Sarah, We are so very sorry for your loss, Bruce especially touched me with his concern for my wife Ellen's story and we wish we were able to connect with him. Our thought's and prayers are with you and you family at this most difficult time. Alan and Ellen Kurek

Dear Sarah,
I only recently heard about Bruce's death, and then also heard that you're a member of the Cleveland Circle book club.  I may have met you there.  I remember your husband very well, from the days of anti-war activity.  He was always ready to speak his mind, always there to help with what needed to be done.  He was a great man, and he will be missed by many.
Roni Berenson

Please accept my deepest condolences. I learned of Bruce's death just today. He was a visionary and a mensch. Cleveland wasn't ready for some of his ideas, but I will always remember the compassion he showed to me the week before my son was born prematurely and -- many years before, when Ner Tamid was still near the lake -- his inspired sense of what it meant to speak from the pulpit. 

May his memory be for a blessing.

To the Family of Rabbi Bruce Abrams:  I have fond memories of working with Rabbi Abrams when he was at Hillel and I worked next door at the Hallinan Center, which was then the Catholic Campus Ministry at CWRU.  He was bright and thoughtful, always so full of energy and new ideas!  I am sure he influenced the lives of many students at the time and that he has touched the lives of many more throughout his life -- in his congregation, in the Jewish community and, crossing lines of religion and ethnicity, in greater Cleveland as a whole.  Once you met him, Bruce was not a person you could forget!  May you hold his memory always in your hearts and find strength from his example of a life well-lived, with commitment and caring.         Ruth Anne Bruner

Dear Sarah, Bert, Bernice, Stuart, Ellen...I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Bruce. I can think of no words to adequately express my feelings of loss. He will be sorely missed. He was so much fun to be around. Bob Plotkin Tampa, Florida

Dear Sarah,
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of Bruce.  I wasn't aware until yesterday evening as I was in hospital and Burt, God love him, didn't want to upset me. Burt told me when I talked to him last night.  My heart aches.  Bruce means so much to so many. I read the obituaries, they were teriffic but only a mere inkling of who Bruce was to those who knew and loved him. God Bless!

Sarah,
Sorry to hear of Bruce's passing.  I always enjoyed talking with him when we happened to be at the same event.

Bruce officiated my wedding. The marriage didn't last (not his fault! =) but what did last is how I always thought he was the ultimate grown-up.

Mature where it counted, fun where that counted, thoughtful, a man of peace, and of excellent taste. I admired him in so many ways, and now in my 40s, I suppose I should stop wishing I could ever be as cool as he was. Some people just have it, and he was one of them.

The world is a lesser place.

Dearest Sarah,
The sad news arrived to us via old friends in Ohio.  We are so saddened at this tragic loss of life. He and you touched our lives as you did so many.  While we have not had contact in many years, just know that we both carry such wonderful memories of you and Bruce together.  They will live on eternally.
With much love to you and your family, Larry Fox and Leslie Burchell-Fox

We were sad to hear of Bruce's passing.  We were founding members of his Chicago suburban Temple Beth Am in 1980.  He named our children who were 8,6 and 4.  We have fond memories of his warmth, caring and fun personality.  May he rest in peace.

The year was 1978.  Bruce was this young Rabbi with an idea. And so began  Congregation Beth Am in Wheeling Illinois ...the house of the People.

A greeting hug from Bruce made the day complete.
We were shocked to hear the news.  

Chicago's loss was Cleveland's gain.
Now we'll all miss your warmth and determination.
The world is a better place because you passed our way.

Sally,
I've been thinking of you so much this week.  We're way too young to be widows!  I always enjoyed Bruce at CF'65 events--What a great guy!

Janie Case

May you be comforted knowing how many people's lives he touched and influenced, and he was always there to help others.  I was a member of Temple Ner Tamid and Rabbi Abrams participated in our wedding 25 years ago before my husband and I moved out of Cleveland.  I did not see him again until he officiated at my father's funeral September 2011, and am very grateful that we had that one last chance to visit and catch up, never realizing at the time it would be the last time.  It was evident how proud he was of his family.  Our sincere sympathy,

To Bruce's Fabulous Family,
You honored Bruce so well today in the funeral service. One sees a little Bruce in all of you. Very proud and reverent but with the humor we all remember in Bruce. I feel so bad for all of you--such a true loss.
I had the recent pleasure of working with Bruce in preparing him for the medical trials and tribulations one must endure to try and qualify for an organ transplant. I thought we were coming along so well and even talked with him Tuesday night--where we agreed he would enter the Clinic that next morning.  I was just stunned to see his obit. I hope I didn't fail him and feel so sad for you all.
With my sincere condolences,
Doug Arnold

Sarah and Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Rabbi Abrams.  We were members of the old Temple Ner Tamid and we remember him fondly.

Sally,
Kevin and I were deeply sadden to learn that you lost your beloved Bruce. We send our sincere condolences.
Kevin and Janet Camp O'Grady

Bruce married us in August of 2010. It was a magnificent ceremony of many people of all faiths that Bruce made so special. He was the epitome of a mensch and will be missed by me.

I feel very fortunate to have had the distinct pleasure of having Bruce Abrams in my life. What a wonderful, open minded, free thinking, compassionate person Bruce was. He picked me up when I was down, always engaged in challenging yet stimulating conversations, and like myself was a student of film. When you think of Bruce, the word "passionate" comes to mind. Bruce loved the arts, loved fine dining, loved culture, but most of all; loved his beautiful wife Sarah along with his children. My heart is deeply wounded, as we have lost yet another remarkable man. Thank you Bruce for entering my life and making an impact and being a part of my growth process.

Always your friend and movie companion,

Gregory Shack

Sally and Family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Always remember the past and the memories will give you comfort.

The passing of Bruce Abrams has stirred in me some painful, yet warm, memories which I wish to share with you.
Bruce and I were classmates.  Back in the summer of 1970 we were part of that great experiment - the first HUC class to be sent en masse to Israel for its first year of study.  I am uncertain as to how HUC orchestrates the program now, but in that first attempt, the program started with a two day orientation in New York, at the New York campus, which then was located on West 68th Street.  We all were housed in what was then the Lincoln Square Motor Lodge (the building which today serves as the Chinese mission to the United Nations).  Actually I have few memories of that orientation session, for the experience itself was somewhat overwhelming and disorienting.  Of course, I knew no one, which was true of most of the class.  So somewhere along the line I found myself talking to the person sitting next to me for one of the sessions, as we shared our hopes and anxieties as we prepared to embark upon that great adventure.  That person was Bruce Abrams; my first friend at HUC,  That evening, I received a call from my best friend from college.  He inform me that his mother had passed away and was reaching out for the comfort and support one would expect from a best friend.  We spoke for a long time, but a phone conversation was a pale substitute for being at his side in his moment of need and grief.  The inability to be there for my friend weighed heavily upon me.  Shortly after that phone call, I ran into Bruce.  He noticed that something was wrong and inquired.  He then invited me to his room - he was a married student while I was single - so he had a room all his own (while I had two roommates).  He, his wife, and I talked deep into the night about the meaning and the power of friendship.
It would be somewhat of a storybook ending if I could say that this was the
beginning of a lifelong friendship, but in truth I cannot.  As things started to sort themselves out in Israel, with single students in those days living in a Hebrew University dorm, and married students living in apartments, and he being in a different ulpan class than I, and then with him going off to the LA campus and me to New York, we both found ourselves traveling in different social circles and our early friendship morphed into an acquaintanceship.  We drifted apart.  Ships passing in the night.  But through all these years I have carried with me the memories of my very first days at HUC and of Bruce Abrams, the "friend in need," the kind person who reached out a caring hand and heart to this relative stranger.
May his soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life.
Rabbi Henry Jay Karp

Rabbi Bruce and I worked together many years ago when we both were working actively with teens. He at Ner Tamid, I at Mayfield High School. Wow! He was quite a guy and I learned much from him. Knowing his influence and teachings touched many, I am richly blessed to have had his friendship. I am deeply saddened by his death. Hold the memories close.

Dear Sarah,
We are in Florida, and just got the sad news.  Bruce always seemed so hale and hearty and full of life!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this terrible time.
Please accept our deepest sympathy at your loss.
Barry and Eva Sands

Bernice and Burt, Stuart and Heidi and Family - Our heartfelt condolences at this terrible time.  Mom (Jeanne Epstein) and Dick Miller send their love, as well.  Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you through this awful time...  love, Mim (Epstein) and Gary Testen and family


With a twinkling in his eyes and a joie de vivre that is how I will always remember my Rabbi Abrams.

i have always admired rabbi from the first service i attended of his many years ago. he was a unique and gifted philosopher and student of life. he struggled with the demons we all have with wit,humor, and grace. i only wish i had one last time to embrace that something he had one more time, i will in my meditation and prayers. michael feigenbaum

Oh how you will be missed down here but so welcome up there.

Dearest Sarah,

Gil and I are sending all our love and remembering our special week together in Costa Rica last March and the magic of being together and sharing this time with you and Bruce. 

In love and friendship.

Jackie Tait Leebrick and Gil Leebrick

Rabbi Abrams visits us every year when we watch our wedding video, taken 21 plus years ago. We loved his smile, wit and humor. Even though we don't live in Cleveland, we would run into him from time to time while visiting family and for special events.  Such a nice, caring person and a shock to hear of his passing. But the best thing about being on earth is leaving a legacy of love. Godspeed, Bruce ....   

Jeff and Teri Jordan
Delaware, OH

Rabbi Abrahms has been a friend to my family for over 35 years.  He officiated
at my wedding and our family funerals.  He was truly a wonderful person, who gave 100% of himself to helping others and family.   Our deepest sympathy
to you and your family during this very sad time.

Sally - Larry and I extend our deepest sympathy. Bruce was such a special man! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Call if you need anything. Love, Larry and Nancy Trace

We admired Bruce's activism and his willingness to take a stand for peace, tolerance and compassion. We express our sincere condolences to you and your family. His life's work and spirit leave an enduring legacy.

Sarah, You made Bruce's life wonderful.
He was so lucky to share his time with you. We all are. We will all try to be there for you. Love, Shellie

Bruce, his sister Ellen and I all went to elementary school together. I have run into Bruce at various occasions, and was thrilled to see the wonderful things he was doing for the community and for the lives of so many. Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his wife, Sarah, and to his entire family. I am deeply so very sorry!

I am very sorry for your loss. I hope your family find comfort from the God of comfort during this time.

Dear Sally,
We had recently moved in to our home on West Washington St., when we were witness to a beautiful back yard wedding, at the house next door, for you and Bruce. You may recall that Pixie was one of Bruce's Shaker classmates. It's a fond memory for me, and Julie, who was only 3 years old at the time! My condolences to you, your dad, and your children.

As an aging teenage friend of Bruce, I know of few souls who were so full of life and complete goodness.  Our lives crossed as kids and I will treasure the memories of an always playful and exuberant Bruce.  He never forgot our short time together and when I saw him later in life, he was always open, kind and welcoming.  He was a true mensch who always embraced his many friends--old and new.  I will always remember that friendship and know that he is now in the lap of angels, smiling with that irrepressible look that was uniquely Bruce.  God speed, Bruce and love always.

Extremely sad indeed.........he Bar Mitzvah'd both my sons......and was a big influence on them at Ner Tamid.......in fact, my younger son was the first reform Jew ever Bar Mitzvah'd in Cleveland Heights at the Chemple on Euclid Hts. Blvd.......I remember when he took a group of students on a trip to Toronto, including my older son.....he created an atmosphere that brought the kids close to each other, which helped my son, who found this atmosphere more conducive in his early years than the public school. This led to my son becoming more outgoing as he grew older within the public school environment and today the poor kid is just like me...........also, my dad and Bruce's dad were very good friends

Sarah, 
I am stunned and so sad to hear about Bruce.  He was such a unique and special person that touched many people in very meaningful ways.   Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and I am so sorry for your loss.  
Julie and Bill

Rabbi Abrams married us in November 2011  and it was the most wonderful moment. He is an amazing man and we will miss him. Sorry for your loss.

I wish he was back! He was like a second dad to me. I just can't believe that he is not here anymore.He will always be  in the hearts of all of us. Love Sam, 9.

So sorry to hear, Bruce was a great guy!!
Mark Kessler

Sarah,
My heart goes out to you and your family as you mourn the loss of your dearly beloved husband.    I know you will forever treasure countless precious memories shared with Bruce.   I pray such cherished memories twine and intertwine; weave and interweave into your spirit giving you the strength to carry on Bruce's legacy.  I have observed from reading the condolences of many that your Bruce lived a phenomenal life and service to others that was priceless beyond measure.
Blessings,
Linda Cooper

We loved Rabbi Abrams,
He was a wonderful warm human being. I know he will be missed by so many.

We were were very sad to learn of Rabbi  Bruce Abrams passing. He officiated at our wedding 20 years ago. He was a great teacher and my non-Jewish husband learned  much about the religion from the classes that Bruce taught. He will be missed
  Sharon and Terry Boerner

Dear Sarah and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss.  Bruce was an amazing man and I am forever grateful to have met him.  Randy and I feel so fortunate to have spent this past Sunday with you and Bruce.

Bruce was such a warm and charasmatic person.  He will live on through his good deeds and teachings.  My sincerest condolences to Stuart, Sarah, Bert, Bernie, Ellen and your families.

We can only imagine the sorrow of watching your child mourn the loss of her life partner. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and all who have been touched by Bruce's love and concern.

Rabbi Abrams and Sarah shared our joy at granddaughter Susan's wedding ceremony in May and shared our grief at grandson Scott's
funeral service in October.  We are so very sorry for your loss.     Helen and Sheldon Garverick (Lexington, Ohio)

We are so sorry to hear about Bruce. We both liked him. Our thoughts are with you all.  Harold and Shirley Stern

So sorry to hear about Bruce. He touched our family in so many ways throughout the years. The Cayne and Waterman families

Dear Sarah,

I am struck dumb at Bruce's passing and my heart goes out to you, Jesse, David, Bernice, Burt and your extended families for yours and our collective loss. 

Bruce was an exceptional person in so many ways. His enthusiasm, love for humanity, commitment to making extraordinary things happen, and desire to always push the edge, made the world a better and more exciting place.

It was always a wild, fun and exhilarating ride with Bruce. He was a remarkable man and friend and I will miss him dearly.

Sarah, I am so sad.... You and Bruce have both been such an inspiration to my children and to me.  I am grateful to have known him as a friend.

Above all, Bruce was a charmer, and a wonderful teacher.  People followed the trail he blazed, from Cleveland State to Temple Ner Tamid, to St. Alban's, to Cleveland Heights.  There is no way to count the people he led from the margins of doubt, of questioning, from uncertainty--to a sense of belonging.   We are so sorry that he was not given more years here--but he will not be forgotten.  Sarah, may you be able to focus on all of the joy you brought to his life.
Marcia and Monroe Elbrand

Sarah, I am so sad and so sorry for you.  You two inspired my children and me in so many ways, and I am grateful.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

Rabbi Abrams married us 29 years ago, what an  amazing person-Solon Oh

RIP Dear Bruce.  Sarah, David, Jessica and family, our prayers and sympathy are with you.  Love Linda and Ralph

Townsend Learning Center's employees and trainees extend our  deepest  sympathy to Sarah and her family at this sad time.

Bruce you will truly be missed by all that knew you.

I was only just getting to know Bruce, but he did so much for our family this year.  He conducted a wedding ceremony for my daughter in May, then spoke for our family at my son's funeral service in October.  He was battling the disease at the time, but was stronger than the rest of us.  I will miss him very much.

May the love of friends and family, and warm memories of Bruce, carry you through your grief.
Ruth Anne Goldberg and Andy Nikiforovs

Dear Sarah I just heard about the sudden death of Bruce from RuthAnne.  I was deeply struck and know that you must still be in some state of shock. I so want to be with you at this time. As you probably heard  I am now living in Israel-a place that I know Bruce felt so deeply about. I always felt a closeness to him even thought we didn't spend a lot of time togtehr. His welcoming smile will always remain with me. His his graciousness and willingness to share whatever he had or understood with anyone he toiuched or touched him. He will be a great loss to his congregation with out walls. Love  Mel

Bruce's kind spirit will live on in Sarah, his children,his family, and friends as he has touched the lives of all of us in such a meaningful way.

Bruce was an extraordinary man in everything he did. He was loving, giving and caring. We will cherish his memory always. We are all better people for having known Bruce.

Bruce was a gift to this planet. His memory will remain an example of what true goodness is.

OBITUARIO

RABBI Bruce N. Abrams

1 julio, 1948 – 11 enero, 2012

Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel

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