IN MEMORIAM: Mr. Stanley Silverstein
By Rabbi Shlomo Riskin

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A man of great vision, intellect and faith, Mr. Stanley Silverstein was a staunch believer in the value of Jewish education, and particularly in the importance of providing the Jewish people with the highest possible caliber of leadership – male as well as female.

For this reason, Mr. Silverstein and his beloved wife, Raine, dedicated Midreshet Lindenbaum’s Chana and Yaacov Tilles Campus in Jerusalem, in the name of Raine’s parents.

At the campus naming in 2013, a Midreshet Lindenbaum student shared with the Silversteins how gratifying it was to know that they were investing in making her place of study so magnificent. “It helps us internalize the importance of our learning and of our role as Jewish women,” she told them. Mr. Silverstein responded with his characteristic sincerity and authenticity: “The real treasure is women like you who are studying in so many different kinds of groundbreaking programs. The campus is just the container,” he said.

This was Stanley; a beloved friend, a true partner and a wonderful human being. 

Stanley Silverstein was extremely intelligent, but at the same time he was in possession of a childlike naiveté, which allowed him to believe in the goodness of each and every person. Perhaps this is why he believed so fervently in the possibility of real peace. We spent many hours in argument and debate, but at the end of the day, I wanted to believe desperately along with him that peace can, and will, come to Israel.

Yehi Zichro Livracha – May his memory be a blessing.

May the family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Shlomo Riskin [/bq]