Rina Eliashar and her children

Rina Eliashar with her children in 2008. Back: Dan Hurwitz. Front left to right: Tamar Hurwitz, Rina Eliashar, Sharón Eliashar and Doreen Gelfand.

The Gelfand and Eliashar families have a relationship that dates back 40 years. In the following paragraphs, Rina Eliashar’s children, Dan, Tamar, Sharón and Doreen, look back on their mother’s friendship with Judy and how the two women not so subtly united their two families.

Judy Gelfand and our mother, Rina Eliashar, had a special friendship. They weren’t just friends, they were in-laws. It started in 1974. Liz Gelfand was having a swim party, and Judy suggested inviting “that nice Hurwitz girl” because Judy had a nice son, Todd. Judy called Rina and our mother sprang into action. Thirty minutes later, Doreen arrived at the Gelfand front door with swimsuit in hand. Judy and Rina exchanged promising glances, and 40 years later, Doreen and Todd Gelfand celebrated the arrival of their first grandchild.

Rina Eliashar and her children, 1972 photo

Rina Eliashar with her children circa 1972. Back: Rina Eliashar. Front left to right: Dan Hurwitz, Sharón Eliashar, Tamar Hurwitz and Doreen Gelfand.

We adore our mother. She has a big heart and deep compassion for those less fortunate. She has been generous and charitable her entire life — a trait she learned from her parents and continues to instill in her children and grandchildren. In early May, we received an email from her: “Kids, Mother’s Day is coming and I’m seeing all the commercials on television. Do NOT send me flowers or gifts. Instead, please make a donation to charity. Give to The Judy Fund.” And of course, that’s what we did. In doing so, we were able to honor two mothers.

When Rina and Judy stood at the back of Temple Isaiah in 1981, as their two children were ready to walk down the aisle, they looked at the flowers, they looked at the guests, and their promising glances from years earlier turned into deeply satisfied smiles. They knew they had each other to thank for the wonderful family they had created together. We are so delighted to be able to honor “our mothers” Rina Eliashar and Judy Gelfand every time we support The Judy Fund.

 

Thank You Judy Fund Donors!

Thank you for your generous support in the fight against this devastating disease. Because of family members and friends like you, you help us strengthen our efforts to advance Alzheimer’s research, care and support.