In memoriam
God of men and mountains,
Master of people and planets,
Creator of the universe: I am afraid.
I am afraid of the angels
Thou hast sent to wrestle with me:
The angel of success
who carries a two-edged sword
The angels of darkness
Whose names I do not know,
The angel of death
For whom I have no answer.
I am afraid of the touch
Of Thy great hand on my feeble heart.
Yet must I turn to Thee and praise Thee
Awful and great though Thou art,
For there is none else.
There is no strength nor courage
But in Thee.
There is no life, no light, no joy,
But in Thee.
— Ruth Brin
We have not been placed on this earth to answer the question “why” God takes a beautiful child from her parents and family so suddenly at such a young age. Nor are we here to assert that she is in a better place. The arms of her loving parents are the very best place for a daughter to be. We are here to embrace a soul: to keep her in our hearts, our thoughts and, most importantly, our deeds.
Emily Sarah Levine
May 27, 2001 – August 12, 2014
In memory of a beautiful child who cherished her Jewish identity, please consider supporting a Jewish camping experience or educational opportunity for another child who may grow to be the proud Jew and fine human being that Emily became in her short 13 years.
May Emily’s family, friends and community find comfort, and may her memory always be for a blessing.
Rabbi Craig Scheff
11 responses to “In memoriam”
Leave a Reply
Recent Comments
 | Suzy Trestyn on The Lead Story |
 | Rabbi Craig Scheff on The Lead Story |
| Suzy Trestyn on The Lead Story |
 | Janine Kolinsky on The Lead Story |
 | Rabbi Paula Mack Dri… on A Poem on Yom HaShoah |
Two Rabbis, One Voice, Three Opinions 
May healing come speedily to one and all. Baruch dayan emet.
Wonderful comment. It says it all. The beginning and the end of everything. wouldn’t expect anything less from Rabbi Scheff.
She was such a new game, rest my sweet little girl, daddy mommy and your sister love u
It is amazing to see how many people she touched in only 13 shirt years. She was loved by so many people — older, younger and, most of all, by her peers. I know her memory will live on forever. I know her friends will continue her good deeds and her many acts of kindness. I know how very very much she will be missed. I know this because my daughter was one of the many who loved her dearly and will miss her forever. Rest in peace dear sweet Emily, Elinoa will never ever forget you!
I loved Emily. I want you to know when I bring Brendan, Erin, and Kieran to the OJC She would take Erin under her wings. Introduced her to others. One day I found her coming her heir to make braids. She made her feel sooo good and it did not matter to her that she was a visitor. I will such never forget such act of kindness and welcoming. Every hello to me was with a big smile. God has a superstar in Emily. I love you girl.
So sorry for your loss, praying for you all!
Emily’s beautiful smile and great energy will be deeply missed by all. May the love of the OJC community help give the Levine family much strength……
It is amazing to see how many people she touched in only 13 shirt years. She was loved by so many people — older, younger and, most of all, by her peers. I know her memory will live on forever. I know her friends will continue her good deeds and her many acts of kindness. I know how very very much she will be missed. I know this because my daughter was one of the many who loved her dearly and will miss her forever. Rest in peace dear sweet Emily, Elinoa will never ever forget you!
We have lost a special young woman. She will be loved and not forgotten. She is surely with the angels.
My prayers are with her family. May Hashem give the strength
Emily, a beautiful young lady that always had a smile on her face, always joking around an having fun. She could spot me in a crowd an she would scream my name an come over an give me a hug♡. … My condolences to the Levine family. … I have each an everyone of you in my prayers. ….love you guys! !!!!!