Obituaries

Yigal Ginian of Phoenix died March 4, 2005. He was 56. He was born in Jerusalem. He served in the Israeli army. He was a baal koreh (Torah reader) at Chabad of Phoenix.

Survivors include his companion, Sarah Dalia Yenon of Phoenix; sons, Ari of New York, and Ilan and Etan Moshe, both of Jerusalem; daughters, Elisheva Brotsky and Chickie Natanya Margolese, both of Jerusalem; parents, Yehuda and Esther of Jerusalem; sisters, Ruth Ganz, Dalya Yehudah, Chana Treblelski and Gila Yair; brothers, Dan Gold and Motke; and 15 grandchildren.

Services were held in Israel. Arrangements were made by Schwartz Brothers-Jeffer Memorial Chapels.

Contributions are suggested to Ner Yaakov Yeshiva, c/o Ari Ginian, 144-25 Jewel Ave., Flushing, N.Y. 11367.

David Levin

David Levin of Phoenix died March 11, 2005. He was 90. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved to Arizona from New Jersey in 1970. He was a retired salesman. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He was a member of the Jewish War Veterans, Post #194.

Survivors include his wife, Helen; and daughters, Carol of California and Amy of Oregon.

Services were held at National Memorial Cemetery.

Jane Podall

Jane Podall, age 78, passed away on March 22, 2005. She moved to Arizona in 1986 from Chicago. She was a retired clinical psychologist, schoolteacher, and guidance counselor.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Robert Podall of Scottsdale and son, Charles Podall of Phoenix. She was preceded in death by her late daughter, Leslie Podall.

Jane received a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois, a master's degree in counseling and guidance from National College in Evanston and a Ph.D. in guidance and counseling from Loyola University.

An active participant in the '60s feminist movement, Jane helped form the Chicago North Shore chapter of the National Organization for Women and worked toward getting the Equal Rights Amendment passed.

A devoted member of Temple Solel, Jane volunteered countless hours for a variety of projects. A voracious reader, she served as the Temple librarian for many years. She took great pride in helping the library obtain accreditation from the Association of Jewish Libraries. The library now contains over 5,000 books due to Jane's love and dedication.

A gregarious person, Jane had many friends in Arizona, Chicago and on both coasts who will miss her quick wit and determination. Jane and Bob loved to travel and took trips all over the world. She enjoyed the arts, classical music and attending the symphony and opera. She was an avid tennis player in Chicago.

Recently, Jane organized the 60th reunion of her Chicago high school graduating class with close to 60 people attending.

A memorial service was held on March 23, 2005 at Temple Solel with Rabbi Alan Berlin officiating.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Temple Solel Library Fund, 6805 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ. 85253; or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower, Phoenix, AZ., 85014.

Mikki Berg

Mikki Berg, 77, of Scottsdale, passed away on March 22, 2005. Born in Chicago, IL, she moved to Arizona in 1958 with her husband and two children. Prior to moving to Arizona, she worked as a fashion designer and created the "Poodle Skirt". Mikki went on to be very creative throughout her life.

She is survived by her daughter Gayle Starr, daughter-in-law Susan Berg Farrell, twin sister Rose Abbott, older sister Francis Kernis, and brother Hyman Kaplan. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold Berg and son Craig Berg.

Funeral services were held Thursday, March 24th at Sinai Mortuary. Contributions in her memory are suggested to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

Leah Epstein

Leah Epstein passed away on March 18, 2005. She was born in Russia and came to America at a young age. At a time when women were not encouraged to pursue higher education, she attended Hunter College and became very involved in the arts and charitable activities. After the death of her husband Eugene, a prominent attorney in New York, she moved to Florida where she resided for several years before coming to live in Arizona. She had many friends and was involved in Jewish activities until her physical limitations prevented her active involvement.

She is survived by her two children Dale (Marshall) Block and Arnold Epstein (Patricia O'Malley), and six grandchildren. She was very proud and "qvelled" in all their accomplishments be they intellectual, artistic or athletic. She leaves a legacy of strength, fortitude and love.

Services were held Monday, March 21st at Sinai Mortuary. Contributions in her memory can be made to Har Zion's Rabbi's discretionary fund, 6140 E. Thunderbird Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.

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