Saturday April 27 was the 23rd anniversary of the Oak Hill Middle School bus crash – the tragedy that took Steve Glidden, Greg Chan, Kayla Rosenberg, and Melissa Leung from their families, friends and futures. Especially in the context of the staggering toll of gun violence and the ongoing horrors in Ukraine, Gaza, and so many other places, 23 years feels, simultaneously, like an eternity and the mere blink of an eye. Eternity or moment, we have grown to value and even depend upon the strength we gain from one another when we come together in community.

This year, the Circle of Remembrance took place virtually only because Elaine’s 106 year-old mom and SGF Trustee Lillian Alpert has been experiencing some significant health challenges that might have required Elaine and Bill to travel to NY on short notice to be with her. The Circle was recorded (thanks to Elaine’s cousin Scott!) and can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/940566807 . The recording was not edited except for removing just a bit of the casual chatter at the very beginning, so please don’t expect it to look professional – but it is certainly heartfelt. Although a few dozen people joined the Zoom, only those who actually spoke (or who made enough noise that made the camera shift to them) are visible in the video.

In addition to thanking Scott, we also want to thank Elaine’s cousin Cantor Ellen Stettner who sang the Mi Shebeirach, and Scott Stettner who served as our Zoom master. Thank you both!

The latest version of the “We Remember” booklet can be accessed by clicking here.