July 1977 Liz left to right. Rachel, Ori/Josh, David
Steve Ornstein – Israel: We Shared 48 Valentines Day Together
This was the day we got married in Monroe N.Y. It was just the two of us besides our dear friends we lived with at Ananda Ashram.
It will be two years in June that my dear Liz (Elisheva) has passed. Even at her weakest as the life force was waning from her body we hugged, laughed and would share how deeply grateful she was to see some of the grandchildren almost every day. When the grandkids entered our home, they would immediately run to give Liz a long big hug as she told them all how special they all were in their own way.
Often, they would share their thoughts, experiences with her as if they recognized her enlightened state of being. I do not exaggerate her awareness and insights. It wasn’t surprising over the years together to see many of our friends and teachers want to indulge in conversation with her.
I was thinking of the amazing adventures we lived through together. Our travels across the U.S. in search of the “enlightened” Spiritual teachers of the day. We sought out those that inspired and were willing to share their “tools” and “methods” to help realize the BEST of ourselves.
Before we returned to Israel in 2005 we lived in Saugerties, N.Y. Just a few miles from Woodstock where many of our friends resided. It was there that we found the Woodstock Jewish Congregation where we spent much time actively participating in the regular activities and on the board of directors. Our commitment to WJC was deep and sincere.
Liz loved to garden and improve the land we lived on in Saugerties. She planted with my help 100 Birch Trees indigenous to the area as a legacy for any future owner.
We finally decided to return to Israel after being asked if and when we will return to Israel from our daughter who went through a terrorist attack while in Sinai, Egypt with friends. It was a miracle she survived although some of her friends (s) weren’t so blessed.
In our present home, I placed photos of Liz and the children during various moments over the years. As I pass them by daily, I stop and look at the photos with so much love and thoughts too many to share at this moment.
Liz was generally quiet by nature and somewhat of an introvert. However, when presented with topics that she felt important she became the “teacher”, “advisor” and “mentor” to many.
