Obituary of Jay Stern

DR.JAY B. STERN Dr. Jay B. Stern, 82, of Silver Spring, Md, died Sunday, June 19, 2011. He passed away in his home with his wife Suzanne by his side, after several months of failing health. Dr. Stern was born in Brooklyn on February 17, 1929, to the late Lillian and Mena Stern. He grew up in Brooklyn, where he attended Brooklyn Tech High School. He received a B.A from Brooklyn College and a Bachelor of Divinity as well as a Doctorate in Religious Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Dr. Stern was well-known and respected in the field of Jewish education. His first job was as Assistant Principal of East Midwood Jewish Center in Brooklyn. He went on to become the Principal of Temple Beth-El in Rochester, a job he held for twenty years. It was in Rochester that he and Suzanne raised their three children. While in Rochester, Dr. Stern taught Hebrew at Colgate Rochester Divinity School and the University of Rochester. He later became Superintendant of United Hebrew Schools in Detroit, and then was Headmaster of Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, Md. Dr. Stern developed a curriculum for use in Hebrew schools and wrote several books and articles on Jewish education. In 1983, he started a consulting firm called Jewish Education Management Associates, specializing in consulting for Hebrew schools and Jewish day schools. He is survived by his wife of six decades, Suzanne C. Stern, whom he met at Hebrew school in eighth grade. He frequently referred to his marriage as a miracle. They had three children: Judith Flax (Daniel) of Albany, M. David Stern (Judy) of Silver Spring, and the late Aviva Groskin (Manoach). He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Shoshana and Leora Flax, Ezra (Brina), Elianna and Akiva Groskin, and Shira and Moshe Stern; one great-grandchild, Elimelech Groskin; and six nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, David Stern. His family will remember him for his scholarship and values, which were balanced by his compassion and his endless wit. His wisdom and love leave their mark on all who knew him. The funeral was held on Tuesday in Silver Spring, Md. The period of mourning will continue at the Flax household from Friday through Monday morning. Donations in his memory can be made to Young Israel Shomrei Emunah, 1132 Arcola Ave, Silver Spring, Md. 20902.