To The Gelman Family:

 

I just wanted to give my condolences on Jascha’s tragic passing. My letter is very late in coming, but I felt the need to write a few words nonetheless.

 

I was not one of his best friends, or even better friends, but I was blessed with the opportunity to spend some time with him at our fraternity (AEPi) at the University of Michigan.

 

Even now, I can still remember the first time that I had ever heard of “Jascha”. There were whispers about this mysterious “Jascha”, who was a “definite” in the pledge class. He was clearly popular even from the beginning of rush week.

 

One of my earliest memories of Jascha came as he was cleaning around the fraternity house while he was a pledge. I can recall his positive attitude and magnetic smile even while he performed these mundane tasks. In addition, he always seemed to be entertaining his fellow pledges.

 

I remember countless times with him at parties and formals, but I most remember him for his outgoing personality. Even before seeing Jascha, one could feel his powerful presence. That is a very rare gift – one that is either bestowed at birth or not.

 

With great sadness, I remember the last time that I ever saw him. I was back in Michigan for a few days. As I walked to my car, I saw Jascha and we hugged and gave each other a synopsis of our post-college activities. He was very excited to become a lawyer, and he was just as full of zest as he was in college.

 

I mourn with the rest of the community and world for the loss of such a wonderful person. I know that he is getting great NACHAS from seeing all of the outpouring of love for him.

 

I wish your entire extended family well in the continued mourning process. Please remember that we will never forget him.

 

Sincerely,

 

Keith Weinbaum (Santa Monica, California)