
Among the founders of the Kol Rina/SOMA Independent Minyan are many friends and students of Reb Jehiel. Those who pray there can send contributions in his memory to SOMA c/o South Orange Post Office, P.O. Box 649, South Orange, NJ 07079.
The family also endorses the good work and research of the ALS Research Development Institute. Donations can be made to https://www.als.net/Support/ALS-donation.aspx
And you can also honor Reb Jehiel by the gift of your time. Take on any mitzvah project in support of Torah (learning), Avodah (worship), and/or Gemilut Hasadim (acts of lovingkindness) and please let us, his family and friends, know what you plan to do or have done by clicking on “post about…” above. Your generosity inspires us, and it is such a fitting tribute because, as we all know, Jehiel Orenstein, in memory as in life, inspires.
You may post about what Jehiel did for and with you in the areas of Torah (Sisterhood Bible class, Talmud class, conversion classes, etc.), Avodah (worship services, lifecycle events), and Gemilut Hasadim (acts of lovingkindness).
To view what others have contributed, click on the “read about…” button above.
Come back often to post your words, pictures, or videos; to see what others are saying; and to be inspired.