It is now nearly 7 years since Judah's passing, but I only recently found out about his death. I was Judah's counselor/madricha on mach hach baaretz bus 13 in 2005. Judah was an unforgettable chanich. Of course he shared his magic with us at any opportunity, but also his easygoing kindness put everyone around him at ease. Being a counselor from Toronto on a New York his was culturally difficult. I did not totally 'get' the Frisch/ramaz/new York 'thing', but Judah made everything easier. He was respectful, funny, and so much fun. That summer feels so far away now, and so much of it is a blur for me, but Judah continues to stand out. Hamakom yenachem etchem. 

I am a second-year law student at Berkeley Law.  I had the opportunity to meet Judah earlier in my law school career.  I remember shaking his hand.

Although that was the extent of my interaction with him, I feel a deep sadness for the loss of a colleague and someone whom I could have shared a classroom with.  We did share a school and many friends.  I am so sorry for the loss of a young person, a brilliant and thoughtful mind, and a life force that was felt here at Berkeley Law and would have been felt in many other places both near and far.

Please accept my condolences.

I will never forget the day Judah came to our Berkeley Law legislation course with a full on power rangers costume. Put a smile on all of our faces. I appreciated his kindness and joyful spirit. Rest in peace, Judah.

Judah was a big part of my childhood growing up.  We grew up on the same street as kids and we rode the yellow school bus together everyday to high school, from Teaneck to Manhatten and back.  I often had the pleasure of sitting next to Judah on these long journeys.  He always made you feel happy like he truly enjoyed being in your company.  He was always interesting and had something nice to say.  He was two grades above me in school but he always went out of his way to greet me with a big hello in the hallways.  I remember hiim always smiling and how he greeted everyone with the same genuinely kind and accepting demenor.  If I were to revisit my childhood home now he would be one of the very first people I would want to see again.  He had an excitment and enthusiasm for life that is so refreshing and contageous.  May his memory be a blessing and his family comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and we will see Judah again with the coming of Moshiach may it be now and without delay.

Judah lived two doors to the right in Manville Apartments and was a 1L during my LL.M. year. He was indeed a bright soul. His open wide smile was always there to greet me, no matter what. It was so heartwarming to meet him in the corridors. He was also a proud Jew always willing to have meaningful conversations and exchange points of view respectfully. We never spoke again after I returned to Brazil, but I do have fond memories of him. I was deeply saddened by the news of his passing. I congratulate his family for raising such a good person, and I offer my heartfelt condolences. May the Almighty comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

I didn't know Judah well, but in the few times I had to speak to him at Chabad it was clear that he was a very sharp and kind person. Always clearly describing his views and ideas, he was a joy to listen to and have a conversation with. 
I know losing someone so young is terribly difficult - take time to grieve and speak about him often.

I remembered Judah from Yavneh Academy and was so happy to run into him on the Berkeley campus nearly 20 years later. It was great to see him wearing a yamaka on campus where only a handful of people on campus do. Really made me smile

We shared memories and bonded over Judaism at the Hillel and Chabad - we talked about heading over to Berkeley and family back in Teaneck and fair lawn. It was great to see a familiar face in on the other side of the country.

It is truly shocking to hear the news of his passing. Baruch Dayan Emes. I wish the family and in particular his brother Gabe comfort and strength through this tough time. So sorry for this terrible loss.

Dear Nina and Zvi ,
Our hearts are heavy with sorrow and sadness and words cannot express how we feel about your loss!
We remember Judah as a cute, vivacious ,energetic, always smiling and full of energy and spirits  boy in the early days at Yavneh academy where David and Judah became friends. They had so much fun together and we enjoyed Judah's visits for play dates  to our home and David, in turn, always looked forward to visiting your welcoming family.
May the memories of your special and precious son lighten the load of your sorrow and pain.
With deepest sympathy,
Basya and Dan Marcus


family

Dear Zvi, family and community.
Would that all who love and respect you and Judah could each shoulder a fraction of your sorrow to lighten the load.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I was the planning committee member for Berkeley's annual Holocaust Remembrance Day event who, on Rabbi Gil's advice, got Judah to be our "grandchild of a survivor." His eloquence, clear love of his family, understanding of his place in history, and stories - what stories! - stole the show, so to speak. He made us all both laugh and cry. There will never be another Judah. May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem...jane falk

My son went to UC Berkeley and knew Judah well. The news of his death is devastating and has touched more lives than you will ever know. Mr. & Mrs. Marans, rest in the fact that you raised a Good Man. He was accepting of all people and loved purely. Though gone too soon, his influence will live on. Thanks for the gift of your son who left the world better than he found it. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Judah was a student in my Contracts class in the spring of his first year in law school.  I got to know him fairly well during the semester for he came by my office frequently and spoke often in class.  We stayed in touch after the semester, including several long  conversations this fall.

Judah lit up when we talked about ideas, particularly ideas that bear on fundamental questions about the nature of humans and how we interrelate.  The contracts casebook I use has introductory readings of a philosophical nature that touch on these questions.  Most students skim over these readings.  Judah pored over them, digging insights out of them I had missed.  Often when he came by during the semester it was to talk about how these insights related to the new material we were covering.

At some point during several of our conversations this fall, I would steer the discussion to topics of the sort Judah and I had begun talking about years earlier.  He would light up.

I can only echo what others have said about Judah's personal qualities.  He was a truly kind person with a gentle sense of humor.   

My condolences to his family and friends.

I am a lecturer in residence at Berkeley Law, and got to know Judah only a little bit. He was a smart, kind and unique individual.  I thought you might appreciate this photo of Judah with the moot court team that he coached.

I was so saddened to hear the terrible news. Though we had not been in touch over the last few years, Judah's smile, caring nature and passion helped him stand out amongst the talmidei hayeshiva.
Min HaShamayim Tenachemu

Judah and I had an on-and-off chevrutah in Gemara at Brandeis. We continued learning over skype occasionally after I graduated in 2008. Judah was one of the smartest, most focused people I learned with. Getting through a difficult passage of Talmud can sometimes feel like a chore; never so when I was learning with Judah. With Judah, it was always exciting and invigorating - Talmud was a challenge or adventure. He always had sharp questions, and a fresh, new way of looking at a piece of text. I will miss him sorely.

Nina and Zvi,

We are friends of both your sisters Aliza and Michelle.  Although we weren't privileged to know Judah in person, all we have heard is of a sensitive special young man. Our hearts hurt knowing the magnitude of the loss you are feeling. Wishing you and your families much Nechama and strength.
Stacie and Zvi Rottenstreich

I knew Judah very well at Brandeis, and was lucky to call him a friend. I am so sad as I write this. I will always remember Judah as vibrant, passionate, well spoken, and caring. A true mensch. Every time I saw him he'd greet me (and many others) with a smile, a warm handshake or hug, and a sage piece of advice, often from the Torah or Talmud. One teaching still sticks with me six years later and will likely stay with me forever. Judah often quoted Rabbi Hillel saying: "  ,   " (In a place where there are no men, strive to be a man.) He interpreted it to mean when no one is doing something, you do it yourself. Don't be afraid to lead. Be fearless, be passionate and do what is right. Judah embodied these principles and made the world a better place. He also inspired countless others to do the same. Judah's legacy will live on through the acts of those he inspired. May his memory be for a blessing.

I know the Marans family from many years ago when they attended the Mountain Lodge Park Jewish Congregation near Monroe, NY for several summers.  Zvi and his brothers were children then.  As things came full circle, my son, Josh, befriended Judah a few years ago when they worked out together at the Teaneck gym for the summer. I met Judah once or twice when he visited our home.  I was very happy that my son had met such a nice and sweet Jewish friend here in Teaneck. We send our condolences to the entire Marans family.  Rosalie, Cal and Josh

I didn't know Judah well and only met him on one occasion but I will never forget it. It was at a mixer for the UC Jewish Societies hosted at Hastings. I was pondering over the raffle and Judah came up and introduced himself. Within minutes we were discussing my proposed area of interest and his excitement at the fertility law/ family law cases meant he instantly grabbed one of the law books in the raffle to look up a case that he believed I would find interesting and helpful. I remember thinking what a remarkable soul, so confident, knowledgable and friendly . He was a truly special person and that was clear from the 20 minutes that we spent getting to know one another and discussing various aspects of family law. I was truly saddened to read of Judah's passing and my thoughts are with his family at this time. I wish his family long life.

Although I didn't know Judah as an adult, our paths first crossed when he was a young teenager entertaining my young daughter's friends as a magician at her birthday party.  He captivated his audience with his infectious smile and talent and made my daughter feel quite important on her special day. She remembers him from that day as do I and the memory of him performing his magic tricks for her will forever bring a smile to our faces.  

Years later, we met again on a NORPAC mission and I was so pleased to see him and talk to him as an adult.

I am so sorry for your loss.

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. 

Although I met Judah only briefly at Eric's birthday party last year, I am thankful for having interacted with as beautiful a soul as he was and presence that he will continue to be in the lives of everyone who knew him.  

My deepest condolences.  I am sending all my love to Judah's family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have met him.

While living in the Manville apartments I had the pleasure of knowing Judah. He made my second and third year of law school brighter and more bearable. I fondly remember discussing the concept of "chavruta" with him one afternoon at school. We shared classes and had many other thought-provoking conversations during that time. He always asked very insightful questions during class. Judah was a kind, intelligent, articulate, funny, upstanding, passionate, and dedicated individual. I admired his commitment to his faith and to his studies and I feel privileged and fortunate to have known him. I was most saddened by his passing and I can only offer my sincere condolences to his family for this great loss.

Dear Nina and Zvi,
I was extremely sorry to learn of Judah's untimely passing. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family on your devastating loss. Please know that my thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Warmly, Karen

I'll never forget Judah's hilarious and regal portrayal of the Mikado! My deepest condolences to all of Judah's friends and families, may you find comfort among each other and in the ways Judah touched your lives.

I had the pleasure of taking a course at Berkeley Law with Judah. I was impressed by Judah's intelligence, and even more than that, his originality. He often had a different take on things and did not hesitate to share his views--which really enriched the discussions. He also had a really wonderful spirit--a quirky sense of humor and a playful exuberance--which was deeply refreshing. In short, he seemed like a very deep and original thinker, but also a really fun guy who didn't take himself too seriously. That's a special and rare combination, and I'm grateful that I got to be his colleague, even if only for a short time.

I can only imagine the terrible pain that Judah's friends and family must be experiencing after losing him. I wish them healing and peace, and hope that the beauty of Judah's life will provide some comfort in this dark time.

Dear Zvi and Nina,
My deepest sympathies to you both and to your children, siblings and parents. I hope you will find comfort over time in your loving memories and with the support of your beautiful family.
With love, 
Janice Russo Tanner

Judah took one of my courses last year and was a delight to have in class. He stopped by office hours several times to discuss political and social topics. Judah was a sensitive person, an excellent conversationalist, and he had a genuine commitment to remedying injustice. Both his faith and having meaningful relationships were important to him. His short life was led with so much purpose. I will miss him.

My name is Ana and as an LLM student of Berkeley, I had the pleasure to take a class with Judah.

Even though we only talked a couple of times, I had the impression that he was a really smart, kind and faithful person.

My sincere condolences to his family in this moment.

Although I only met Judah a few times, I have beautiful memories of conversations with him. I just started at Berkeley Law this past year and Judah was kind and welcoming to me, freely giving advice and opinions on which professors to take and in which activities to be involved. We spoke at dinners and events hosted by the Boalt Jewish Student Association and I always appreciated his friendliness and willingness to include everyone around him in conversations. His presence will be missed. 

Zichrono levracha. I am so glad to have known Judah and feel blessed even though it was only for a few months.

Our thoughts are with you at this terribly difficult time. With love,

Zvi and Nina
I just saw through Facebook about this terrible tragedy
I only hope that your memories and love and family and friends help
You through this terrible loss
My warmest thoughts are with you
Warmly Tina Guberman

My deepest sympathy to Judah's friends and family. I know him only from the library at Berkeley Law, where I work and he studied. We kept in touch because he always had fascinating research questions, and he loved digging just a little deeper to get to the root of a matter. I expected I'd miss him after graduation, of course. I did not expect this sad circumstance.

Dear Nina, Zvi and the entire family,
Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Sincere condolences to all of you.
With love, SueAnn and Steven Levin

I was stunned to read of Judah's death this morning.  The loss of someone so young and promising is beyond comprehension. My heart goes out to Nina and Tzvi,Judah's siblings and all the Marans family, especially Arnold and Zipporah.

We are deeply saddened to learn of your heartbreaking loss. May the caring presence of loving family and supportive friends provide some comfort to you during this terrible time of grieving for your beloved son.
Your Warwick Ave neighbors,
Elaine & Stephen Cohen

Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Jack Rubin, Greta Rubin & Richard Schwartz
(sephardic temple of cedarhurst)

Zvi and Nina, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.  Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Barukh Dayan Emet.  This is heartbreaking news.  May you find comfort in your memories of Judah.

Min HaShamayim Tenuhamu. We are much saddened by the untimely passing of Judah. We extend condolences to the entire family.

I am so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. 
It's an unbearable loss. 
Much love to Nina,  Vicki,  Michelle and the entire family.

Dear Marans family,

Please accept my deepest condolences. I knew Judah from Chabad at UC Berkeley. In fact, he was the first person to introduce himself to me when I attended my first Chabad Board meeting. It was that friendliness and welcoming spirit that made Judah a true pillar of the Jewish community at Cal. 

He never missed an opportunity to make us laugh, to amaze us with a magic trick, to expound on the Constitution, or to discuss Talmud. He was a truly remarkable young man-- witty, intelligent, and with an infectious smile. Judah was one of a kind and we will never forget him. 

May his memory be for a blessing. 

Baruch Dayan HaEmet

I was fortunate to overlap in time with Judah in Camp Moshava, Eretz Hatzvi, and Berkeley Law School. In all of these places, I've always valued my conversations with Judah. We shared mainly intellectual discussions: of law, Judaism, and philosophy. Judah always engaged with me in kindness, brilliance, openness, and respect. I was so happy to see Judah again at law school, after years had gone by, and see a witty, insightful, compassionate, and engaged law student. I will miss him terribly. I wish his family my deepest condolences.

Judah message me almost 3 years ago, to the day, on Facebook. We had not spoken in 4 years but he felt like "checking in." We met during a weird time in both of our lives but during the years after, I thought about him occasionally, looking at his photos, seeing him smile. I remember him as a young, fun-loving boy, excited and nervous about going to college. Always smiling and ready for an adventure, it pleased to me to view his Facebook, and see these posts today that confirmed he was doing something great with his life. No longer a boy, and clearly a confident man, it is with great sadness that I hear of his passing. My thoughts are with the Marans family during this really difficult time, and I look forward to one day "checking in" with him again.

Our hearts are broken for your loss. Hold on tight to the memories you have.
We will hold all,of you in our thoughts and prayers. 
Jayne & David Petak

I am very sorry for your loss. Judah and I were in high school together. I have fond memories of him being a truly kind person, full of energy and creative ideas. May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. May you know no more sorrow.

We were devastated to learn of your loss.  I remember Judah at our home at Ariel's bar mitzvah - and he was a warm, intelligent and charming young man  May you find comfort in knowing what a wonderful young man he was - and may his memory be a blessing for all of you.  Norma, Hagai and Ariel Blum

Nina, your entire family is in the Burstein family's thoughts

My deepest condolences. I did not know Judah as well as I would have liked, but I remember that when I transferred to Brandeis he was the warmest person that I had met. On many occasions he would willingly offer to help me get acclimated with the school, students and his friends. He would also always keep me up-to-date on the various events around campus and invite me to any and all social functions that he'd attend. I will forever be grateful for all the help that he offered me, he's a true mensch.

Dear Nina and Zvi. It is devastating to comprehend this news . We  hold you and your family in our prayers and thoughts and ache with you . Our love to aunt Vicky.

Dear Zvi and the entire Marans family, my heart breaks for your loss and my condolences are with you during this terrible time.

Dear Marans family, 

Baruch Dayan emet.  Judah was one of my great friends at Brandeis. Unfortunately I have not had a chance to talk to him much since he's moved to Berkley for law school but he will absolutely be missed. 

Best Regards, 

Evan

Judah was a "gute neshamah" whose sweetness and goodness was as wide and  deep as his prodigious intellect. I thought of him often after he left Eretz HaTzvi and was thrilled when he came back to visit and I got the sense that he was living a happy life. Words cannot bear the weight of sadness I feel at this tragic loss and I can only hope that my memory of him will always be of the moments when his face would light up with his wonderful smile. 
HaShem yenachem etchem ...

So sorry to hear of Judah's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May the wonderful memories of this incredible young man be a comfort to you forever & always. Sending much love from Baltimore- Nina ( the 'other one') & family Xoxox

I did not know Judah well but I enjoyed the conversations we had. We went to Brandeis together and interacted on the debate team and in a few other contexts. I remember one night at Brandeis when I was feeling somewhat isolated and alone I ran into Judah. He made me feel like I mattered. Judah was funny, caring, and intelligent. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet him.

Words can not express how sorry I am for your loss.

Debby and I are so saddened by this shocking and untimely loss. May Judah's memory serve to inspire you and console you as you move forward. Hamakom Yinachem Etchem

I so enjoyed watching Judah's 8th grade graduation play - he was so talented, an amazing actor. So glad I got to know him. I am so sorry for your loss.

I only knew Judah for a short time while we lived down the hall from each other at Brandeis in 2009-2010, still it is hard to believe he is gone. He was an indispensable part of my undergraduate experience and one of the nicest persons I have ever met. He was always ready to stop and offer help to those around him. Judah made the world around him a much better place, and his contributions to his community such as the Law Journal will live on after him.

From kids playing in the yard on Pennington Rd to debating politics over shabbat lunch as adults, I enjoyed every moment I ever spent with Judah. He was one of the sweetest and most genuine friends I ever had the pleasure of knowing. My deepest condolences to the entire Marans family.  

Hamakom yenachem etchem b'toch sha'ar avy'lay tzion v'yerushalayim.

It's so incredibly difficult to process Judah's passing. I lived next door to him for the first two years of his law school, and he was one of the most energetic and lively people I've ever met. He was funny and unique, and I know he had a good heart. He was so passionate about law and justice, and those beliefs came out through his actions. I will do my best to carry these beliefs until the end of my days to honor Judah; his time here in this world, however short, has made it a better place. My condolences to all of his family and friends.

I got to know Judah very well the last two years. In fact, I've never known a student more deeply than Judah, which is testament to how open was his heart. We had long and heartfelt talks. He was so caring. He was blessed with a brilliant mind, unshakable values, and a deep love for and attachment to his family. You must be very special people. Just three days before his passing we talked about you. He spoke so warmly of you, all you meant to him, and what you had done to support him through his struggles. He deeply appreciated you. May you all find peace in knowing that you did all you humanly could. We all wish we could have done more for him, but sometimes all humanly efforts are destined to fall short. He has been constantly in my thoughts, not just for the last two days but for the last two weeks. I will truly miss him.

I am so sorry for your loss. I met Judah while on a Habitat for Humanity build trip to New Orleans one year while in college.  He was so vibrant and full of joy. We stayed at the same location and he quickly bonded with our group through this crazy game called Jungle Speed. Even though I only got to spend a week with Judah, I knew he was this amazing young man who could bring sunshine to even the darkest of places. He will be deeply missed.

It is with great sadness I send my sympathies to the entire Marans family. Rabbi and Ziporah were so proud of all their grandchildren, we just shared photographs. My hearts are broken for you. Debbie Friedman Schoenau

 I will always remember Judah's infectious smile.  He lit up what ever room he entered.  My deepest sympathy to the family.

Although I met Judah one time when he visited us one Shabbat afternoon in Brooklyn as a young teenager he made quite an impression. He had a sense of humor that was beyond his years! Nina, Zvi and all the Marans-Kampler Families--my sincerest condolences on your loss. Baruch Dayan HaEmet. 
Sara Brickman, Staten Island, NY

There are no words for such an untimely loss. 

I will always remember Judah's kindness, intelligence, and tenacity.

judah was one of those people with a permanent smile on his face. that's what i remember most.

Dearest Nina and Family,
Sometimes there are no words. Eli and I are sending hugs to your entire family, with an extra hug for your mom who is now our neighbor.  Hashem Natan , Hashem Lakach.  May He grant you all strength and comfort at this very challenging time.

My deepest sympathy for your entire family.
I'm heartbroken for you and your family Zvi.
No words can ease the pain but may Judah's memory be a blessing.
Jay Kashkin

"I will always remember his warmth in connecting to the kids at Bnei Yeshuren as a group counselor, not only did he use his physical magical abilities but his personal magical gifts to connect to so many-- he was a real treasure"

Dear Nina, Zvi, Gabe and Missy, and Siblings,

Saddened does not quite capture how we all feel upon hearing of the heartbreaking and sudden loss of your beautiful son Judah...

David so enjoyed talking with Judah on the Courthouse Steps with the NAACP, and we both did as your entire family gathered in pride and joy for Zvi at this year's Annual Meeting... 

There really are no words...just know how much we care, and we understand how confusing things can get with probing senseless questions... None of that matters at this moment, only that Judah is no longer here, and you yearn for his voice and presence in your lives. May Judah's memory forever be a Blessing.

We send you love, and the warm embrace of extended family.
We are here for you    
Gale , David, Evan and Perry
xxoo

We are so sorry for your loss. The whole Marans family is in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in this difficult time.

Baruch Dayan HaEmet.

I will always remember Judah as a very thoughtful and enthusiastic individual. I'm so sorry for you loss. Baruch Dayan Haemet

Dear Zvi and Marans family,
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your beloved son, Judah. How terrible for you all with condolences 

Michael Weiner

Words can not express. I am heartbroken. He was such a special person. Have great memories of him.Baruch Dayan Haemet.

Our hearts are broken for the tremendous loss of Judah. May your entire family know no more sorrow.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Judah was a camper of mine many years ago in Camp Moshava. He was a very smart and friendly child and we all loved him. 
May Hashem comfort you among the mourners of Jerusalem

We were so saddened to hear of your loss.  You are in our hearts and prayers.  May Judah's memory be for a blessing.

Baruch Dayan HaEmet

No further words suffice

Seryl and Elliot Goldofsky and family

We are very sorry for your loss. May your family have no more sorrows. May we only share simchas together.

My deepest condolences  our prayer are with your family our heart goes out to you

All of us at Yeshivat Eretz HaTzvi are heart broken to hear this terrible news.

Judah once asked to enter my Constitutional Law class wearing a Power Rangers costume.  His plan was to run up and down the aisle of the classroom imitating a Power Rangers character.  Against my better judgment, I reluctantly acceded to his request and I am really glad I did.  The happiness and joy that the silly occasion brought to Judah and others in the classroom was so very worth it and even more so now that I know Judah is no longer with us.  While sadness fills my heart right now, I will never forget Judah's gleeful smile from that day as he walked by the podium triumphantly as the class applauded.  Nor will I forget the many chats after class or during office hours about things I understood well and not so well.  I'm not sure I was ever able to adequately answer Judah's incredibly thoughtful questions or to always follow Judah's brilliant lines of thought, but I will always cherish his kindness to me and others, his curiosity about seemingly everything, and his extraordinary desire to live life to the fullest.  I will be forever proud to have had Judah as my student.  May you rest in peace Judah.

Judah, I miss you very much. Thank you for being a friend to me when I met you at Manville. I really miss you.

A message from the Boalt Jewish Students Association, December 23, 2015

 

It is with great sadness that we learned today about the loss of our beloved Judah Marans, zl.  Beyond having a brilliant legal mind, Judah was also a loyal and loving friend, a respected classmate, and a person who sought to shed light to the world.  To his very core, Judah was a proud Jew, someone who loved Judaism, who had grown up in a Jewish household and received a Jewish education, and who could be seen in the halls of Boalt with a kippah proudly affixed to his head.  In a part of the world where secularism has so often prevailed, Judah's depth of Jewish wisdom was a rarity and a prized jewel for our Jewish community.

 

Judah was more than someone who was simply proud of his heritage.  For us as leaders of the Jewish community at Boalt, Judah was a Godsend as someone who took it upon himself to be a vessel of Jewish light and to shed that light on the community.  By his very essence, he was a conduit of Kiddush hashem, of God's holiness. In partnership with Judah and with Chabad, last year the BJSA launched our first ever Talmud study course, with Judah in partnership with Rabbi Gil Leeds of Chabad as co-teachers.  To see Judah the student become Judah the Jewish sage was a sight to behold  in every class, his beautiful mastery of Talmudic language, structure, and argumentation left his pupils not only in awe of his expertise, but enriched by his visible, almost tangible pure love of his heritage and of his fellow Jews.  It was a love of Jewish history and its pearls of wisdom that he hoped would permeate the beings of his students.

 

Judah loved the Jewish community regardless of its orientation, and each Jew regardless of denomination.  A descendant of generations of renowned Conservative Jewish thinkers, Judah was a pluralist, someone who sought to break down the walls of those who divided us and to create a spirit of oneness in the Jewish community. With everything that he did at Berkeley, Judah helped us as a Jewish community to strive for that goal.

 

May that spirit of love and light be instilled in all of us, and may we too become vessels of Judah's light for the rest of our Boalt careers and beyond. 

 

As part of that spirit, the Boalt Jewish Students Association will be creating a Judah Marans Memorial Committee to ensure that Judah's spirit and love of Judaism lives long after his passing.  If you are interested in being a part of this committee to keep Judah's memory alive at Boalt, please e-mail Mark Donig at mdonig@berkeley.edu or Michelle Peleg at mapeleg@berkeley.edu.

 

In the spirit of Judah's love of Torah and love of teaching Jewish wisdom, a final thought from our sages.

 

It is said that when Hashem came to us at Sinai to offer us his Torah, the Jewish people responded: Na'aseh v'Nishmah  literally, we will do, and we will hear. The Talmud asks us: why is it that the Jewish people first expressed their commitment to fulfill Hashem's commandments, (Na'aseh) even before knowing what Hashem was to ask of us (v'Nishmah)  as opposed to saying Nishmah v'Na'aseh  We will first hear, and only then we will do?

 

God's answer, the Talmud says, is telling.  God responds with joy, Who disclosed to My children the mystery performed by My ministering angels?  as it is said , Bless the Lord, ye angels of Histhat fulfill His word, hearing unto the voice of His word (Psalm 103:20)  first the doing and then the hearing.

 

What is it about the Jewish people's response that so overjoys God, that he knows that this response has made us deserving of his Torah? Our sages teach us that our response shows that we as a people understand that to know God's law, to pray to God, to be a person of faith  Nishmah  is indeed a critical part of our work as Jews.  But we are a people of action  of Na'aseh.  Our work is to spread God's light.  We are not just people of God. We are commanded, here on earth, to be Godly  to bring, through our actions, God's presence among us, so that holiness dwells between us.

 

How do we know that our actions to our fellow humans, and not just our faith, bring out Godliness and God's presence?  It is written that in the Holy of Holies, just above the Ark of the Covenant, there were two cherubim (human-like sculpture forms) who stood facing one another.  They stood as symbols of God's divine presence and power.  It is said that from between those two cherubim, was where God appeared and directly communicated to Moses. 

 

Where was God's dwelling place on earth? Not within the tablets, and not within the cherubim  but between them.  This is where God finds earthly presence  between human and human, not within us.  Not through our faith or our devotion, but through the action that our faith inspires.  God's presence exists between us, in how we bring Godliness to each other. It is between us  through our actions here, through our interconnectedness and interrelationships, and our acts of loving kindness to one another  that brings out God's presence.  Nishmah  yes, we must learn, and understand  but first, Na'aseh  first and foremost, we must act with love toward each other.

 

Judah, you were a Jew, in your name and in your being, who acted with love and with deeds of loving kindness toward all fellow Jews, no matter what their background, what their heritage, what their denomination.  You were a Jew who brought heavenly presence down to earth. Na'aseh v'Nishmah. You were a man of action, not separate from your faith but because of it. Your kindness towards all of us, Na'aseh. Your willingness to spread your love of Judaism, Na'aseh. Your words of Torah, Na'aseh. That kippah always upon your head, Na'aseh. Na'aseh  your action  v'nishmah  and your understanding  found unity in how you lived, and how you brought heavenly presence between yourself and others.

 

May all of us who have been so lucky to know you and be touched by you, also be wise and loving enough of each other to continue to share the light that you so faithfully channeled from your Maker. May we as Jews, as Yehudim  people of Judah  be a people not only of Nishmah, of understanding, but a people of Na'aseh  a people of loving action. May we bring Judah's memory to our own actions, and in so doing, bring Hashem's presence to earth  not only within ourselves, but between each other.

 

Judah Aaron Marans, zl, May your memory be a blessing.

         may God console your family and loved ones among the mourners of Zion. 

 

Judah, our friend  we will see to it that your legacy is not forgotten. We love you, just as you loved us.

 

With love,

 
The Boalt Jewish Students Association

My sincerest condolences to Judah's family-- he was such a special person, and an invaluable member of our community at Berkeley. I won't forget his tremendous passion, knowledge, and sense of humor, and know that he will be sorely missed by so many.

Baruch Dayan Ha'emet; I am so sorry for your loss.

My heart breaks with yours. I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words of comfort I can offer, there is nothing to say to ease the pain. May you find support in each other and the love our community has for you.

It has been my pleasure and privilege to know Judah, and he is sorely missed. My sincere condolences to you all!

Please accept by most heartfelt condolences. I loved Judah. He was one of the sweetest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. A pure heart. I will miss him so much. My heart goes out to the Marans family.

Baruch Dayan Ha'emet

OBITUARY

Judah Aaron Marans

December 29, 1987 – December 22, 2015

Gutterman and Musicant Jewish Funeral Directors

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