I knew Arlene Z'L,  between 2003-2007.   I was a member of HAVURAT.   Ariella was her new baby & I remember gushing over this adorable child that Arlene was so, so happy about B'H.  Arlene was this radiant woman who lit up the room.  I remember short, but meaningful conversations with her whether at shul or at a kiddush or at a simcha.  She made me smile.  May HASHEM comfort Ariella during this very sad time.  And may we meet again at the final redemption.   Thank you Arlene for shining light in a period of time of my life.   With love, Rochel Chana Berlinger

Dearest Ariella Noa and I are heartbroken to hear about your mom’s passing. She was a lovely, warm , brilliant mensch. I loved our lunches together. You are in our hearts. May her memory be a blessing and may you find comfort knowing how happy you made her. 
Debbie and noa Gruber

I adored Arlene. 

This video was taken at the Jerusalem Post conference a few months ago. As you can see, Arlene’s smile lit up a room. 

Arlene was smart, utterly engaged in the world, she seemed to have boundless energy and passion for the things that mattered. She was fun and  feisty with wicked sense of humor!

Arlene was kind and gentle, an incredible advocate for common sense politics, and a tireless cheerleader for our Jewish community. 

I so looked forward to getting to know her better, to spending meaningful time with her, to  knowing her story.

My heart aches for all who loved her deeply, and who will miss her dearly. 

And to her beloved daughter Ariella for whom Arlene was so proud: Your mother was extraordinary! 

My heart aches too for those of us who were just getting to know this remarkable woman. We were supposed to have dinner this Monday, and I was so excited for what I knew would be an evening of laughter and energetic conversation.

For me, Arlene was this treasure I stumbled across by accident one rainy evening while looking for my new shul. For that chance encounter, I am eternally grateful. 

May Arlene’s memory forever be a blessing.

Sally Ross

Arlene was the driving force behind the Project Inspire Lunch and Learn program.  Right after Covid, she worked on bringing the group of 15 - 25 people back together every 4 to 5 weeks to learn about Judaism and Torah. I was privileged to work with her literally up until her last day as she and I prepared for our class on Thursday. She will be sorely missed.  She was a fine woman, always looking out for the benefit of others.
Tihyeh nishmatah tzor betsurat hachayim, amen

Rabbi Max Anteby

I have known her for over 30 years,even though we were not close friends; the love and dedication she gave for her daughter, the community, Israel and yes even the Jewish Republican Club was spectacular; I was shocked to here of her sudden death apparently while on vacation in Europe last evening; unfortunately g-d's power and wrath-good or bad is beyond our control; may she rest in peace and hopefully her daughter will do well ;  '

Moshe Braunstein, life-long Forest Hills Resident;

I knew Arlene through my very close friends Jillian and Ellen. I hadn’t seen her in a while, but I enjoyed time spent with her and fondly remember some Shabbat dinners where we all got together, bumping into her around Forest Hills, and of course babysitting her sweet daughter when I was just a teen. Arlene was always so smart and funny.  I admire all she did on behalf of the causes she cared about, and especially for the Jewish people. She will be missed!

I remember Arlene"ah always with a smile on her face. When we met on the street she would  ask how I was doing and about my children. I know how proud she was of Ariella and all her accomplishments. I always admired her decision to have  a child  and raise her on her own. Twenty plus years ago it was not as common as it is now.  Arlene marched to the beat of her own drummer. She lived her life on her own terms. She was devoted to Havurat Yisrael and participated in most of the programs. I used to see her once a month at Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Levitt. She contributed her thoughts and was not afraid to speak her mind. I suggested to Rabbi Levitt that we dedicate the New Lunch and Learn to her memory. She will be sorely missed. The world is not the same without her!

Rachel Epstein

This comes as a terrible shock. Arlene Ross was a good friend and co-religionist and we often shared many thoughts and had similar feelings about the love we have pertaining to Israel and our fellow Jews wherever they happen to live. Arlene was an active person in regard to her love for Judaism and it never failed to come up in every conversation we had. I will miss her very much and she will forever be in my memory.

Arlene Ross a”h is so deeply missed. I give my deepest condolences to her family and friends, especially her daughter Ariella. Arlene and I shared a special journey, receiving the gift of parenthood from our daughters as single mothers. Ariella was born about 10 months before my daughter and Arlene was a big cheerleader for my endeavor and a big supporter. When I went to Guatemala to meet my daughter for the first time, my suitcase was filled with Ariella’s clothes which no longer fit her. I will never forget that we each experienced this most wonderful journey of motherhood in parallel, as we raised our beautiful daughters to adulthood. Ariella, even though we have not been in touch with you recently, Racheli and I are here for you.

I also deeply admired Arlene on a community level. She always showed intelligence, passion, and determination to stand up for what was best for the Jewish people and for both Israel and America. She never followed the crowd, she never became part of the shallow extremism that surrounds us. She stood steadfast for what she thought was right and argued respectfully for the best course of action. We will be greatly diminished by the loss of her voice in that discourse. 

I am just so deeply saddened by this loss as I know we all are. I just can’t stop thinking of her and her unique contributions to all her knew her. May her memory always be a blessing and an inspiration.

Baruch Dayan ha'Emet!!
    
 What a tragic loss for Arlene's beautiful family and dedicated group of friends! Sending my most sincere condolences to her loved ones. 
     I had the privilege of knowing Arlene, a"h, for nearly a year. We were both members of a unique, warm, singles' group, Events With Friends. I can honestly say that Arlene was a genuine, kind, caring human being... a "gutte neshama".  Always a smile on her face, she would engage in friendly and meaningful conversations.  Arlene, a"h, was inclusive and looked to find the good in others. And everyone saw the good in her.
     May her family find comfort in the myriad treasured memories during this emotionally difficult time. May all your future joys far exceed any sorrow. 
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי  ציון וירושלים

With deepest sympathy,
Jodie Schachter
(Avenel, NJ)

I remember marching with Russel Siegel and Arlene in at least 3 different Israeli Day Parades in NYC . Arlene 's commitment to Israel and the Jewish people inspired the best in me! 
Her neshma should have an Aliyah, and her family should be comforted!

Binyomin Magden

I am so very sorry for the sudden loss of your Mom. She was a vibrant and brilliant woman and will be missed .
Chani Herstic

Gonna miss her.  Vivacious.  Her drive in serving the community.  Her humor.  Intellect.  Love for her daughter live for klal Israel.  She was a force of nature , effective  and real friend.  Baruch Dayan emet

OBITUARY

Arlene J. Ross a"h

April 2, 1958 – July 15, 2026

Schwartz Brothers-Jeffer Memorial Chapels

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