What this is about
This article highlights the contributions of remarkable Jewish pioneers who have made significant impacts both within Israel and globally. Among them are a pioneering Jewish papercut artist, a humanitarian circus performer, a Yiddish scholar, an advocate for Jerusalem, a civil rights activist, a Lithuanian librarian, and a musical refugee from Austria.
Why it matters
The stories of these amazing individuals reflect the diverse and profound impact of Jewish culture, art, and advocacy. Their achievements enrich not just the Jewish community but also the broader global society, exemplifying the values of resilience, creativity, and humanitarianism. These stories celebrate their legacies and ensure their contributions are remembered and appreciated.
Tamar Fishman, 88, Judaica Pioneer Who Designed a Hanukkah Stamp
Born in Israel in 1935, Tamar Fishman’s intricate papercuts and wedding contracts (ketubot) rejuvenated Jewish folk art. A commission turned her menorah design into a USPS stamp in 2018, issued jointly with Israel for Hanukkah.
Her legacy includes also the papercut gifted by President Reagan to Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. Fishman passed away on August 14 in Bethesda, Maryland, leaving behind a vibrant artistic legacy.
Seth Bloom, 49, A Circus Clown on a Humanitarian Mission
Bloom, whose contributions brought joy globally, followed his family’s humanitarian spirit in an unconventional way. As part of the circus duo Acrobuffos, he performed globally and spearheaded a circus troupe in Afghanistan promoting social messages. Sadly, he died by suicide on August 2.
Seth Wolitz, 86, A Yiddish Scholar Deep in the Heart of Texas
Seth Wolitz advanced Jewish scholarship at the University of Texas, focusing on Yiddish Modernism and influencing his students through his expansive teaching and dedication to preserving Jewish cultural history. Wolitz died on August 11 in Austin.
Shai Doron, 64, ‘Jerusalem’s Best Friend’
A stalwart of Jerusalem’s civic life, Doron enhanced the Jerusalem Foundation’s philanthropic efforts and served as the face behind major urban ploys aimed at improving the city’s cultural and social landscape. His efforts ensured myriad communal benefits before he passed on July 30.
Ira Grupper, 80, A Champion of Civil Rights and MidEast Peace
From his roots in Brooklyn, Grupper’s activism spanned civil justice and Mideast peace. His persistent advocacy for equality marked significant social progress for decades. Grupper’s exemplary life ended on July 23.
Žilvinas Beliauskas, 66, A Lithuanian Librarian Dedicated to the Country’s Jewish History
Beliauskas was committed to preserving Lithuania’s rich Jewish history, leading the Vilnius Jewish Public Library and other cultural institutions with dedication dissecting Jewish contributions therein.
He passed away at 66 on July 26.
Walter Arlen, 103, A Jewish Refugee Whose Music Grappled with His Past
Arlen fled Nazi Austria and eventually repurposed his talents as a noteworthy composer chronicling his traumatic past through music. His centurial life spanned deeply emotional assemblies expressive of historical tribulations. Arlen died last September, aged 103.
This story was first published on jpost.com.