Brandeis Magazine

50th Reunion
June 9-11, 2017

David Gerstel writes, “Having turned 70, I feel fortunate to still enjoy my work as a carpenter/builder/author and more fortunate to be entering my 42nd year of marriage to Sandra. Among my most enjoyable experiences in 2015 were learning (finally) how to serve a tennis ball properly and reading ‘Marly,’ the warm and very, very funny new novella by Peter Gould, MA’00, PhD’02. I often reflect on how lucky I was to enjoy the support and friendship of the Class of ’67 during my undergrad years.” Hermine Stern Leiderman and Michael Leiderman ’66 became first-time grandparents with the birth of Rocket Lee to Jill Leiderman and Robert Cohen on Nov. 18, 2015, in Los Angeles. Ralph Propper teaches chemistry at the University of California, Davis, and serves on the California Air Resources Board. He recently authored a paper that shows how the board’s efforts to control emissions have resulted in 2 million fewer cancer cases. Calling himself “a late bloomer,” he reports he has two daughters in college. Gerald Richman is vice president for national productions at TPT/Twin Cities Public Television in Minneapolis/St. Paul, overseeing the department that creates programs for the national PBS schedule. TPT is the fourth-largest station provider of national shows for PBS. Gerry has developed and overseen a major body of work on the subjects of aging and Alzheimer’s, including the Emmy-winning program “The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer’s.” Sarah Rosen-Webb, who lives in London, England, spends a lot of time visiting children and grandchildren in Leeds, Toronto and Jerusalem. She still does some work, reading master’s theses on special-educational needs management and development for Middlesex University. She enjoyed seeing fellow Brandeisians at the 28th annual Thanksgiving Day Tea in London. Richard Serkey writes, “As I approach my 69th birthday, I am grateful for my many blessings. My wife, Pauline, has been my loving mate for 42 years now. Our son, Ethan Miguel, is the focus of our concern as he battles the burden of autism. My profession as a real estate attorney continues to engage me. Our hometown of Plymouth, Massachusetts, is our chosen domicile. I consider myself a lucky guy.” For the past two years, Barbara (Kayten) Shuman has worked part time as the Wise Aging director at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Wise Aging facilitators guide participants in peer groups to do reflective work that enables them to come to new understanding about their lives, their selves and their values. She writes, “I am still learning and growing, grateful to be in good health, enjoying life, and loving our 8-year-old granddaughter and 2-1/2-year-old twin grandsons.” Harvey Simons writes, “Still trying to become a famous artist. Despite having shown in NYC several times, I have yet to become a household name, but I’m still a kid (only 75), so there is oodles of time.” Chava Weissler retired as professor of religion studies and Jewish studies at Lehigh University. She and her spouse, Nancy Fredland, have moved to a retirement community in Philadelphia. Judy Zwerdling Zwelling continues to teach and perform as a member of the piano faculty at the College of William and Mary, and serves as the manager of the college’s Ewell Concert Series. She is also co-founder and music director of StageLights, a children’s theater in its 24th season. Judy and her husband, Shomer, a yoga and meditation teacher/counselor, take delight in their three daughters and their daughters’ partners, their 2-year-old grandson, and each other.