Shalom, Mrs. Lunski.

The Kadima community suffered a loss this week, with the recent passing of Aviva Lunski, after a long illness. Mrs. Lunski ("Aviva" to her students) inspired a whole generation of Kadima kindergarten students; she taught Judaic Studies for many years at Kadima until illness sidelined her several years ago.

Mrs. Lunski was an artist, and I'd wager that her students' art projects can be found in family holiday decoration boxes throughout the homes of Kadima families. I know that we still have some of the decorations my son made in Kindergarten. My son was in one of Mrs. Lunski's last classes before her illness, and when we ask who is favorite teachers were at Kadima, he often pauses, looks up with eyes glowing, and says, "Aviva."

Mrs. Lunski had the sensibility and practicality of a sabra, and the first time you met her, you sometimes wondered how she could teach Kindergarten. But as soon as you saw her interact with the kids--respecting them, teaching them, loving them--you knew that her talent for reaching 5 and 6 year olds was truly special. She reached them and taught them so much.

We will remember Mrs. Lunski's art projects, her play "Hannahle" (which was performed annually for years by her students), and most of all, we will cherish her smiles, her hugs, and her love of her students. Perhaps most of all, we will remember the love her students had for her.

The funeral will take place on Wednesday, November 25th at 1:00 p.m. at Eden Memorial Park.

May her memory be for a blessing.