Life Cycle Announcements

A sighting of seven cranes is a special mitzvah

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PAULA AMAR SCHWARTZ

Paula Amar Schwartz died on October 30, 2024, skipping out to join her husband Mel Schwartz for cocktails after casting her ballot before the election.

Paula will be remembered fondly by her family and by everyone in the community for her great love of life. We were deeply enriched by her presence, her good works, her poetry, her leadership. She became a film producer and produced Challah Rising in the Desert (2018) and A Long Journey: The Hidden Jews of the Southwest (2020). She and Mel founded the Aaron David Bram Hillel House at the University of New Mexico in memory of their son who died too young. She led classes in meditation, poetry, and writing here and on the Jersey Shore. She had a wonderful home that she and Mel enjoyed for many years, always announcing the arrival of the figs on her patio, the Sandhill cranes in the fields, and when there was snow for skiing. She had many other accomplishments, including her leading contributions in the field of psychology.

Paula was preceded in death by her husband Mel and her son Aaron. She is survived by her children Adam Bram (Margot), Alix Amar (Linda), François Amar, Jacques, Arthur Schwartz, Fredric Schwartz, and Joshua Schwartz, and grandchildren Naomi Bram, Reed Bram, Zachary Stritzinger, and Nathaniel Stritzinger.

Messages of condolence may be addressed to:
Adam and Margot Bram
1457 West Lamplighter Lane
North Wales, PA 19454

Zichrona livracha - May Paula’s memory be for a blessing.
January 9, 1934 to October 30, 2024

Shiva Gathering - to tell stories about Yael - Sunday October 13th 5-7 pm at Nahalat Shalom.

**Visit Mary E. Carter at:** **https://www.mary-carter.com/index.html**

**Read "****Marco Polo Didn't Have a Guidebook: Judith Fein Goes Deep in Exploring New Mexico**"

Lion of Judah Rising Painting by Hannah (Annie) Furie Taos, NM
acrylic on canvas 20 x 16 inches. Lion of Judah Rises is a piece that was inspired by watching a cloud building over the mesa in Taos. The vision became transformed in the studio and emerged as the Lion of Judah arising and is a symbol for the Jewish people rising to meet the current challenge of anti-Israel and anti-Jewish sentiment we are seeing now.

Hannah (Annie) Furie is an American/Israeli artist living in Taos, NM. Vist on Facebook at Hannah Furie Fine Arts. \

On the occasion of her 90th birthday, Paula Amar Schwartz published another book of her poetry, Parallel Universe. Art © by Norma Jones.

Parallel Universes by Paula Schwartz - p. 33 - Tree of Life On Celebrating Tu B'shevat

The 2024 '40 Under 40' Albuquerque Business First class includes Miles Wolf, VP, business banker, First Citizens Bank, selected for professional achievement, contributions to community, leadership skills. Contributed by proud parents Phyllis and David Wolf.

Anya Zindel Lipkowitz is graduating with honors and her BA in Communications, minoring in English from the University of Puget Sound on May 5, 2024. Anya hopes to pursue a career in public health campaigning. Anya is an alumna of Solomon Schecter Day School of Albuquerque and Albuquerque Academy. Contributed by her parents Stephanie and Stuart Lipkowitz.

Recipient of the 2023 Annual Hurst Award from the New Mexico Jewish Historical Society, Dianne Layden, a semi-retired professor, has served the New Mexico Jewish Historical Society in several capacities since 2013 -- as board member, editor of the **Legacy** **newsletter, author of articles in** **Legacy**, presenter at fall conferences and educational programs, portrayer of Ruth Bader Ginsburg sponsored by the New Mexico Humanities Council for the 2023 NMJHS annual meeting at the JCC, and author of the upcoming 2024 booklet about Temple Montefiore in Las Vegas, NM, to celebrate its purchase by the Jewish Community of Las Vegas, Inc., from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.

First Night Seder April 22nd at the Jewish Community Center, Albuquerque, one of the many community seders held around New Mexico. Photo Diane Schmidt/nmjewishjournal

On Thursday, March 28, 2024 CA Sisterhood and Hadassah hosted a community luncheon to celebrate the past 20 years of Cantor Finn serving Congregation Albert.

Robert D. Sacks In Memoriam

Charitable donations in his memory may be made to the Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity

In Memoriam Peter Weinreb

Peter Weinreb

March 26, 1947 — March 20, 2024

Peter Bruce Weinreb, of Los Ranchos, New Mexico, passed away unexpectedly on March 20th, 2024 at University of New Mexico Hospital. He was 76 years old. His family is deeply saddened by his sudden death. Peter was an adoring and supportive husband to his wife Judy, a loving and proud father to his son David, and was devoted to his brother Roger, sister-in-law Didi, and step-mother Kelly. He will be lovingly remembered by many close friends and family.

Peter was born in Boston, and grew up in Newton, Massachusetts. He attended The Roxbury Latin School, graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, and later earned his Masters of Business Administration at Columbia University. He started a successful business in New Mexico with his wife, and derived great satisfaction from the personal and professional relationships that came from that work.

Peter was a lifelong learner who particularly enjoyed studying languages to enrich his love of travel. He was also a loyal Red Sox fan who enjoyed listening to baseball games on the radio, sitting outside on many beautiful New Mexico evenings with his beloved dogs Tolie or Riley at his side.

Peter was an active member of the Jewish community. He belonged to Congregation Albert and Congregation B'nai Israel. He served as New Mexico State Chair of the Anti-Defamation League, and was a board member of philanthropic organizations in Massachusetts and New Mexico.

Peter was a kind and thoughtful man who was dedicated to helping others. For many years he was a committed classroom volunteer at his local elementary school. He gave generously to many philanthropic causes, served meals at Project Share, and volunteered at Congregation Albert. He cared deeply for the people around him and had a profound impact on so many lives.

In lieu of flowers, please remember him by making a donation to a charity that is meaningful to you.

Mazel Tov!

On March 10, Zoe Wiesel and Isai Garcia were married at the Aaron David Bram Hillel House. Rabbi Arthur Flicker officiated the outdoor ceremony. The couple chose to be married at Hillel, as this is where they met, and kindled their relationship. Photograph by Hyunju Blemel.

Mazel Tov!

**Ariel Brunn and Lacee Peloquin exchange wedding vows. Submitted by Ariel's mother, Claudette Sutton.**

On a rainy September day, on the steps of the Santa Fe Courthouse, Ariel Brunn (son of Claudette Sutton and Charles Brunn of Santa Fe) and Lacee Peloquin (daughter of Cheryl and Allen Peloquin of Austin) exchanged vows in a private ceremony joined by immediate families, officiated by the groom’s father. Mazel tov!

In Memoriam Melvin J. Schwartz

Melvin J. Schwartz (Mel), age 97, passed away March 11, 2024 in Albuquerque, NM. He was born November 16, 1926 in Philadelphia, PA.

He was preceded in death by his son, Aaron Bram. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Paula Schwartz; children: Arthur Schwartz, Joshua Schwartz, Frederic Schwartz, Adam Bram, and Alix Amar; seven grandchildren: Zachary, Nathaniel, Naomi, Reed, Kayla, Sara, and George; sister, Suzanne Schmerling Friedman.

Melvin was a graduate of West Philadelphia High School, June 1944. He served 2 ½ years in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged at Ft. Meade, MD. He attended Penn State University, graduated June 1949 with a degree in Commerce and Finance.

He succeeded his father, Samuel Schwartz at Philadelphia Commercial Card and Paper Co. and sold this business in 1982. He was Chairman of Paper Division; Chairman of Allied Jewish Appeal and made 5 trips to Israel with them. Member and First Vice President of Congregation Adath Jeshurun, Elkins Park, PA, and served on many committees and Board of Directors. He was past master of Masonic Columbia Lodge #91, Philadelphia, PA.

In 1991 he moved to Albuquerque, NM. He was very active in his community. He was a member of the Temple Lodge #6, Albuquerque, NM; served on board of Directors and the Men’s Board at Congregation Albert in Albuquerque, NM; and was a board member from 1996 until his death for Hillel at the University of New Mexico (Hillel at UNM) and a patron, having purchased the building for Hillel at UNM in memory of his deceased son, Aaron David Bram. Melvin also volunteered with Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau; a past president at El Caballero Homeowners Association; and was also a member of Alexis De Tocqueville Society in Albuquerque, NM.

Melvin was a Regional Bridge Master, an avid skier, and a great tennis player.

He will be truly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Those who wish to honor the boundless charitable legacy of Mel may make a contribution to Hillel at UNM at unmhillel.org . Graveside Service was held Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 2:00 PM, at Fairview Memorial Park, Albuquerque.

Mazel Tov!

Solomon Koplik prepares for his Bar Mitzvah, June 2023, Nahalat Shalom, Albuquerque. Submitted by his mother and grandmother, Sara and Emily Koplik.

In Memoriam

This year, my Chanukiah is a little less bright.
On Erev Chanukah, December 7th, my dad, Jean-Pierre, died peacefully, surrounded with love and kavod.
A “bon-vivant” with an infectious laugh, twinkly blue eyes, a talented musician who lived from what he loved doing, a great sense of humor, and the classic Surget “stubbornness” that really is determination, whose ability to live the most dignified life possible despite the symptoms of Parkinson’s was truly inspiring.
Santé!!
-Rabbi Celia Surget

Winners!

Adam Phillips in tournament in Santa Fe, which they won. Submitted by his grandparents, Frank Morgan and Diane Joy Schmidt.

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COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS OF THE NEW MEXICO JEWISH JOURNAL

Community Supporters of the NM Jewish Journal include these advertisers:
Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico
Congregation Albert
Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque
The Institute for Tolerance Studies
Shabbat with Friends: Recapturing Together the Joy of Shabbat
Congregation B'nai Israel
Temple Beth Shalom

Single Event advertisers:
Academy of Jewish Learning at Congregation B'nai Israel
New Mexico Jewish Historical Society
Jewish Federation of El Paso and Las Cruces

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Community Supporter Advertisers of the NM Jewish Journal:
Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico
Congregation Albert
Temple Beth Shalom
Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque
The Institute for Tolerance Studies
Shabbat with Friends: Recapturing Together the Joy of Shabbat
Jewish Federation of El Paso and Las Cruces
Congregation B'nai Israel