Guestbook

Welcome to the Guest Book. We encourage you to submit your comments or thoughts about Nancy’s story, her portrait or memorial fund here. We’ll read your submissions and, after we approve them, publish them for others to read.

To create your Guest Book entry, click the “Write a new entry” button, below.

For other ways to contact us, visit the Contact Page.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
104 entries.
Rachel Coates wrote on July 28, 2004
Dear Harvey,Thank you for letting me glimpse the shining light of Nancy's life through your remarkable book. There seemed to be so much to admire in her integrity, strength of character, compassion, and friendship. Reading about her made me want to put aside small things and be a better person. I had seen the photo on your desk you and Nancy on skis atop some beautiful mountain (Snowmass?) and was struck how comfortable you looked together in this adventurous setting. And then to read of her same closeness friendship almost with her mother. How unusual is it I wondered to have a warm close relationship with your grown-up child. I hope my daughters grow up strong like Nancy and that we will be friends in the same way that you were.Thank you again for allowing me to see your daughter's life so well lived.Fondly Rachel Coates"
Dear Harvey,Thank you for letting me glimpse the shining light of Nancy's life through your remarkable book. There seemed to be so much to admire in her integrity, strength of character, compassion, and friendship. Reading about her made me want to put aside small things and be a better person. I had seen the photo on your desk you and Nancy on skis atop some beautiful mountain (Snowmass?) and was struck how comfortable you looked together in this adventurous setting. And then to read of her same closeness friendship almost with her mother. How unusual is it I wondered to have a warm close relationship with your grown-up child. I hope my daughters grow up strong like Nancy and that we will be friends in the same way that you were.Thank you again for allowing me to see your daughter's life so well lived.Fondly Rachel Coates"... Collapse
Andrea (Cohen) Keehn wrote on July 18, 2004
I went to Shulamith High School and was two years ahead of Nancy. I admit I barely knew her, but I got the opportunity to get to know her a little through the beautiful letters in the book. What stands out most for me is her strive for excellence in every area of her life. It is very inspiring.Did you realize (I'm sure you did) how many of the letters were in the present tense. It struck me as I read letter after letter how much of an impact Nancy had on others that it's as if she is there affecting all of them daily. And after being inspired by the book, I understand that.May Hashem continue to comfort you.Andrea (Cohen) Keehn
I went to Shulamith High School and was two years ahead of Nancy. I admit I barely knew her, but I got the opportunity to get to know her a little through the beautiful letters in the book. What stands out most for me is her strive for excellence in every area of her life. It is very inspiring.Did you realize (I'm sure you did) how many of the letters were in the present tense. It struck me as I read letter after letter how much of an impact Nancy had on others that it's as if she is there affecting all of them daily. And after being inspired by the book, I understand that.May Hashem continue to comfort you.Andrea (Cohen) Keehn... Collapse
Jolie Greiff from Los Angeles wrote on July 13, 2004
My friend Yossi Klavan referred me to Nancy zz'l 's site. After reading only a sample of the entries I felt a number of things - I was inspired, I was touched, I was challenged to think of how I would have acted in the situations she faced, and I think most of all I felt a deep sense of tragedy at her loss, and felt sorry (maybe it's a bit selfish to say, but I almost felt cheated) that I did not know her. What a great friend she would have been. Jolie Greiff
My friend Yossi Klavan referred me to Nancy zz'l 's site. After reading only a sample of the entries I felt a number of things - I was inspired, I was touched, I was challenged to think of how I would have acted in the situations she faced, and I think most of all I felt a deep sense of tragedy at her loss, and felt sorry (maybe it's a bit selfish to say, but I almost felt cheated) that I did not know her. What a great friend she would have been. Jolie Greiff... Collapse
Harriet Schertz from Queens wrote on July 4, 2004
Dear Hanie & Surie,Thank you for sharing your daughter's (AH) life with us. After reading your moving testimony to her life I feel I knew her. She was a remarkable young woman. I just want to quote a beautiful passage which I came across. Who knows what bountiful gifts from Hashem are piling up and waiting for us at the doors of Heaven and waiting to be opened through the key of prayer? For the one who copiously prays the gifts are prepared and easily revealed; the gates are opened and all the blessings are bestowed on him (or her). Rabbi Shimshon Pinkus zt'l"I am sure that Nancy (A"H) is collecting her rewards up in Shamyim.The pain will never go away. There will always be a missing piece from your family. But you have resolved to carry on with all of your charities so that Nancy (A"H) will not be... Read more
Dear Hanie & Surie,Thank you for sharing your daughter's (AH) life with us. After reading your moving testimony to her life I feel I knew her. She was a remarkable young woman. I just want to quote a beautiful passage which I came across. Who knows what bountiful gifts from Hashem are piling up and waiting for us at the doors of Heaven and waiting to be opened through the key of prayer? For the one who copiously prays the gifts are prepared and easily revealed; the gates are opened and all the blessings are bestowed on him (or her). Rabbi Shimshon Pinkus zt'l"I am sure that Nancy (A"H) is collecting her rewards up in Shamyim.The pain will never go away. There will always be a missing piece from your family. But you have resolved to carry on with all of your charities so that Nancy (A"H) will not be forgotten and her name will live on.May all of your endeavors meet with much success.FondlyHariet "... Collapse
Geoff di Girolamo from San Francisco wrote on June 29, 2004
hanie and suri,thank you for your heartfelt gift. nancy's story and the memorial fund are a beautiful testament to her life and to the profound love parents have for their children. the good cry I had while reading the book was from both loss and from the love I have for my own family. I am honored that you have included me.Good luck to you in the future successes of the fund.Love,Geoff di Girolamo
hanie and suri,thank you for your heartfelt gift. nancy's story and the memorial fund are a beautiful testament to her life and to the profound love parents have for their children. the good cry I had while reading the book was from both loss and from the love I have for my own family. I am honored that you have included me.Good luck to you in the future successes of the fund.Love,Geoff di Girolamo... Collapse
Nussie and Fayga Goldberg wrote on June 24, 2004
Dear Hanie and Suri,Our immediate reaction to your beautiful book about Nancy aîh was ëWOWí! How can one young lady impress and inspire so many people with her actions? It seems amazing to us that Nancy aííh lived her life to the fullest and yet managed to be Mekadeshes Shem Shamayim at the same time. Every letter penned by her friends testifies to her noble character. Not very many of us can have the same words written about ourselves and few of us could be so strong in our beliefs and uncompromising is our values as Nancy aîh was ñ despite ìdifficult ì circumstances.We feel privileged to have known her and thank you for including us in your efforts to memorialize so noble a woman. From her lofty place in heaven she must definitely be deriving much joy in knowing about the ambulance you donated and the kollel you started... Read more
Dear Hanie and Suri,Our immediate reaction to your beautiful book about Nancy aîh was ëWOWí! How can one young lady impress and inspire so many people with her actions? It seems amazing to us that Nancy aííh lived her life to the fullest and yet managed to be Mekadeshes Shem Shamayim at the same time. Every letter penned by her friends testifies to her noble character. Not very many of us can have the same words written about ourselves and few of us could be so strong in our beliefs and uncompromising is our values as Nancy aîh was ñ despite ìdifficult ì circumstances.We feel privileged to have known her and thank you for including us in your efforts to memorialize so noble a woman. From her lofty place in heaven she must definitely be deriving much joy in knowing about the ambulance you donated and the kollel you started and are continuing to support so that her memeory will never be forgotten.With much admiration and love always,Nussie and Fayga Goldberg... Collapse
Aviva Wernick from Florida wrote on June 16, 2004
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Morgenstern:I was so touched that you sent me Nancy's book (and amazed that you found me in Florida - the last time we spoke - a few months after 9/11 - I was living in Israel!). I was close with Nancy during high school and college and have great memories from those years - spending summer weekends with Nancy and Rik in the catskills, a trip to LA, her visiting me and others in Israel during my year there and generously inviting us to spend the weekend with her at the Hyatt in Jerusalem, winter vacation split between a ski trip to Vermont followed by a trip to Miami beach . . . Unfortunately, I lost touch with her in more recent years. So for me, the book was a way to catch up on Nancy's life in the last 10 years or so. And what... Read more
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Morgenstern:I was so touched that you sent me Nancy's book (and amazed that you found me in Florida - the last time we spoke - a few months after 9/11 - I was living in Israel!). I was close with Nancy during high school and college and have great memories from those years - spending summer weekends with Nancy and Rik in the catskills, a trip to LA, her visiting me and others in Israel during my year there and generously inviting us to spend the weekend with her at the Hyatt in Jerusalem, winter vacation split between a ski trip to Vermont followed by a trip to Miami beach . . . Unfortunately, I lost touch with her in more recent years. So for me, the book was a way to catch up on Nancy's life in the last 10 years or so. And what a life it was! I was so pleased to learn how Nancy pursued her passion for biking and skiing and found such happiness in those pursuits, and so many true friendships along the way. I was also amazed at how she not only managed to balance religion with those pursuits, but inspired others (within and without the Jewish community) at the same time. When I think of Nancy, I think of her giggles, her smile, her generosity and her optimism. She always livened things up - from pulling up in a white convertible when a few of us met up on a trip to LA (when we were in our teens), to making us laugh our way through a dull singles weekend at the Brown's hotel in the Catskills. I can't recall her ever gossiping or having a bad word to say about anyone. She always looked at life as a glass half full, and her optimism was catchy. She obviously inhereted her strength and positive outlook from you as your tribute to her through the book and memorial fund is a testament to your strength and ability to create something positive from a tragedy. Nancy would be proud.I miss her. The book gave me the opportunity to laugh, cry and remember Nancy. Thank you so much for that.I wish you continued strength and happiness.with warm regards,Aviva (Naierman) Wernick... Collapse
Kirsten Dibble wrote on June 15, 2004
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Morgenstern,I wanted to share with you what a pleasure it was to walk into the post office a few weeks ago to be handed an incredible book filled with so many inspiring stories. It was about 3PM in the afternoon when I picked up the books (one for Robby and one for myself). I had several appointments for that afternoon and decided to cancel so that I could take the afternoon off and read. I did not put he book down until I was finished. I must have cried so many times as well as shed tears of joy because Nancy's testimonies hit a spot so deep in my heart. I felt cleansed in strange way after putting the book down.Since reading Nancy's book I have stopped myself many times throughout our busy days to just reflect on what Nancy believed - that throughout the week... Read more
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Morgenstern,I wanted to share with you what a pleasure it was to walk into the post office a few weeks ago to be handed an incredible book filled with so many inspiring stories. It was about 3PM in the afternoon when I picked up the books (one for Robby and one for myself). I had several appointments for that afternoon and decided to cancel so that I could take the afternoon off and read. I did not put he book down until I was finished. I must have cried so many times as well as shed tears of joy because Nancy's testimonies hit a spot so deep in my heart. I felt cleansed in strange way after putting the book down.Since reading Nancy's book I have stopped myself many times throughout our busy days to just reflect on what Nancy believed - that throughout the week we spend so much time thinking about ourselves that to give one day a week to "our God" seems the least we can do. I have not gotten myself there ? totally but every time I catch myself getting "too caught up" Nancy's words / beliefs catch me more often.I can't say that I knew Nancy that well as I became closer friends with Nicole each time they came to visit us in Snowmass. I think it was because I became Nicole's ski instructor and Nancy was off with all the "locals". But I have always been close with Robby and I always heard of all the stories and fun times Nicole and Nancy had with everyone in Snowmass.You must truly be proud to have raised such an incredible person and spirit.Thanks you for sharing Nancy and yourselves with me.SincerelyKirsten Dibble"... Collapse
A Biker Friend wrote on June 14, 2004
Hi Hanie, I cry each time I open the book- yet it is amazing and uplifting- and this is the sentiment that I have begun to hear throughout the cycling community. Thank you for doing this, I still can not imagine how you have had the strength to see this project through. I think of this often, and feel that there is no way I could have been strong enough to do this. The person that Nancy is really comes out in the book; her specialness and her beauty. Thank you for doing this book.
Hi Hanie, I cry each time I open the book- yet it is amazing and uplifting- and this is the sentiment that I have begun to hear throughout the cycling community. Thank you for doing this, I still can not imagine how you have had the strength to see this project through. I think of this often, and feel that there is no way I could have been strong enough to do this. The person that Nancy is really comes out in the book; her specialness and her beauty. Thank you for doing this book.... Collapse
Irene from Baltimore wrote on June 10, 2004
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Morgenstern,Thank you so much for sending me a copy of the book honoring Nancy's life. I received it on a Tuesday at school and by that evening I had completed it wanting to learn much more about your amazing daughter. She certainly was an inspiration to all that knew her and I am sorry it took this tragedy to bring her goodness to light for others to see.At our Jewish Day school, the 6th graders who got a glimpse of her life from the NY Times and had contributed to Chai Lifeline in her memory in 2001 are graduating from the 8th grade. Nancy was mentioned in our principal's speech signifying what a role model she had been. Now, She will be remembered by the young adolescents who never knew her but learned how she remained connected to her family and inspired by her Judaism while... Read more
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Morgenstern,Thank you so much for sending me a copy of the book honoring Nancy's life. I received it on a Tuesday at school and by that evening I had completed it wanting to learn much more about your amazing daughter. She certainly was an inspiration to all that knew her and I am sorry it took this tragedy to bring her goodness to light for others to see.At our Jewish Day school, the 6th graders who got a glimpse of her life from the NY Times and had contributed to Chai Lifeline in her memory in 2001 are graduating from the 8th grade. Nancy was mentioned in our principal's speech signifying what a role model she had been. Now, She will be remembered by the young adolescents who never knew her but learned how she remained connected to her family and inspired by her Judaism while in the midst of a secular world.Many thanks for sharing these precious thoughts with me and the world.... Collapse
Rhonda Aronson from Upper West Side wrote on June 10, 2004
I was Mindy's old roommate at The James Tower and I knew Nancy very well. I remember how she would come into our apartment on a typical Friday night, her feet in her bedroom slippers and her arms full with chicken from Kosher Marketplace. Mindy, Nancy and I would eat shabbat dinner together and as soon as Nancy was done, Mindy would grab Nancy and show her the latest outfit she bought. Mindy and Nancy would laugh and talk for hours and hours in Mindy's room and every now and then I would have to barge in to see what all the laughing was about. I envied the friendship that Mindy and Nancy had-they were like sisters and had uncomprising and unconditional love and support for each other.My fondest memory of Nancy was sharing a cab with her downtown to a party. I was kind of dreading going to yet... Read more
I was Mindy's old roommate at The James Tower and I knew Nancy very well. I remember how she would come into our apartment on a typical Friday night, her feet in her bedroom slippers and her arms full with chicken from Kosher Marketplace. Mindy, Nancy and I would eat shabbat dinner together and as soon as Nancy was done, Mindy would grab Nancy and show her the latest outfit she bought. Mindy and Nancy would laugh and talk for hours and hours in Mindy's room and every now and then I would have to barge in to see what all the laughing was about. I envied the friendship that Mindy and Nancy had-they were like sisters and had uncomprising and unconditional love and support for each other.My fondest memory of Nancy was sharing a cab with her downtown to a party. I was kind of dreading going to yet another singles party but did not share my feelings with anyone. When I got into the cab with Nancy, she turned to me and said Rhonda you look so great." Nancy had this look in her face of true genuine sincerity. It gave me so much confidence. We ended up having a great time at that party. Nancy had an abundance of positive energy that touched people in such profound ways.I recently learned how to ride a bike. I love it and I ride as often as I can. Whenever I am biking I think of Nancy in her helmet and bike uniform and of how much she loved her bike riding. I remember once when Nancy came over I was listening to a particular CD and she asked me what it was and ended up buying it for herself. I became her "music consultant" and traded CDs. I was glad I had an opportunity to introduce her to new music and had a small influence on her.We talked often about how to live as Jew in the secular world. She was so comfortable and strong with her spirituality and connection to G-D that it inspired me at a time when I was questioning my own observance. I admired Nancy for her strength to G-d her friends and her family. If I could have just a piece of that strength that lived inside her I know I would be able to be a better Jew and a better human being.... Collapse
Jenny Olbrich from Cambridge, MA wrote on June 8, 2004
Hi Mr. & Mrs. Morganstern,I can not thank you enough for sending me a copy of Nancy's book. I was on the train when I started reading and began to cry. It brought back so many amazing memories of Nancy, memories that will never be lost. Even though it is a huge loss I am so happy to have known her, I am lucky. I think everyone that Nancy touched feels the same way.I hope that you and your family are doing well. Even though I don't know you I think of you.Thank you for giving me Nancy!jenny
Hi Mr. & Mrs. Morganstern,I can not thank you enough for sending me a copy of Nancy's book. I was on the train when I started reading and began to cry. It brought back so many amazing memories of Nancy, memories that will never be lost. Even though it is a huge loss I am so happy to have known her, I am lucky. I think everyone that Nancy touched feels the same way.I hope that you and your family are doing well. Even though I don't know you I think of you.Thank you for giving me Nancy!jenny... Collapse
Robby wrote on June 8, 2004
Hi Harvey,I have received my book and it is quite impressive!! Yesterday afternoon I sat in the sun and starting reading it slowly, page by page. As you know, you run the whole range of emotions when looking at the book. That feeling is also of course amplified by losses in my family, and the difficulties that keep presenting themselves in many different facets.I think it is so great that you and your family have taken this project to publication, and what an amazing feeling to know your daughter made such a positive impact! Although that doesn't always help with the pain, it is important and I hope you and the family are doing well and continuing with Nancy's positive ways.Hopefully our paths will cross again soon,Robby
Hi Harvey,I have received my book and it is quite impressive!! Yesterday afternoon I sat in the sun and starting reading it slowly, page by page. As you know, you run the whole range of emotions when looking at the book. That feeling is also of course amplified by losses in my family, and the difficulties that keep presenting themselves in many different facets.I think it is so great that you and your family have taken this project to publication, and what an amazing feeling to know your daughter made such a positive impact! Although that doesn't always help with the pain, it is important and I hope you and the family are doing well and continuing with Nancy's positive ways.Hopefully our paths will cross again soon,Robby... Collapse
Jeremy wrote on June 8, 2004
Hi Hanie,I received my copy of the book on Friday and I love it!!! I know that Rodney Millspaugh also received his. Robby, Michelle and Jessica are all out of town, so I'm not sure if they got theirs.It's a beautiful work, thank you for creating it. I know it was a difficult thing for you and Suri to do, it will be cherished.I'm nearly done reading it. I am certainly enjoying the letters, they bring back so many memories!Thank you again for compiling it and including me in it.JeremyPS Any thoughts on a trip to Colorado?
Hi Hanie,I received my copy of the book on Friday and I love it!!! I know that Rodney Millspaugh also received his. Robby, Michelle and Jessica are all out of town, so I'm not sure if they got theirs.It's a beautiful work, thank you for creating it. I know it was a difficult thing for you and Suri to do, it will be cherished.I'm nearly done reading it. I am certainly enjoying the letters, they bring back so many memories!Thank you again for compiling it and including me in it.JeremyPS Any thoughts on a trip to Colorado?... Collapse
Eva Roth from Brooklyn wrote on June 7, 2004
Dear Hanie and Suri,This amazing book confirms the extremely high opinion I have always had of the two of you. Nancy is an extension of her parents. Her compassion, her drive, her excitement with life and her love of life are all qualities intrinsic to both of you. Iíve never met a more giving and loveable family. What you put into her did not go lost. It all continues by the ripple effect. She affected her friends and family and now all of us who read this book are influenced by her and the effect goes on. (I have passed on the book to others and they are just as blown away with it as am.)Most of all, I canít help but be inspired by the steps you have taken in sending Nancy ëzechusimí in every possible form by way of Torah and gemilus chasadim. May all your efforts reap... Read more
Dear Hanie and Suri,This amazing book confirms the extremely high opinion I have always had of the two of you. Nancy is an extension of her parents. Her compassion, her drive, her excitement with life and her love of life are all qualities intrinsic to both of you. Iíve never met a more giving and loveable family. What you put into her did not go lost. It all continues by the ripple effect. She affected her friends and family and now all of us who read this book are influenced by her and the effect goes on. (I have passed on the book to others and they are just as blown away with it as am.)Most of all, I canít help but be inspired by the steps you have taken in sending Nancy ëzechusimí in every possible form by way of Torah and gemilus chasadim. May all your efforts reap great rewards.Love,Eva P.S. The section on Torah Perspectives is such an inspirational read. (I especially liked the essays by Avi.) Dovid is still reading.... Collapse