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Eulogies
Daniel Litvin, a graduate of Naamat High School, Ramat Ha-Sharon, is a radio announcer at the IDF Radio Station, paid this tribute to his former teacher, Tammy Levy:
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It was a very busy day today, but with your permission I will say something personal. Today I attended the funeral of my dear teacher, Tammy.
I will not talk about today. Today was just the end. I want to speak about a real teacher, a real educator.
Tammy was what every parent hopes to have as a teacher for his children, and what every child dreams of having as a teacher. Tammy was able to interpret and convey her point of view about the subjects we were learning, and at the same time enabled the students to form their point of view and enjoy the learning.
Regretfully, I was her student only three years, but in those years she enriched my life in many ways. She was responsible for the student council, and I enjoyed opening and closing the school together with her. She showed how to be responsible for accomplishing my tasks,how to deal with complaints, or just how to relax. No request went unattended to.
I hope that every parent and every child will have just one such Tammy. It can transform their lives. Good night.
The most colorful memory I have of Tammy is from her 1979 graduation party at Kinneret Day School in Riverdale, NY. Tammy organized six of her class mates to put a medley of songs from Fiddler on the Roof. I remember their singing “Sunrise-Sunset”, “Matchmaker, Matchmaker”. Tammy rehearsed the girls in singing in harmony, and also coordinated their dance movements. There was no doubt she had great musical talents. I was very impressed by the quality of the performance, which could put to shame some subsequent professional productions of Fiddler on the Roof.
Another memory I cherish is of Tammy as the typical Israeli youth movement activist. Even though she grew up in the United States, and spoke English without a trace of Israeli accent, you could not help but see her as the quintessential sabra girl. Her demeanor and appearance was of an Israeli youth counselor and/or an army commander. It appears that she absorbed her “Israeliness” in the first 7 years that she spent in Israel.
Tammy was an idealist all her life. Helping others, disadvantaged children or war traumatized children was her natural calling. We will miss her passing, and never forget her.
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Aviva Astrinsky
Beautiful Tammy,
I distinctly remember the first time I saw your pretty face and curly hair. Your eyes sparkled with a coolness and friendliness that made me like you instantly. I am grateful Facebook connected us again. God Bless your soul and comfort your loved ones.
Melissa Menash
Tammy, you are so alive in my thoughts and memories… if the love and good wishes could reach you, they are all around. That’s what you created, that’s what you left… I send you my love.
Natalie Cushman
Dear Tammy, you were so optimistic.
Despite your pain and suffering,
You did not stop smiling.
We will remember your smile forever. Your Memory will remain in our hearts.
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Orna Yishai
