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104 entries.
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Morgenstern,I had heard that Nancy was a special person and an avid cyclist but I was overwhelmed by what I have read. I am envious (sorry, there's no other word) that she had so many strong relationships with so many diverse people. The testimonials are some of the most profound and touching reminiscences I have ever read. After reading them I am determined to be a better father, husband, friend and Jew.One obsession that Nancy and I now have in common is cycling. I started riding seriously about two years ago and because I work near Central Park (at 57th and Broadway), I'm fortunate to ride about 100 miles a week there. I have worked hard at it, really immersing myself in the training, the gear, the culture; aspects of cycling only dedicated cyclists can appreciate. Moreover, being a frum man I can appreciate how extraordinarily... Read more
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Morgenstern,I had heard that Nancy was a special person and an avid cyclist but I was overwhelmed by what I have read. I am envious (sorry, there's no other word) that she had so many strong relationships with so many diverse people. The testimonials are some of the most profound and touching reminiscences I have ever read. After reading them I am determined to be a better father, husband, friend and Jew.One obsession that Nancy and I now have in common is cycling. I started riding seriously about two years ago and because I work near Central Park (at 57th and Broadway), I'm fortunate to ride about 100 miles a week there. I have worked hard at it, really immersing myself in the training, the gear, the culture; aspects of cycling only dedicated cyclists can appreciate. Moreover, being a frum man I can appreciate how extraordinarily difficult it must have been for Nancy to stay true to her beliefs. There are so many great cycling vacations that begin and end on Shabbos where kosher food is out of the realm of possibility; it must have been unbelievably frustrating. I live in Brooklyn, go to shul three times a day and yet I am tempted. I am amazed at how dedicated she was to frumkeit while continuing to racing and travel.I have read about some of the projects the Nancy Morgenstern Memorial Fund has begun in Eretz Yisroel; if you ever decide to initiate something locally I'd be happy to actively participate.I am sure the many people who read this book will be inspired to do great things; I believe this will be a tremendous zchus for Nancy and your entire family.... Collapse
Dear Hanie & Suri;Ellen & I were very touched by your thinking of us and personally delivering the unbelievable book you have written about Nancy AH.Although we had met Nancy AH several times over the past 18 summers we certainly did not know her or who she was. Your book portrayed her as someone who was mekadesh shem shomayim in the way she lived her life. Although we all know it subconsciously certainly speaking for myself we very often lose sight of our primary objective is as frum jews. And that is that we are to be mekadesh shem shomayim in every facet of our lives. Nancy is portrayed in the book as someone who understood this as the purpose of being a jew and clearly accomplished this goal in her short lifetime. To me this is an eye opener to realize how important our behavior in the business world... Read more
Dear Hanie & Suri;Ellen & I were very touched by your thinking of us and personally delivering the unbelievable book you have written about Nancy AH.Although we had met Nancy AH several times over the past 18 summers we certainly did not know her or who she was. Your book portrayed her as someone who was mekadesh shem shomayim in the way she lived her life. Although we all know it subconsciously certainly speaking for myself we very often lose sight of our primary objective is as frum jews. And that is that we are to be mekadesh shem shomayim in every facet of our lives. Nancy is portrayed in the book as someone who understood this as the purpose of being a jew and clearly accomplished this goal in her short lifetime. To me this is an eye opener to realize how important our behavior in the business world is and to keep the focus on our real job "being mekadesh shem shomayim in all we do".I only hope that this book can impart this lesson to everyone who reads it and thereby be a z'chus for Nancy A"H.May you only have simchas and nachas from your beautiful family bla"h and may we only share simchas henceforth.Ellen & Moish Lieber"... Collapse
Dear Harvey and Suri,There is a saying, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. ... so it is not surprising that your marvelous Nancy was warm empathetic courageous and charming.I am delighted that you wrote the book and allowed us to know her. Reading through tears is a challenge; I am sure that writing through tears is an even greater one. Nancy was a beautiful person who left her mark on the world and will never be forgotten.Thank youJoan Bloch"
Dear Harvey and Suri,There is a saying, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. ... so it is not surprising that your marvelous Nancy was warm empathetic courageous and charming.I am delighted that you wrote the book and allowed us to know her. Reading through tears is a challenge; I am sure that writing through tears is an even greater one. Nancy was a beautiful person who left her mark on the world and will never be forgotten.Thank youJoan Bloch"... Collapse
I just received your beautiful tribute in book form to Nancy. I knew her exclusively as a fellow rider in CRCA, one with whom I occasionally rode to Nyack, and with whom I could chat after a summer ride relaxing in Central Park near the Boathouse. It was in these moments that I got to know her humor, smarts and true goodnaturedness. I went on a memorial ride for Nancy that Tara Parsons organized two years ago. At the beginning Tara gave us little photos of Nancy. I put mine in my cycling wallet where it stayed for two racing seasons. I was in the north of Italy this past October in Como. Not far away up in the hills between Lakes Como and Lecco is a shrine to bicycle racing called the Madonna di Ghisallo. It is a small chapel whose walls are covered with bicycles jerseys medals and... Read more
I just received your beautiful tribute in book form to Nancy. I knew her exclusively as a fellow rider in CRCA, one with whom I occasionally rode to Nyack, and with whom I could chat after a summer ride relaxing in Central Park near the Boathouse. It was in these moments that I got to know her humor, smarts and true goodnaturedness. I went on a memorial ride for Nancy that Tara Parsons organized two years ago. At the beginning Tara gave us little photos of Nancy. I put mine in my cycling wallet where it stayed for two racing seasons. I was in the north of Italy this past October in Como. Not far away up in the hills between Lakes Como and Lecco is a shrine to bicycle racing called the Madonna di Ghisallo. It is a small chapel whose walls are covered with bicycles jerseys medals and photographs of all the great riders in the history of Italy. Knowing Nancy would have approved I left my copy of her photograph there close to Fausto Coppi's bike (the greatest champion of Italian cycling).Thanks again for your generous gift.RegardsRob Gray"... Collapse
Dear Hanie and Suri,We received your touching book this past erev shabbos. Leah and I both read it over Shabbos and shared some of the incredible letters about Nancy with our children. Nancy's goodness as a daughter, friend and jew is a powerful legacy and strong lesson to all of us. Our prayer is that your memories of Nancy should only be happy ones with the knowledge that your special daughter lived her life with grace, class and above all Emunah.Fondly,Gabe and Leah Schwab and Family
Dear Hanie and Suri,We received your touching book this past erev shabbos. Leah and I both read it over Shabbos and shared some of the incredible letters about Nancy with our children. Nancy's goodness as a daughter, friend and jew is a powerful legacy and strong lesson to all of us. Our prayer is that your memories of Nancy should only be happy ones with the knowledge that your special daughter lived her life with grace, class and above all Emunah.Fondly,Gabe and Leah Schwab and Family... Collapse
Most of the stories I had already heard from my sister, Mindy. But they are fascinating to read and reread. The book is a magnificent memorial to Nancy's active, involved, happy life. She was truly one of a kind. On our refrigerator we have a picture of Suri and Mindy standing with Pataki at a memorial service. And now Tzivi will walk down Mindy's aisle! I truly hope that with all the fund-raising you are able to create some good and help others.May GD be with you.Fruma Cohen (Mindy Elfenbein's sister)
Most of the stories I had already heard from my sister, Mindy. But they are fascinating to read and reread. The book is a magnificent memorial to Nancy's active, involved, happy life. She was truly one of a kind. On our refrigerator we have a picture of Suri and Mindy standing with Pataki at a memorial service. And now Tzivi will walk down Mindy's aisle! I truly hope that with all the fund-raising you are able to create some good and help others.May GD be with you.Fruma Cohen (Mindy Elfenbein's sister)... Collapse
Dear Hanie and Suri,I recieved your book about Nancy this afternoon. I never met Nancy, but I raced bicycles with a number of her teammates, and know many of the contributors to the book. Her story is so inspiring, and it's clear that you are so proud of Nancy, as you should be. I wanted to share a recent story with you that put a smile on my face, and I hope you enjoy it. I was invited to the barmitzvah of my neighbor last week. I found this a bit odd because he had just turned 83. It was my first time in a synogogue and I found the service quite moving. I'm sure you know the reason why an old man can have a barmitzvah, but for those who are not Jewish, apparantly one is entitled to a second barmitzvah 70 years after the first. What a wonderful... Read more
Dear Hanie and Suri,I recieved your book about Nancy this afternoon. I never met Nancy, but I raced bicycles with a number of her teammates, and know many of the contributors to the book. Her story is so inspiring, and it's clear that you are so proud of Nancy, as you should be. I wanted to share a recent story with you that put a smile on my face, and I hope you enjoy it. I was invited to the barmitzvah of my neighbor last week. I found this a bit odd because he had just turned 83. It was my first time in a synogogue and I found the service quite moving. I'm sure you know the reason why an old man can have a barmitzvah, but for those who are not Jewish, apparantly one is entitled to a second barmitzvah 70 years after the first. What a wonderful idea and a fantastic celebration of both ends of life. Harold, my 83-year-old neighbor, is also an avid biker and a true inspiration for me. Thank you so much for sharing the book with me. Dawn Richardson... Collapse
Dear Suri and Hanie,I just finished reading your beautiful tribute to Nancy. Up until now, I felt terrible for you for your loss but I didn't relate personally because I had never met Nancy. Now I feel that I know a little bit what Nancy was and oh, what a loss it is! Nancy seems to have perfected Hevay mekabel es kol ha adom beseiver panim yofos (Greet every person with a cheerful face).Suri you told me you were aware that you couldn't give me a gift and I shouldn't consider the book a gift. How wrong you were! I believe that I will be a better person for having read it."
Dear Suri and Hanie,I just finished reading your beautiful tribute to Nancy. Up until now, I felt terrible for you for your loss but I didn't relate personally because I had never met Nancy. Now I feel that I know a little bit what Nancy was and oh, what a loss it is! Nancy seems to have perfected Hevay mekabel es kol ha adom beseiver panim yofos (Greet every person with a cheerful face).Suri you told me you were aware that you couldn't give me a gift and I shouldn't consider the book a gift. How wrong you were! I believe that I will be a better person for having read it."... Collapse
Last night I sat down to read Suri's and your book about Nancy and I felt transported to a life and world about which I knew almost nothing. I found the testimonials so honest, warm and eyewetting that I couldn't put the book down until I reached the glossary. The life that Nancy lived, her ideals and enthusiasm made such a strong impression on me that I found myself reevaluating my own life.Reading about Nancy's life taught me that Judaism should be lived and experienced in a much broader and universalistic manner. We gain acceptance outside our own little world not by hiding or compromising who we are and what we do, but by being true to our ideals and by treating others, whoever they are, with warmth, dignity, respect and friendship. We were, after all, scattered about the world to be a light unto the nations. What better way... Read more
Last night I sat down to read Suri's and your book about Nancy and I felt transported to a life and world about which I knew almost nothing. I found the testimonials so honest, warm and eyewetting that I couldn't put the book down until I reached the glossary. The life that Nancy lived, her ideals and enthusiasm made such a strong impression on me that I found myself reevaluating my own life.Reading about Nancy's life taught me that Judaism should be lived and experienced in a much broader and universalistic manner. We gain acceptance outside our own little world not by hiding or compromising who we are and what we do, but by being true to our ideals and by treating others, whoever they are, with warmth, dignity, respect and friendship. We were, after all, scattered about the world to be a light unto the nations. What better way to accomplish this than by emulating Nancy's warmth, strength, determination and character.Nancy's life also taught me about the need to be passionate about something that is dear to our heart. Nancy gave her all to everything she did but she was passionate about her bicycling and with her passion she touched and enhanced the lives of everyone she met.Thank you for compiling and editing the book, for giving me a copy, and for bringing into this world and raising such a fine human being and Jew. May Nancy's memory always be a blessing.... Collapse
Dear Suri and Hanie,I just finished reading your beautiful tribute to Nancy. Up until now, I felt terrible for you for your loss but I didn't relate personally because I had never met Nancy. Now I feel that I know a little bit what Nancy was and oh, what a loss it is! Nancy seems to have perfected Hevay mekabel es kol ha adom beseiver panim yofos.Suri you told me you were aware that you couldn't give me a gift and I shouldn't consider the book a gift. How wrong you were! I believe that I will be a better person for having read it.Hinde Jacobson "
Dear Suri and Hanie,I just finished reading your beautiful tribute to Nancy. Up until now, I felt terrible for you for your loss but I didn't relate personally because I had never met Nancy. Now I feel that I know a little bit what Nancy was and oh, what a loss it is! Nancy seems to have perfected Hevay mekabel es kol ha adom beseiver panim yofos.Suri you told me you were aware that you couldn't give me a gift and I shouldn't consider the book a gift. How wrong you were! I believe that I will be a better person for having read it.Hinde Jacobson "... Collapse
I was just given this website information by Sheva Smigel and am so impressed and touched by it. We all know how special Nancy was and we all loved her dearly. I feel fortunate to have pictures of her in my wedding album with her walking down the aisle. I cherish my memories of her, as well as the many times that I spent Shabbosim in your house. I frequently think about Nancy and am so happy that you established this site as well as memorial fund for her. I wish you and your family only the best.Fondly, Andrea Reichel
I was just given this website information by Sheva Smigel and am so impressed and touched by it. We all know how special Nancy was and we all loved her dearly. I feel fortunate to have pictures of her in my wedding album with her walking down the aisle. I cherish my memories of her, as well as the many times that I spent Shabbosim in your house. I frequently think about Nancy and am so happy that you established this site as well as memorial fund for her. I wish you and your family only the best.Fondly, Andrea Reichel... Collapse
I skimmed a few testimonials last night, until my wife took the book away and started reading it herself. I got it back this morning and read your intro and Suri's letter on the train ride in. Suri's letter made me cry. I think Suri had a wonderful relationship with Nancy. Her letter encourages me to work on my relationship with my own kids while I still have the chance.All the best.
I skimmed a few testimonials last night, until my wife took the book away and started reading it herself. I got it back this morning and read your intro and Suri's letter on the train ride in. Suri's letter made me cry. I think Suri had a wonderful relationship with Nancy. Her letter encourages me to work on my relationship with my own kids while I still have the chance.All the best.... Collapse
Growing up with Nancy as her big cousin I regretably never really got to know and appreciate her as an adult. Our lives took such different paths, me married with children and she living in the city and traveling, cycling, racing. I really had no idea about all her accomplishments and her wide range of friends and travels, yet in my heart I felt we were always close because we were after all first cousins. I never imagined that I would never get to see her get married and have children and essentially become like..well..like me. I used to look forward to family simchot knowing that all of us would be together to catch up on events in our lives, even for a brief moment since there were BH so many of us to catch up with. I still look forward to the simchot but we all feel the unmistakable... Read more
Growing up with Nancy as her big cousin I regretably never really got to know and appreciate her as an adult. Our lives took such different paths, me married with children and she living in the city and traveling, cycling, racing. I really had no idea about all her accomplishments and her wide range of friends and travels, yet in my heart I felt we were always close because we were after all first cousins. I never imagined that I would never get to see her get married and have children and essentially become like..well..like me. I used to look forward to family simchot knowing that all of us would be together to catch up on events in our lives, even for a brief moment since there were BH so many of us to catch up with. I still look forward to the simchot but we all feel the unmistakable void. Instead of talking with Nancy we talk about her hoping we don't ruin" the simcha for each other by crying. There's also the sense of guilt. How can we celebrate when such a wonderful person is gone. But then we remember that Nancy would not want us to be sad but instead enjoy life to the fullest just as she always did no matter what. If I could say just one more thing to Nancy it would be that I'm sorry we weren't closer in the past few years. I didn't even know that she worked downtown let alone a few short blocks from where I worked. We should have met for lunch we should have met to shop...anything. I regret that I took for granted that she would always be there. I try to look for a reason for everything that happens in life. Although it's been 2 1/2 years I still have not figured out a reason but I will try to learn from Nancy to appreciate every day and enjoy life to the fullest just as she did. My dearest Suri and Hanie I want to thank you for setting up this website and writing this book. We all love and miss her. "... Collapse
I have just read the letters from people whose lives were effected by the donation of an ambulance being donated in Nancy's memory. It brought tears to my eyes to see how lives are being saved and enriched by this donation. I can't help but think how Nancy is somehow looking down and in a way protecting these people and smiling her beautiful smile knowing that this is making a difference.
I have just read the letters from people whose lives were effected by the donation of an ambulance being donated in Nancy's memory. It brought tears to my eyes to see how lives are being saved and enriched by this donation. I can't help but think how Nancy is somehow looking down and in a way protecting these people and smiling her beautiful smile knowing that this is making a difference.... Collapse