In Memory of My Beloved Wife

 Dear Friends,


As we celebrate the conclusion of Passover, I am sharing with you some very sad news.

Sue died two weeks ago when her aorta suddenly burst.  Our last days together were filled with joy, travel, humor, and we had no idea that this might occur.

Honestly, I am incredibly sad but surrounded by hundreds of people who wish to support me.  I wish I knew what to ask for...I have been told that people get through this, but at this point it seems hard to imagine that this will occur.

In honor of Sue, I hope you will learn from the following teaching by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks of blessed memory.  In a posting, he writes that at the Passover Seder we hold up a piece of matzah (unleavened bread) and declare that it is the bread of affliction.  We also open the door in order to invite those who are hungry to join us for our festive meal.

It seems rude to offer guests a "bread of affliction."  But as we offer the matzah to others and invite them in, the matzah becomes the bread of redemption.  We change affliction to redemption when we share with others.

In honor and memory of Sue, I hope that all of you will find something meaningful to share with those who are in need.  Share your smile, some of your resources, your time, be kind, and most importantly to Sue would be that you share your love with others.   

Please note the obituary below.  There will be a celebration of life on May 4 from 3pm-6pm with special memories being shared at 4pm.  The celebration will be at: 

Congregation Sha’are Shalom 
19357 Evergreen Mills Road 
Leesburg, VA 20175  

Shabbat shalom, Sabbath peace,

Rabbi Bruce Aft

Sue was born on February 17, 1955, to Esther and Marvin Steinberg in Champaign, IL, the middle of three children. She grew up in Champaign and was an accomplished swimmer (although she was humble and never showed anyone her medals).  After graduating high school a year early, she spent a gap year working on a Kibbutz in Israel.  Sue returned from Israel and went on to study at the University of Illinois where she met her husband Bruce who asked her out after she stuck her tongue out at him. Sue and Bruce were devoted friends and partners for over 50 years, with one of Sue's favorite phrases being, "what can I getcha?"  

 

Sue loved to help others.  After graduating with a degree in psychology in just three years, Sue dedicated the early part of her adult life to being a loving, kind, and committed mother and spouse. Sue moved with Bruce and the kids around the country as Bruce's career as a rabbi took the family through Illinois, Arizona, Michigan and ultimately to Northern Virginia, which became home. Before having children, Sue was a preschool director in Wynnefield, PA while Bruce was in rabbinical school.

 

Sue served as a shining beacon of positivity, kindness, light, passion, hope, and optimism for the countless lives that she touched. She was also a strong supporter of interfaith dialogue and believed passionately in building community. In addition to being completely devoted to her children and family, Sue tirelessly volunteered across a wide range of organizations, dedicating much of her work to teaching, tutoring, and mentoring those who are less fortunate, including her work and mentorship in tutoring homeless students for Fairfax County Public Schools. Soon, she and Bruce will have a special George Mason University Hillel and Jewish Studies award for kindness named after them. 

 

A dedicated grandmother, "Savta Sue" was a constant and meaningful presence in the lives of her grandchildren (Caleb, Olivia, Jonah, Ari, Ezra, Noa, Bruce, Herschel, and Ellie), inspiring them to pursue their passions across sports, sewing, cooking and everything in between. Rarely was there an ailment that couldn't be fixed by Sue's challah, and her warmth and kindness radiated throughout the many communities and families that she touched.  Her ability to do all kinds of crafts and make things for others has been shared extensively as people have comforted her family.  She carried her "red bag" filled with fun things to do as she spent countless hours with her grandchildren playing games, conducting science experiments, flying airplanes, sewing, and many other activities.

 

Sue is survived by her husband Bruce, their four children and spouses (Miriam, Aaron (Leah), Adam (Adina), and Michael (Erin)), nine grandchildren, brother Lou (Rivka), sister Ruth (Warren), and nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends.  Bruce has summed up her life by saying Sue was his beloved and his friend. For all who knew Sue, she will be missed.  

 

There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, May 4 from 3pm-6pm (with memories being shared at 4pm) at Congregation Sha'are Shalom in Leesburg, VA where Bruce served as interim rabbi and which provided the Aft family very special support during a prior time of need.

 

Donations in Sue's honor can be made to The Growth and Healing HUB, which is a nonprofit mental health clinic of excellence where Sue was serving on the board. The Growth and Healing HUB provides mental health services to children, youth, adults, and families and does not turn anyone away due to inability to pay.  Donations may be sent to the HUB at 7686 Richmond Highway, Suite 201C, Alexandria, VA 22306, or made online at www.gandh.org. 


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