Shalom My Gantseh Megillah Family and Friends,

Due to my continuing recovery from my rotator cuff injury, this will be an extremely brief message. I want to extend my thanks to everyone for the phone calls, letters and cards of encouragement. Your support and concern for my health and well-being touches me deeply.

This edition of the Gantseh Megillah brings very sad news. Elliot Rothpearl, one of our most beloved writers, passed away on Sunday, September 10th. Elliot was only 63 years of age; far too young to be taken from us.

Elliot and his partner Mel Yahre authored “the Jews Brothers” column and they brought a true haimisheh feeling to our publication. Their writings never failed to bring a smile and chuckle to Megillah readers and their personal memories often touched a responsive chord in our shared background.

Although I never met Elliot in person, we spoke frequently on the phone and I came to feel very close to this kind, gentle, loving and talented man. Oddly enough, in my last conversation with Elliot, we commiserated with each other over very similar shoulder injuries. Even though Elliot was experiencing severe pain at the time, he expressed sincere and heartfelt concern for my well-being.

I shall miss my friend greatly, as will many members of our Megillah Family who enjoyed reading of his adventures and life experiences.