<![CDATA[Workmen's Circle Educational Center of Ohio

<![CDATA[Workmen's Circle Educational Center of Ohio - News Feed]]>Thu, 22 Feb 2024 14:02:29 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[LORI CAHAN-SIMON]]>Fri, 28 Jul 2023 08:48:16 GMThttp://workmenscircle.org/news-feed/cahan-simon-lori

Beloved wife of Gary Simon, devoted mother of Nathan Simon (Ruthie) and Jakey Greenberg (Ricky), loving grandmother of Ahuva and Ayelet, and cherished daughter of Dorothea (Fruchter) Cahan, and the late Dr. Borris D. Cahan, Lori Cahan-Simon, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was a source of light, laughter and joy, leaving an unforgettable impact on all who knew her.
Born in Philadelphia, Lori's life journey led her to Cleveland, where she met her loving husband Gary and established a beautiful family. Her radiant warmth and magnetism attracted creative and intelligent, loving and creative souls from every corner of the globe, forming bonds that transcended borders. Lori's magnetic presence and exceptional musical talents were widely recognized and admired by all who had the privilege of entering her light.

A gifted polyglot (one of her favorite words), Lori effortlessly conversed in multiple languages, including English, Yiddish, French, Spanish, and Italian. Her diverse repertoire as a singer knew no bounds, encompassing a wide range of genres such as Yiddish and Klezmer tunes, classic American Standards, R&B, Blues, Ballads, and Rock N' Roll. Her voice had the ability to melt hearts and shake mountains. As an accomplished recording artist, many of her favorite musical pieces shall forever memorialize her inspiring existence and can be enjoyed for free online. Through her captivating performances, she left an indelible impression on the hearts of her audience.

Lori's life was a tapestry of art, music, and education. As a dedicated teacher, she nurtured the minds and hearts of countless students, inspiring them to embrace knowledge and creativity. Her intelligence and passion for learning was truly remarkable.

Her laughter was infectious, and her wit unparalleled. Lori had a unique gift for finding humor in the most unexpected places, effortlessly sharing laughter in multiple languages. She had a heart full of love for everyone she met, making strangers feel like long-lost friends through her warm hugs, bright smiles, and genuine compliments.

A tireless advocate for the wellbeing of all living beings, Lori's love extended beyond humanity to encompass the entire planet. From humans to plants, from rocks to water. She championed causes close to her heart, leaving a legacy of compassion and care for the world she cherished. Lori also spent decades as a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for Workmen's Circle Educational Center of Ohio, a commitment she proudly boasted and maintained until her passing.

In her battle against illness, Lori faced her challenges with grace and dignity, inspiring all who witnessed her strength. She loved fiercely, lived boldly, and brought joy to every moment.

As we bid farewell to Lori, we celebrate the brilliance of her spirit and the beauty of her life. Her memories will forever be etched in our hearts, inspiring us to live with passion, embrace laughter, and extend love to all.

Funeral service will be held graveside at the Workmen’s Circle Cemetery in Parma, Ohio, and will also be livestreamed online and accessible at the link below. In addition, a traditional Shiva will take place at 14500 E Carroll Blvd, University Heights, OH 44118 and on the following schedule:

Shachris Sunday - Thursday 8am
Mincha/Mariv Sunday - Wednesday 8:30pm
Shiva Times - Sunday - Wednesday
11 am - 12:30 pm
2 - 4 pm
7 - 9:30 pm

For additional details, please email matt@workmenscircle.org.

In memory of Lori, those who wish may contribute to www.DailyGiving.org, supporting causes dear to her heart.

]]><![CDATA[2022 Yiddish Concert Thanks, and Apology]]>Mon, 27 Jun 2022 05:07:14 GMThttp://workmenscircle.org/news-feed/2022-yiddish-concert-thanks-and-apologyCLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio – For almost half a century, the Workmen’s Circle has sponsored a Free Yiddish Concert, usually held at Cain Park, for the greater Cleveland community to enjoy the art and beauty that is Yiddish music and culture. Earlier this season, the Workmen’s Circle’s board of directors decided to repopulate the concert committee with new faces, beginning after the 2022 event, who will then organize all concerts moving forward.

Immediately following this year’s event, the Workmen’s Circle board of directors issued an apology to the community for an abrupt confrontation that occurred as guests were entering Cain Park for their annual Yiddish “Concert in the Park”.

While arriving at the event, a Workmen’s Circle board member was confronted by several members of the concert committee, the body that works within the organization to organize the annual event, in a loud and unprofessional manner while guests were entering through the gates. The organization has spoken to the committee member involved and assures that it will not happen at future events.

The Workmen’s Circle, a volunteer run organization, released a video statement online following the confrontation, apologizing to the community for the incident that occurred, and discussing the progress they've been making, as an organization, in developing new programs and content throughout all committees; and their recent decision to repopulate most of those committees with new faces.

“A vote was passed at a recent board meeting to temporary disband most committees, including the concert committee…and restructure them with new faces and proper oversight to ensure our mission is successfully promoted, as we move into a more modern world”, Matt Greminger, Workmen’s Circle board member stated. Shifting gears to the loud confrontation that occurred near the gate, Greminger added “We want to apologize to those who witnessed the altercation. It was unacceptable and will not be repeated at future events”.

While the reorganization of the concert committee was decided by the board of directors prior to the altercation, it seems as though making a change in those who serve on the committee may have been a wise choice.

“It has always been our goal to produce an annual event that inspires the community through the preservation and promotion of Yiddish culture, arts and music…we have always had a committee made-up of prominent figures in Yiddish music and culture and as new faces emerge and make an imprint within that realm, so should our committee evolve”, Greminger assured.

The Workmen’s Circle board of directors’ thanks all of the committee members for the dedicated services they provided during their time as a representative of the committee and encourages them to continue to be a part of future events, in other capacities.

For more information about the Workmen’s Circle, please visit www.WorkmensCircle.org

]]><![CDATA[GREMINGER-GORE, SHARON]]>Fri, 03 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMThttp://workmenscircle.org/news-feed/greminger-gore-sharonSHARON GREMINGER-GORE, age 78, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, December 3, 2021. Beloved wife of Isaac J Gore Sr. for 12 years; dear mother of Jeffrey Scott Roth (deceased), Jack Greminger (Nancy), Nancy Henkin (Jonathan), and Laurie Ann Koss; loving sister of Gail Bruell (Mike); daughter of the late Jeanne and Marvin Rosenblatt; grandmother of Matthew (Heather), Justin, Jeanne, Chelsi Greminger, Jacob, Zachary Henkin; great grandmother of Miley, Madeline, and Morgan. Sharon was an active volunteer for the Workmen's Circle Educational Center for over 30 years. She founded the Mitzva Food Pantry in Cleveland Heights, volunteered for The Society of Mother Teresa in Willoughby, she also volunteered with the Cleveland Singing Angels for 11 years. She was employed by the VA and was an active veteran's advocate. She was the matriarchal figure of the Greminger family and loved her grandchildren more than life itself. ]]><![CDATA[gary stone]]>Tue, 17 Oct 2017 17:18:25 GMThttp://workmenscircle.org/news-feed/gary-stone

of North Canton, died Sept. 1, 2017 at age 50. Gary was born to Judi Stone-Lukes (Ken) and Arthur Stone (dec'd) on Sept. 11, 1966. He was the loving brother of Joanna and Sarah Stone and devoted father of Valerie and Amanda Stone, nephew to Marlene Gordon (Michael) and Elaine Skolnick (Ed), great-nephew of Janice Bloom (Dave, dec'd), grandson of the late Lillian and Bernard Britzman, the late Ruth and Irwin Stone and the late Evelyn and Robert Lukes, and was close to many loving cousins and friends. Many thanks to Patty Nagy for her cherished friendship and to Callie. Gary graduated from Cleveland State University with a B.S. in computer science and from Kent State University with a B.S. in accounting. He was a member and volunteer of the Workman's Circle Education Center of Ohio and The Butterfly Alumni Group. Memorial Service will be at 1 pm on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017 at the Main Chapel of Hillcrest Cemetery, 26200 Aurora Road in Bedford Heights, OH 44146. NO VISITATION. Memorial donation suggestions to Workman's Circle Education Center of Ohio (Mitzvah Pantry) (workmanscircle.org).

]]><![CDATA[Els Birnbaum]]>Fri, 02 Jun 2017 16:40:20 GMThttp://workmenscircle.org/news-feed/els-birnbaum

BIRNBAUM (nee Wolfe) beloved wife of the late Hyman. Devoted and adored mother of Lane Ferrante and the late Stacy Birnbaum. Loving grandmother of Shawn Baronoff and great grandmother of one. Dear sister of Sam and the late Ike Wolfe. Graveside services will be held Sunday, February 19 at 11 AM at the Chesterland Memorial Park 11521Chillicothe Rd. (St. Rt. 306) Chesterland, OH. Friends who wish may contribute to the Jewish National Fund. -

]]><![CDATA[jewish cleveland through the years]]>Fri, 24 Mar 2017 17:43:21 GMThttp://workmenscircle.org/news-feed/jewish-cleveland-through-the-years

Learn of Jewish happenings and culture through years gone by at the website www.ClevelandJewishHistory.net. On this site you will be transported to another era and learn about times you may have forgotten.

This incredible site was created and is maintained by historian and webmaster Artie Berger. It is well worth the visit.

]]><![CDATA[Author, Irene Shaland, at the phix! ]]>Fri, 24 Mar 2017 14:18:46 GMThttp://workmenscircle.org/news-feed/author-irene-shaland-at-the-phix

This Sunday, March 26th, stop into our favorite hangout, Coffee Phix, in South Euclid, to meet, greet and hear a bisl from Irene Shaland.

An internationally-published art and travel writer, educator, and lecturer, Irene has a life-long passion for travel with a higher purpose. Together with her husband-photographer Alex, Irene has visited over 60 countries. Her research trips result in numerous publications and series of educational lectures and slide-shows focused on various countries’ responses to Holocaust, Jewish history, little-known Jewish communities, origins of traditions and myths, sense of identity, and personal stories. Irene regularly presents to academic and lay audiences in universities, museums, libraries, synagogues, JCCs, and art galleries in Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit, and New York/New Jersey area.

Irene is the author of two books on the history of theater, drama, and intercultural interpretations. Her third book “The Dao of Being Jewish and Other Stories” has been published in January 2016. Irene’s over 25 articles dedicated to arts, theater, and cultural and historical travel have appeared in multiple journals both in print and online in the U.S., Canada, Kenya, and the U.K.

Irene holds a BA in Theater Journalism and Art History from St. Petersburg University (Russia), a Master’s Degree in English from Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio), and a Master’s Degree in Information Sciences from Kent State University (Kent, Ohio). Irene and her husband, travel photographer Alex reside in Lyndhurst, Ohio.

For more information, visit www.coffeephixcafe.com or call (216) 381-5705.

]]><![CDATA[Swirsky, Simon]]>Wed, 18 Jan 2017 23:51:36 GMThttp://workmenscircle.org/news-feed/swirsky-simon

Simon Swirsky, 102, was born six months before the outbreak of World War I in the shtetl of Postawy, near Vilna. He passed away on Jan. 18, 2017. As a young man, Simon led his mother and siblings out of Poland, ahead of advancing Nazi troops, saving them from the mass execution of Postawy Jews in 1942. Drafted into the Russian army, he was assigned to tailor Soviet officers’ uniforms. This allowed him to provide for his family and keep them together. (He continued to head and support his extended family into the years beyond their move to Cleveland.) By war’s end, Simon had been transferred to railroad service, again employed as a custom tailor to Soviet officials. This brought the family to Kiev, where he met and married Myra.
The family was repatriated to Poland in 1960 and immigrated to America in 1966. After retiring as a pattern maker for Dalton Industries, Simon helped lead the resettlement of Soviet refugees in Cleveland. He also turned his talents to the preservation of Yiddish language and culture. He organized a local book rescue for the National Yiddish Book Center and cofounded the Yiddish Concert in the Park. He was honored for lifetime achievments by the Workmen’s Circle and the International Association of Yiddish Clubs, in which he stayed active into his 90s.
Simon is survived by Myra, his devoted wife of 68 years; his children, Michael Swirski (Marian) and Ninel Borodi (George); his grandchildren, Adina Wolf (Seth), Rachel Dadusc (Daniel), Dan Swirski (Molly) and Nikki Borodi; and great-grandchildren, Orly and Anna Wolf and Sarah, Meir, Aryeh Leib, Shayndel and Tzipporah Dadusc.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19 at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel, 1985 S. Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights. Interment will be at Zion Memorial Park.
The family will observe shiva at the residence, 2200 Kerwin Rd. No. 613 in University Heights Thursday following burial until 9 p.m., 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 20, 7:30-9 p.m. Jan. 21, 9 a.m.-noon and 7-9 p.m. Jan. 22-24.
Contributions to the Yiddish Book Center (yiddishbookcenter.org) or Workmen's Circle Educational Center of Ohio (workmenscircle.org).
To view this service at 2 p.m. Thursday navigate to: bitly.com/smallchapel.
To view this service at a later date navigate to: bit.ly/2ivKyww and enter "Simon Swirsky" in the search window.

]]><![CDATA[Gawiser, Julian]]>Wed, 28 Dec 2016 16:49:08 GMThttp://workmenscircle.org/news-feed/gawiser-julian

A beautiful voice will live on in our memories. Julian Gawiser, formerly of Erie, Pa. and Cleveland, Ohio, graduate of Erie Academy in 1937, died on December 12, 2016 at age 97. He attended Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa. He was a life-long member of Workmen's Circle where he received the Circlelite of the year award. He was President of Cleveland Wash Tray Manufacturing Company and a Vice President of Mor-Flo Industries from which he retired in 1987. He served for 4 1/2 years in the US Army. Julian was an enthusiastic singer for his entire life. In the Workman's Circle chorus, he met his love, Evelyn Wynbrandt to whom he was married for 66 years until her death in 2009. After moving to Columbus in 1997 in order to live close to their daughter, he and Evelyn joined the Harmonaires chorus at Griswold Center and he continued to entertain at care centers until May. Julian is survived by his cherished children, Sheldon and Naomi Gawiser, Peggy Shecket (Larry Buhrow). He adored his grandchildren, Eric Gawiser (Sevil Salur), Ben Gawiser (Heather Tarman), Michael Shecket and Jon Shecket. His happiest times were with his great-grandchildren, Zachary, Lucy, Deniz and Selin. Julian's final gift was to donate his body to The Ohio State University College of Medicine. There will be a celebration of Julian's life on a date to be announced. To honor Julian's memory, please share his words with your loved ones: "Make the most of each day."

]]><![CDATA[Beck, Brian]]>Wed, 28 Dec 2016 16:48:07 GMThttp://workmenscircle.org/news-feed/beck-brian

age 63, of Chesterland. Devoted and loving father of Benjamin (Kelly) Beck of Albuquerque, New Mexico; brother of Warren (JoAnn) of Olmsted Falls, Ohio and the late Neil Beck; devoted uncle of Caitlin and Jennifer Beck; and dear friend of Amy Singer. A Celebration of Brian's life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, October 29, 2016 at E.S.U.U. Church, 10848 Chillicothe Rd., Kirtland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Brian's memory may be made to The Cleveland Sight Center or the charity of your choice . Online tributes and condolences at www.gattozziandson.com.

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