The last time the school gathered together to remember the lives of strings senior Alex Berman and strings junior Jackie Berman, it was a sea of black. Today, friends, family, supporters and students wore white in honor of their memory.
A memorial service was held at the Star of David Funeral Chapel to commemorate Jackie and Alex, one year after their passing. The service is traditionally a small one, reserved for family and close friends, but still, dozens came to show their support.
“It was a really nice turn out. It’s sweet to know so many people care. Jackie and Alex will always be in my heart,” strings junior Bailey Warren said. “It’s hard to believe it has been a year. This is just another process of moving on and using them to better myself in their name.”
(left to right) Band senior Benedetto Salvia, digital media senior Dominik Czaczyk, strings junior Joshua Ewers and strings senior David Esposito smiling as they remember Alex and Jackie.
The crowd gathered around the headstone of Jackie and Alex, which read, “beloved sister and brother— together forever.” Chazzan David Feuer led in singing prayers in Hebrew as Rabbi Cookie Olshein stood in front of the crowd with Richard Berman, Alex and Jackie’s father, and recited prayers in English. Though Rabbi Olshein’s words faltered, she never cried, staying strong and allowing those in the crowd to grieve.
“It was pretty surreal. Seeing the names in the stone kind of revved the feelings we felt last year. However, I guess it created the sense of closure I was looking for,” strings senior Paulina Scarlata said.
After the service ended and tears were dried, members of the crowd were invited to place rocks or seashells on the headstone. In Jewish tradition, visitors leave little, symbolic items of their visit on the grave marker to leave behind a token of their presence. Among the stones, there were two that were written on with the word “dad” and a heart.
“I was honored that all the kids came out,” Mr. Berman said. “All of Dreyfoos is a big family to me.”
Mr. Berman emphasizes the importance of maintaining positivity when thinking of Alex and Jackie. He recognizes that Alex and Jackie had a lot left to do in their lives that remain unfulfilled, but sees that the Dreyfoos community can help in continuing their spirits.
“A big thing is how all these kids can honor [Jackie and Alex’s] memory by fulfilling their potential. Whatever it is that [the Dreyfoos students] are doing, just try to get better [at it] every day,” Mr. Berman said.
Earlier today, white wristbands were handed out that read “make me proud!” on the exterior and “Alex and Jackie Berman” on the interior. At the end of the service, Rabbi Olshein recited a poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye to help loved ones grieve.
“‘Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep,’” Rabbi Olshein said. “‘I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die.’”
To the Dreyfoos family, Alex and Jackie will always be the birds that fly, the winds that blow and the stars that shine.
