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20 December 29 • 2016 continued from page 18 was the incredible positive energy he brought to his philanthropy and involve- ment. "At dinner last month, Bill told me how excited he was about all of the 'young people' he met at our major fun- draiser a few weeks before and just how proud he was of our community." Ralph Gerson of Bloomfield said, "Bill and Madge Berman have been among my parents' closest friends my entire life. Our families have enjoyed many happy times together and have also been together at difficult times. "I have never known anyone except my uncle, Bill Davidson, who was as optimistic and as productive in his life as Bill Berman. He had a great love and devotion to the Jewish community, both in Detroit and around the world, and will leave an enduring legacy from all his accomplishments. "The Gerson family's hearts go out to Madge, Ann and Jon and their families at this sad time." Speaking for herself and her brother, Jon, Ann Berman Feld had these thoughts about her father: "Dad never had to tell us how to be a good person … he showed us. It was one of his great strengths as a parent. "From an early age, we understood it was important to give back, to repair the world, to be honest, to follow through on commitments. He made it all seem second nature and easy. "We will miss his enthusiasm, his smile, his patience, his intellect. He is irreplaceable." A devoted husband, father and grand- father, Bill Berman leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Madeleine "Madge" Berman; his children, Ann Berman (Daniel) Feld and Dr. Jon (Nicky) Berman; and three grandchildren, Laurence Freedman, Sara Feld and Max Berman. He was the beloved son of Julius and Esther Anna Berman; dear brother of the late Sara Pregerson, the late Toba Smokler and the late Irving Berman; cherished brother-in-law of the late Milford Pregerson and the late Bert Smokler. Contributions may be made to the Congregation Shaarey Zedek Berman Center for Jewish Education, 27375 Bell Road, Southfield, MI 48034 or call (248) 357-5544, or visit shaareyzedek.org; or to the Berman Center for the Performing Arts, Jewish Community Center, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, or call (248) 432-5530 or visit www. jccdet.org/donation. The funeral was held at Shaarey Zedek on Tuesday, Dec. 27. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. * Look for video excerpts from a recent interview with Bill Berman, done in preparation for the JN's upcoming 75th anniversary, at thejewishnews.com. Also, more personal recollections will appear in the June 5 issue. Shared Loves — Jewish Education And Pickles Lisa Soble Siegmann | Special to the Jewish News I met Bill through our passion for Jewish family edu- cation, which he funded so generously throughout the years. But I had the privilege of calling him a dear friend to me and my family. When my children were born, he was there. At their b'nai mitzvot, he came. When my father-in-law died, he checked in. Bill always made me laugh — and what a huge laugh (and smile) he had. "Are you coming to hear me speak, Lisa? You have to come — not for my brilliant words — no, come for the Kiddush lunch after! Oh yeah, I got the good lox – the Nova!" Bill loved dill pickles and had them in his office a lot. One day he told me about how his father used to make them in a big vat, and how he loved them. So, I told him that my dad made them, but in jars. So, I brought him a jar at the end of last summer, with instructions to open in the sink. Later that day, I got a call from him that he had opened the jar — which I can't even do! — at his desk, and there was pickle juice everywhere. Could I please buy him a new desk — and perhaps bring over some air freshener? How I loved and adored "my" Bill. How I will miss him. * Lisa Soble-Siegmann is director of Federation's JFamily. Good friends Bill Berman and Lisa Soble Siegmann Mandell "Bill" Berman » 1 9 1 7 - 2 0 1 6 2134570 American Friends of The Hebrew University and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Note with sorrow the passing of - Mandell Berman - Mandell (Bill) Berman's life was distinguished by his devotion to the Jewish community and the State of Israel. Bill and his beloved wife Madeleine propelled the academic success of students at The Hebrew University, while helping to build bridges to peace within a multicultural student body. Together, they supported the pursuit of knowledge at Hebrew University and other leading universities, often focusing on the role of worldwide Jewry in improving our world. We express our condolences to Madeleine Berman and the entire family. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Professor Menahem Ben-Sasson President, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem American Friends of The Hebrew University Daniel I. Schlessinger National President Beth Asnien McCoy National Executive Director Judith Shenkman Executive Director, Midwest Region 2144110 May the lights of Chanukah usher in a better world for all humankind and may love and light ÄSS`V\YOVTLHUKOLHY[ On behalf of Hadassah Greater Detroit, 0^PZO`V\HUK`V\YZHOHWW`*OHU\RHO Carol Ogusky President