Blog

In this year's book, we'll remember,
Ron Hirshberg
March 31, 1943 – May 4, 1997

"One thing I can say for certain about my dad: In his 54 years on this earth, he made a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to cross his path. He was deeply spiritual, profoundly generous, and fiercely devoted to his family — blood-related or not. He lived with a giving heart and a strong sense of purpose.

"He lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, but through his legacy, the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research has gone on to help countless families navigating the challenges of this devastating disease. That, in itself, is a powerful legacy.

"But as I thought about what to share, I kept coming back to the personal legacy, the one he left to my family — the one that means the most and that I hope will last for many generations to come. When my dad was dying, he asked my brother and I to promise him just one thing: That if we ever had children, we would ensure they became Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Of course we made that promise, we had both become a B’nai Mitzvah ourselves — and we kept it. All six of his grandchildren have celebrated their B'nai Mitzvah, and they’ve each promised to pass it on to their own children one day. I believe this was his way of ensuring that our Jewish values stay alive, that we remain connected to our heritage, and that we continue living "Jewishly" with purpose and meaning." 

Pictured: Ron Hirshberg (center) and his children Lisa and Jon Hirshberg

Submit names for the Book of Remembrance 

Each year, we invite our congregants to submit the names of their departed loved ones for inclusion in TI's annual Book of Remembrance, a printed keepsake shared with the community during the High Holy Days. Find out more and submit loved ones' names by Sunday, August 31. 

www.ti-stl.org/Remembrance