Rabbi Moshe Stahler, Of Blessed Memory

Odds are you never heard of Rabbi Moshe Stahler. He was principal of my elementary school, the Hebrew Academy of West Queens. It was not a big school, or a particularly important one. But Rabbi Stahler gave his life to that school and its students. He was an unassuming, friendly and kind man who believed in the importance of a good Jewish education (including a good secular education) for all. He founded HAWQ, and served as its principal for something like 30 years. Through endless financial crises, and through a heart attack no doubt brought on by the stresses of the job.

He took a special interest in me and my brother, urging us along to continue our educations in yeshiva high schools, helping us to be the best students and the best Jews we could be. And I know that he took special pride in the people we grew up to be.

Rabbi Stahler retired to Israel some years ago, and finally could relax a little. Sadly, he developed pancreatic cancer last year. He left this world today. He is survived by a wife who was as devoted to the kids as he was, three children, many grandchildren, and a fair number of former students whose lives were changed by his kindness, his devotion, his love. The world is a sadder place today, but his legacy lives on in those of us whose lives he touched.