Congregation Beth Elohim along with the rest of Park Slope mourns the tragic and sudden death of Jacob Vogelman, 23, who died alongside his friend Jessie Streich-Kest, Monday evening during Hurricane Sandy. Here is a message CBE sent to members of the congregation and others. At this time, funeral arrangements have not been made for Jacob. Jessie’s funeral will be at Park Slope congregation Kolot Chayeinu: Voices of Our Lives on Sunday.
Jake was among the kindest, gentlest and most optimistic souls to walk the earth. An encounter with Jake was to encounter a smile, enthusiasm, and an unbound joy for life. And Jessie was his oldest and dearest friend. They lost their lives while caring for others, an act of generosity and lovingkindness that will never be forgotten.
Jake is survived by his mother, Marcia Sikowitz, his father Larry Vogelman, his brothers Noah and Jeremiah, his uncles Rabbi Dan Sikowitz (Ruth Stuart) and Matt (Pam) Sikowitz, cousins Gabe, Sarah, Joseph, Megan and Shayna Sikowitz, and his beloved and proud grandparents Bert and Florence Sikowitz.
When tragedy strikes so close to home during natural disasters, we are tempted to ask why. Now, however, is the time to give generously of ourselves–to the Sikowitz and Vogelman families–to hold them close, to listen, and to love.
Jessie Streich-Kest’s family, members of Kolot Chayeinu: Voices of Our Lives, will hold a funeral service for Jessie on Sunday. Our hearts and thoughts and prayers go out to the Streich and Kest families in their grief as well.
Funeral arrangements for Jake are currently being made and we will inform the community about plans for service and burial when that information becomes available.
In the meantime, you can read the following news items about Jake.
New York Observer
Forward
New York Times
And you can leave messages on Jake’s Facebook page.
Jake Vogelman’s memory will be an enduring blessing. His soul will live on in the acts of loving kindness we perform in his name.
May the Sikowitz and Vogelman families be comforted among the Mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Casey and I knew Jessie from the dog park. She was such a kind person. So loving to animals. I loved her dog, Max. He is a great dog. We are both in tears.
I am so sorry for the loss.
There are no words my love pours out to you. Jacob was a Precious soul who it seems lived his life as we knew him then. With much love to you all
May god console Sikowitz and Vogelman families.
“Hamakom Yenachem Etchem Im Shear Avele Zion Veyerushlaim”