Professional Documents
Culture Documents
at a Pittsburgh Synagogue.
Here are their Stories:
69 years old
Real estate agent
A coach for Little League and had a son who played on his team
Involved in the synagogue for at least 10 years
Remembered for his kindness
“He liked to make sure you knew where you were in the prayer book. It was his duty.
He felt responsible. He felt like his role was to help serve.” –Barton Schachter, Tree of
Life President
Melvin Wax
87 years old
Accountant
Typically one of the first to show up to the Friday night and Saturday morning services
Truly passionate about his grandson, religion, and the Pittsburgh Pirates
“Always in a good mood, always full of jokes.” –Bonnie Wax, sister
“Known as Mel to everyone, he was a generous, sweet man who would help anyone. We
recently found out that even though he was 87, he parked several streets away from the
synagogue to leave the closer spaces to ’those who need them more’.” –family within a
statement
Rose Mallinger
97 years old
Regular participant of temple with daughter, Andrea (injured in the shooting)
Growing up, she had the job of a school office secretary
According to family friend, Stephen Neustein, she managed to cook high holiday meals
“Spry, vibrant and full of life”
“She was a sweet and lovely lady who was quick with a friendly greeting, a hug and a
smile.” –Robin Friedman, a student who studied at the school Mallinger worked at
“To Bubbe, family was everything. She knew her children, her grandchildren and her
great-grandchildren better than they knew themselves. She retained her sharp wit,
humor and intelligence until the very last day.” –family within a statement
Sylvan & Bernice Simon (husband and wife)
Sylvan (left in photograph): 86 years old, Bernice (right in photograph): 84 years old
Got married at the same synagogue over 60 years ago
Regularly helped their neighborhood as well as their Jewish community
“Sweetest people you could imagine.” –Jo Stepaniak, neighbor in Wilkinsburg
“They wanted to give back to people and be kind.” –Jo Stepaniak
Jerry Rabinowitz
75 years old
Research specialist at the University of Pittsburgh
Husband died two years prior to this incident due to cancer
Mother of two sons as well as a grandmother
“Cherished friend… an engaging, elegant, and warm person.” –employers at
Learning Research and Development Center
“She was a very petite woman but lit up a room with her huge personality. We
weren’t just welcome in the [husband’s] classroom, but into their home.” -Jason
Connor, former student of Joyce’s husband
Richard Gottfried
65 years old
Married to a Catholic
Dentist for his district
The husband and wife opened a dental practice together in the 80s
Joined a group that provided educational lectures and workshops in dentistry
Guided other interfaith couples when it came to the topic of marriage
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy.” –Patrick Mannarino, superintendent of North
Hills School District
Daniel Stein
71 years old
Retired
Lived with wife in Squirrel Hill, a residential neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Attended synagogue every Saturday
”A simple man” who “did not require much.” –Joe Stein, son
“He was a great guy… He was a fun guy, he had a dry sense of humor and
everybody loved him.” –Steven Halle, nephew
Cecil & David Rosenthal
(brothers)
Cecil (right in photograph): 59 years old, David (left in photograph): 54 years old
From Squirrel Hill of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Cecil was very dedicated to being a Tree of Life congregant
David devoted much of his time towards working for Goodwill Industries
They sat in the back of the temple to greet people who came in
“Cecil… was tall and gregarious... His younger brother… was the serious one. They were always
there. And they will always be there in our hearts.” –Suzan Hauptman, a woman who grew up in
the synagogue
”Cecil’s laugh was infectious. David was so kind and had such a gentle spirit. Together, they
looked out for one another. Most of all, they were [individuals] with a strong faith and respect for
everyone around.” –Chris Schopf, vice president of a nonprofit striving to support people with
disabilities
Works Cited